Recharge at the Unleashing Love Women’s Conference

The “Unleashing Love” 2023 Diocesan Women’s Conference is quickly approaching and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. The day starts with continental breakfast and will include three presentations, boxed lunch, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Hour, Rosary, Mass with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, and the opportunity to develop relationships with other women from across our Diocese. 

There are many reasons to attend the Unleashing Love Conference, but most especially having a day focused on your faith and spiritual formation — what a great way to keep your Advent focused on preparing your heart on Jesus.  By the time Dec. 9 arrives, it will be perfect timing to recharge yourself and put Christ back in the Christmas season.

Three great keynote speakers are scheduled: 

Father Chris Alar, MIC, is the Provincial Superior of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He wrote and produced the popular “Divine Mercy 101” and “Explaining the Faith” DVD series and is the author of several bestselling books. He is host of the EWTN show “Living Divine Mercy.”  He serves as “Father Joseph, MIC,” the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers, and is the head of Marian Press, located on the grounds of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass.

Mary DeTurris Poust is a writer, retreat leader and spiritual director. Mary is the author of six books on Catholic spirituality. She has also written six books of seasonal Scripture reflections for Liturgical Press and is a regular contributor to the website Give Us This Day. Mary writes a monthly column, Life Lines, and hosts a podcast by the same name. She is the creator of Not Strictly Spiritual, a blog and website now in its 16th year. 

Anne Costa is the best-selling author of six books and a soul-stirring speaker who combines her wealth of personal experience and professional knowledge as a social worker with the firm foundation of the Catholic faith to tackle some of life’s toughest issues. Anne’s joy is infectious as she shares with others the love of Jesus, His Blessed Mother and the entire community of saints.

The goals of the day are intended to be the start of something great and foster opportunities for accompaniment. How can we better journey and support each other? Unleashing Love Women’s Conference will provide the opportunity to connect attendees with other faith-filled women and create connections in order to develop resources such as a women’s small, faith-sharing group at your parish or parish network. These connections may be the link needed to move your spiritual life from the back burner to a full boil!

More information about the diocesan women’s conference and a registration link can be found here: www.rcda.org/UnleashingLove

Tom Cronin is the Director of Evangelization & Strategic Planning in the Diocese of Albany.  Contact Tom with any questions about boosting evangelization efforts at your parish at [email protected] or by visiting www.rcda.org/evangelization. Follow me on Instagram: tom_rcda