Is the Holy Spirit Calling You to Attend this Dynamic Conference?

Sr. Dede Bryne will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming in-person Dynamic Women of Faith Conference to be held on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Old Mill Toronto Event Venue, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto. Old Mill Toronto is a beautiful venue that is rustic and ideal for a conference like this.

If you’re a mom struggling to decide whether or not to go to this dynamic conference, there are so many excellent reasons to attend. As a previous DWOF attendee myself, I can tell you that you will not be disappointed. It is a life-changing event, and you will come home feeling more energized in your faith and as a Catholic woman because:

  1. There will be dynamic and inspiring speakers and an excellent keynote speaker that will help you to nourish your Catholic faith.

Sr. Dede is an incredibly gifted speaker and an inspiring example of serving others. In a previous televised convention, she stated: “As a physician, I can say without hesitation: Life begins at conception. While what I have to say may be difficult for some to hear, I am saying it because I am not just pro-life, I am pro-eternal life. I want all of us to end up in heaven together someday.” 

She may not be as well-known as some of the previous keynote speakers of the Dynamic Women of Faith Conferences, she is nonetheless one of the most interesting and inspiring. Sister Deirdre “Dede” Mary Byrne has spent her life serving others in many different capacities. She served as a colonel (retired) in the U.S. Army Medical Corps; a missionary surgeon in the operating rooms of underdeveloped countries, and has been a professed sister of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary for over twenty years. Sister Dede lives each role with skill, humility, and compassion.

Her presentation for this conference is entitled, “The Heroes of My Life Lead Me to Our Lady.” Our Lady is the model and example for all physical and spiritual mothers.

Other inspiring speakers for this year’s conference include the Most Reverend Robert Kasun, CSB, who will be presiding over the Mass, (his homily is on the “Solemnity of the Annunciation,”) Dr. Josephine Lombardi, who will be speaking on “Healing and Forgiveness,” Diana Filipiak, Kasia Ryba, Sandra Wojcik will be presenting a talk entitled, “Journeying with Mother Mary,” and Dorothy Pilarski will be speaking on “Why Minister to Moms: How to Start a Catholic Moms Group.”

  • Dynamic speakers are only one aspect of this conference that will strengthen your faith. Since it takes place during Lent, attending this conference will help to invigorate your Lenten journey. There will be a Mass, and Confession will be available.

You’ll meet other Catholic Christian women and mothers who will enrich your lives and can develop into long-lasting friendships. These intimate conversations with our fellow sisters in Christ can also be life-changing.

Since the conference takes place during Lent, it’s the ideal way to invigorate your Lenten journey and take it up a notch by attending Mass and Confession.

  • Catholic vendors will be available for you to gather information and shop for religious items.

If you’re anything like me, you love shopping at authentically Catholic bookstores and shops. At this conference, it’s like having a mall of Catholic stores, ministries, and information.

  • It’s such a dynamic conference that many of the women who come to this conference have attended previous conferences and will attend future ones.

As I said, you will not be disappointed! Attendee Susan says this conference, “has been pivotal for giving me the courage to live an authentic Catholic faith. It taught me basic foundations and helped me make good choices as a woman and mother. This conference is a life-changer and has been an absolute must in my life for almost a decade. It has strengthened me to forgive and love others better and has helped me grow to be happier with inner joy and peace. Thank you to all the amazing organizers/speakers and contributors.”

Another frequent attendee, Judith, says, “What an inspiring, fun, uplifting day – food for the soul. It speaks directly to a woman’s heart. From year-to-year, you continue to surprise and delight! Thank you so much to so many!”

So…is the Holy Spirit calling you to attend this conference?  If so, what are you waiting for?  Click below to register. You still have a few days to get the early bird price.

For more information on this “Dynamic” Conference, click on this link:  https://dynamicwomenfaith.com/

An Open Book – March 2023 #openbook

I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and/or working on this past month.

