Get ready for the most exciting Conference to date! We have an amazing line-up of speakers as well as great music, Mass, and Adoration. More information and registration will be up this week!
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
The Why be Catholic Conference is an annual invitation to everyone who is interested in deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ - by learning more about Him and His Church, through the sacrifice of the Holy Mass, by spending time with Him in Adoration, and in communion with other members of the body of Christ.
We are all called to know God, to love Him and to serve him, so why not answer this call by registering for this year's Why Be Catholic Conference which will not only enrich your faith life but also equip you to spread the Good News that is Jesus Christ!
2025 Conference Theme
RENEWED!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Join us at the WBC25 Conference, a transformative three-day journey celebrating spiritual renewal through the sacraments. This event welcomes all Catholics seeking to deepen their faith and experience profound spiritual transformation during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Our theme "RENEWED" invites participants to rediscover the life-changing power of
Baptism, Confirmation, Healing and Reconciliation.
Our distinguished speakers will guide you through the theological foundations and practical applications of sacramental grace, offering wisdom for living as a new creation in Christ.
Conference Highlights
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Sacramental Focus: Experience the progressive journey through Baptism, Confirmation, and Reconciliation/Healing.
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Dynamic Speakers: Engage with renowned Catholic speakers on sacramental renewal and spiritual transformation.
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Rich Liturgical Life: Daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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Theological Depth: Explore the dogmatic foundations and practical applications of sacramental renewal.
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Personal Testimonies: Hear powerful stories of transformation through the sacraments.
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Community Prayer: Join in communal worship experiences that reinforce our baptismal identity.
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Closing Consecration: Participate in a special ceremony recommitting to living as a new creation in Christ!
WBC25 welcomes Catholics at all stages of their spiritual journey, from those rediscovering the power of their baptismal promises to those seeking deeper healing and reconciliation. Join us for three days of spiritual renewal, theological insight, and sacramental grace that will inspire you to embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ.
Early bird registration is now open. Invest in your spiritual renewal at WBC25!
Featured Conference Speakers
Dcn. Bob Rice
Fr. Mark Payton
Fr. Christian Irdi
Fr. Conor Steadman
Dcn. Aaron Peters
PROGRAM:
Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 5:00 - 10.00 pm | Vespers, Opening Mass, Keynote by Dcn. Bob Rice, Talk by Fr. Mark Payton, Adoration & Confession, Compline
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 5:00 - 10.00 pm | Vespers, Mass, Keynote by Dcn. Bob Rice, Talk by Dcn. Aaron Peters, Adoration & Confession, Compline
Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 7:30 am - 4.30 pm | Lauds, Mass, Keynotes by Dcn Bob Rice and Talks by Fr. Conor Stedman and Fr Christian Irdi, Q&A with Dcn Bob Rice, Final Consecration and lots more...
Venue
Find out more about The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and how to get there
Registration Open Now
2025 Registration Information
31 July - 2 August
Adult Registration early bird $90 (before July 7) regular $120 (after July 7)
Teen Registration (12-18 yo) early bird $60 (before July 7) regular $90 (after July 7)
** Child Registration (11 and under) free (registration required)
** A Very Special Youth Friday Night (30 and under) free (registration required)
Priests, Deacons, Seminarians and Religious free
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Sessional registrations available after July 7
For FULL DETAILS please click on "2025 Schedule" link above
There will be no meals options this year - please bring you own if needed
2025 Speaking Team
Bob Rice loves being Catholic. He is a husband, father of seven, permanent deacon for the diocese of Steubenville, and Professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has a PhD in Theology from Liverpool Hope University where he researched Catholic youth and evangelization. He has authored many books and articles, including the Discipleship Quad Guidebooks, and a novel about St. Peter titled, Between the Savior and the Sea. He is the co-host of a popular weekly podcast called They That Hope with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR. Bob has recorded numerous CDs, and his music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, and others. You can find out more about him
FR MARK PAYTON is a dynamic priest of the Archdiocese of Perth who inspires Catholics to deepen their relationship with Christ and embrace the richness of their faith. Ordained in 2011 after formation at the prestigious Pontifical North American College in Rome, Fr Mark holds a license in spiritual theology from the renowned Angelicum University, equipping him with profound insights into the spiritual life that he shares with authenticity and passion. Currently serving as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish Highgate, Fr Mark has dedicated himself to evangelization through vibrant liturgies, engaging homilies, and creating a welcoming community where Christ is encountered. His previous roles as Vice Rector at St. Charles' Seminary and his ministry in the parishes of Bateman and the Goldfield region have given him a wealth of pastoral wisdom that resonates with Catholics of all ages and backgrounds.
FR CONOR STEADMAN serves the Archdiocese of Perth as both a priest and canon lawyer, bringing nearly a decade of pastoral wisdom and specialized expertise to his ministry. After completing a dentistry degree at the University of Western Australia, Fr Conor answered God's call, undertaking seminary formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Ordained in 2015, Fr Conor's academic journey includes a degree in Moral Theology from the Angelicum (2016) and Canon Law from the Gregorian University (2023), with specialisation in Ecclesiastical Criminal Law. Between these studies, he served four years as Assistant Priest at St Mary's Cathedral, developing his gifts for preaching and pastoral care.
Fr Christian Irdi was appointed parish priest of Scarborough on 1 September 2021. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Perth on 2 August 2014, after having studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Fr Christian served as assistant priest at Willetton parish from 2015-2018. From 2018-2021, he completed postgraduate studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, and obtained the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology (Fundamental Theology).
DEACON AARON PETERS serves both as a permanent deacon at Sacred Heart Parish Highgate and Deputy Principal Years 7-9 at La Salle College. Ordained in 2006, he seamlessly integrates his diaconal ministry with his leadership in Catholic education.
Known for engaging preaching and youth ministry, Deacon Aaron excels at making faith accessible and relevant to young people. At La Salle College, he guides spiritual and academic formation, demonstrating how Catholic values can authentically permeate all aspects of life.
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