UNLEASHING LOVE

A reflection from this year’s women’s conference

Women queue up to receive communion from Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and others during the Unleashing Love Women’s Retreat on Dec. 9 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) (Courtesy photo of CINDY SCHULTZ)

I have to admit, I was not sure what to expect while attending the Unleashing Love Diocesan Women’s Conference. I am very grateful the Holy Spirit gave me the gentle push to attend. Father Matthew Frisoni addressing the Sacrament of Penance and telling us to not be afraid, that God is merciful and to turn away from sin was a fabulous way to start the day! 

Mary DeTurris Poust helped me to realize how society pushes Christmas far too soon. Advent is a time to prayerfully wait in darkness for the coming of our Lord. Anne Costa showed me that Jesus meets us where we are and how God made men and women to complement each other. God places you where you need to be, whether it’s a stay-at-home mom homeschooling her children or a CEO of a company. He will give you what you need to live out your vocation and bring Christ to others. 

Father Chris Alar, MIC, hit it out of the park! I never knew Our Lady of Guadalupe represents the pro-life movement and how we pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet to end abortion. He also stressed the importance of saving our souls through the Sacrament of Penance, which reinforces what Father Frisoni spoke about earlier in the day. Having the Holy Hour with worship music by the Sisters of Life was a wonderful way to process how the Holy Spirit spoke to me throughout the day. I’m looking forward to next year’s conference. 

Katie Grogan is a parishioner at St. Mary’s in Hudson.