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!
2024 Conference Theme
BELOVED
"We love, becasue he first loved us." - 1 John 4:19
Join us at the WBC24 Conference, a transformative weekend retreat open to all. Whether you're single, married, or part of a family, this event welcomes everyone seeking to explore faith, love, and purpose. This year's theme invites participants to deepen their spiritual journey, strengthen relationships, and discover their unique calling.
Our speakers will share insights on Scripture, relationships, and vocational discernment, offering wisdom and inspiration for all walks of life.
Conference Highlights
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Inspiring Talks: Engage with our keynote speakers on faith, love, and vocation.
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Vocational Discernment: Sessions for all ages and life stages.
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Youth and Young Adult Program: Tailored content for teens and young adults.
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Children's Activities: Age-appropriate lessons on faith and vocation.
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Sacramental Life: Daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and Reconciliation.
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Community-Building Activities: Connect with like-minded individuals and families.
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Family Consecration Ceremony: An opportunity for families to dedicate themselves to the Holy Family.
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WBC24 caters to individuals and families at all life stages, from those just beginning to discern their vocation to those already living out their call. Join us for a weekend of spiritual growth, practical wisdom, and joyful fellowship that will inspire you to embrace God's unique plan for your life.
Early bird registration is opening soon. Invest in your spiritual future at WBC24!
Featured Conference Speakers
Dr John Bergsma
Simon Carrington
Madeline Carrington
Fr Christian Irdi
PROGRAM:
Thursday 12 September | 5.00 - 10.00 pm | Vespers, Opening Mass, Dinner, Talks by Prof John Bergsma, Simon and Madeline Carrington | Adoration
Friday 13 September | 5.00 - 10.00 pm | Vespers, Mass, Panel Talks by Prof John Bergsma, Simon and Madeline Carrington | Adoration
Saturday 14 September | 7.30 am - 5.00 pm | Lauds, Mass, Talks by Prof John Bergsma, Simon and Madeline Carrington, Fr Christian Irdi, Adoration, and lots of prayers!
Venue
Find out more about The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and how to get there
Registration Open Now
2024 Registration Information
12 - 14 Sep
Adult Registration early bird $90 (before Aug 16) regular $120 (after Aug 16)
Teen Registration (12-18 yo) early bird $60 (before Aug 16) regular $90 (after Aug 16)
Child Registration (11 and under) free (registration required)
Priests, Deacons, Seminarians and Religious free
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Sessional registrations available after Aug 16
For FULL DETAILS please click on "2024 Schedule" link above
There will be no meals options this year - please bring you own if needed
2024 Speaking Team
Dr. John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A former Protestant pastor, Dr. Bergsma entered the Catholic Church in 2001 while getting his Ph.D. in Bible from the University of Notre Dame. A close collaborator of Dr. Scott Hahn, Bergsma speaks regularly on Catholic radio and at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally. He has authored over a dozen books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press), Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic (Our Sunday Visitor), and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament (with Brant Pitre; Ignatius Press). Dr. Bergsma’s talks and studies are available on CD and mp3 from catholicproductions.com. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.
Simon Carrington is the co-founder of Fire Up Ministries. He completed a Bachelor of Theology, minoring in Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame Australia and is the first Australian to be Certified with the Theology of the Body Institute in Pennsylvania, USA.
He has been speaking at parishes, schools, retreats and conferences all around Australia on the topics of chastity, dating and theology of the body for over ten years. He is the co-host of The Fire Up Podcast with his wife Madeleine. He lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife and three beautiful children.
Madeleine Carrington is the co-founder of Fire Up Ministries. Madeleine completed a Bachelor of Arts/Education degree, with a major in Theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia and worked as a High School teacher for 6 years teaching Religion and History.
Before that she served as a missionary in Philadelphia, USA speaking about the Pro-Life and Chastity message to High School students. Madeleine is the co-host of ‘The Fire Up Podcast’ with her husband, Simon, and she is a Strategist with The Woman School. Madeleine has spoken to thousands of people across America and Australia. She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and is a mother to three beautiful children.
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).
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