“Rekindle the Gift of God That Is Within You” is the theme as the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference returns to Kasich Hall at the Ohio Expo Center (state fairgrounds) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19.
Last year’s conference was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speakers will be Father Dave Pivonka, TOR; Sister Tracey Dugas of the Daughters of St. Paul; Lisa Brenninkmeyer, author of the Walking with Purpose women’s Bible study program; and Janelle Foligno, wife of former Columbus Blue Jackets player Nick Foligno.
Music will be provided by Tori Harris Gray, who aims to create environments of receptivity to the Holy Spirit through story and song. Host for the day will be Sister Ana Gonzalez, OP, a Dominican Sister of Peace and coordinator of international admissions for Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut.
The day will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, an opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, displays by faith-based organizations and breakfast and lunch from Panera.
The conference also will be livestreamed.
Registration is $45 for adults, $35 for students, $15 for the livestream and free to members of religious orders. Scholarships are available.
Father Pivonka has been president of Franciscan University of Steubenville since 2019 and is well-known for the Wild Goose series of videos designed to bring people into a new and deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. He was ordained a priest in 1996 and before becoming president of Franciscan served in several leadership positions there. He also was director of post-novitiate formation for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus province of the Franciscan order and most recently directed the province’s Franciscan Pathways evangelization outreach.
Sister Tracey tells her story as a Cajun nun from the deep South and how her vocation has brought her true joy. She is stationed in New Orleans, where she and the sisters operate the Pauline Books and Media Center, a place for faith and hope where people come to be close to Jesus in the Eucharistic chapel and through books, music and videos.
Brenninkmeyer was raised as an evangelical Protestant and entered the Catholic Church in 1991. She has developed curricula and led Bible studies in Europe, Mexico and the United States for women and children.
Foligno is the mother of three children, a philanthropist and a budding author. A former elementary school teacher, she has since enjoyed public speaking, especially to young women. Her story is one of faith through her health struggles and those of her children. Her loyalty to God has strengthened over the years and remains the center of her family’s values.
For more information, go to www.columbuscatholicwomen.com/.