Shooting at Heaven’s Gate by Kaye Park Hinckley

Amazon Synopsis: When Malcolm J. Hawkins, the Head of Psychology at Bethel University in Alabama, feels his position and his credibility threatened by up-and-coming English professor Ginnie Gillan, he decides to use her husband Edmund’s gullibility against her. Feeding Edmund a steady diet of drugs and manipulation, Mal lights the fuse of the greatest tragedy Bethel has ever known.

Eighteen-year-old Alma Broussard, her quirky mother Moline, and her feisty Aunt Pauline run a chicken farm in Bethel. Their lives seem wholly separate from the feuds of academia—but dark secrets lurk in Moline’s past that will bring the people she loves straight into the path of a murderous madman.

In the wake of death and destruction, the town that used to be called Heaven’s Gate will find no easy answers, but there may still be hope for redemption. Shooting at Heaven’s Gate is a Theology of the Cross novel in which genuine goodness, bona fide evil, and suffering truly live side by side.

My review: This is one of the best books I’ve read in the past few years. Well-drawn characters, a compelling story, and rich, beautiful writing make this an outstanding book. Highly recommend!

Pope Benedict XVI Servant of Love,

published by Ignatius Press

Amazon Synopsis: Through stunning photographs, glorious art, insightful commentary, and his own inspiring words, this beautiful deluxe commemorative book celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. Lavishly illustrated. Special Commemorative Edition.

Part 1: Benedict XVI, the Man
An intimate portrait of Joseph Ratzinger in word and image from his youth through his reign as Pope Benedict XVI

Part 2: Benedict XVI’s Thought
His writings on Divine Revelation, Christ, the Church, Mary, the Eucharist, Charity, Faith and Reason, and more

Part 3: Praying with Benedict XVI
The Pope’s most inspiring spiritual meditations and prayers

My review: I was fortunate enough to get an advanced review copy. Pope Benedict XVI’s contribution to the Catholic faith and his service to the Church is joyfully celebrated in this book. Stunning photographs, beautiful artwork, and interesting commentary make this an extraordinary book. I learned so much about Pope Benedict XVI. Now that he has gone to his reward, this is an ideal keepsake for this extraordinary pope. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about and celebrate his life of service. See my full review here.

Pope Benedict XVI, servant of love, pray for us.

Self-Portrait (Fr. Tom #4) by Jim Sano

Synopsis: New from FQP! Thieves have struck again at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the site of the largest unsolved and infamous art heist in history. This time the priceless self-portrait of Rembrandt is stolen. Detective Brooks isn’t too happy to have Father Tom back poking his nose into another police case, but the surprising twist and turns and complex lives of the players involved make for an intriguing and emotional climax. Themes: self-awareness, forgiveness, marital love, personal growth.

Advanced review: Self Portrait is a story of self-forgiveness, self-discovery, self-reflection, and self-acceptance. This story leaves readers contemplating their own humanity and humility as we watch Sano’s characters reveal their deepest fears and their greatest loves in personal quests for goodness and truth. Self Portrait delivers in every respect. Mary Jo Thayer, award-winning author of Close to the Soul

The Way of Mercy, Pilgrimage in Catholic Poland by Stephen Binz

Synopsis: Deep suffering, when united with the merciful Jesus, produces great sanctity. This is the story of Catholic Poland over the centuries and the reason for its legacy of saints and churches. This pilgrimage guide is meant for those who wish to travel to Poland, those who want to remember their experiences there, and especially for those who want to imagine the beautiful, tragic, spiritual, and inspiring places of this land. Paging through this colorful and well-written book, designed to spotlight the holy people and sacred sites of Poland over the centuries, provides a transformative journey in the best tradition of religious pilgrimage. Read, gaze, reflect, pray, and contemplate the richness of Catholic Poland.

My review: This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to travel to Poland to experience “The Way of Mercy.” Highlight recommend!