East Coast Catholic

 Conference Set For Oct 28-29

By Kaaren Valenta

In 1996 the Rev Peter Towsley had an inspiration – an inspiration from the Lord, as he likes to describe it. There are many services focused on helping families in crisis, he realized, but few that focus solely on strengthening intact families

His idea, the East Coast Catholic Family Conference, drew 1,800 adults and children in its first year.

This year, the Fourth Annual East Coast Catholic Family Conference is expected to draw as many as 2,500 when it meets October 28 and 29 in Stamford.

“This conference is meant to minister to the intact family,” explained Father Towsley, now parochial vicar at St Rose Church. “We want to strengthen the family at the foundation, before there are any crises, so that families are better equipped to deal with problems that may arise.”

The two-day conference includes three separate programs for adults, teens, and children, in a mix of Mass, talks, music, reconciliation, and Catholic fellowship for the entire family. The theme of the adult conference is “The Eucharist, Promise of Paradise.” “The Wonder in the Bread” is the theme of the youth conference.

“This year the conference is changing dramatically because the speakers are nationally and internationally known, and because for the first time we have Vatican representation,” Father Towsley said. Cardinal Francis Arinz of Nigeria, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue, will participate both days and offer the Sunday morning Mass. There will be a video presentation by Cardinal Alfonso Lopezi Trujillo, archbishop emeritus of Medellin, Columbia, and the president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, and a presentation by Father Mark Lalonde, a representative of the Family Life Conference of the Vatican.  Also on the program are Jerome and Gwen Coniker, Bob Rice, Molly Scanlan Kelly, Martin Doman, Rosalind Moss, Ralph Martin, Jim Bechman, and Sr Gabriel Houmis, OSD.

“The names are some of the biggest in the area of marriage and family life,” Father Towsley said. “Their message is very relevant for people, whether or not they still have children at home. The Conikers, who have 13 children and their own radio show, call it a marriage survival kit for the third millennium.”

The children’s program is designed for ages three through 12, and is divided into small groups that will take part in a variety of age-appropriate activities including Bible stories, crafts, prayer, and Christian videos and music. The program will be staffed by couples and young adults who have donated their time so the parents can attend the adult conference.

“Altogether there are about 180 to 190 volunteers – about half of them working in the children’s program – who help to put this conference together,” Father Towsley said.

Approximately 175 teenagers attended the first conference; this year’s conference is expected to draw 800.

There will be a special appearance by the Christian music group, Celebrant Singers.

“People come from as far away as Texas and Hawaii to attend,” Father Towsley said. “The speakers are part of the attraction – so many of them under the same roof.”

“The weekend takes everyone away from the regular circus of life and encourages them to live the church’s teaching,” he added.

The conference is free but pre-registration is required. For more information, call 203/698-1095 or visit the Web site at www.saintjoe.com.