Statewide conference to focus on spirituality

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
February 9, 2006

The four dioceses of Iowa will co-sponsor a conference for people in the state of Iowa on April 2 and 3 at the Gateway Conference Center in Ames.

The Community of Disciples in a Complex Time is the title of the statewide faith formation conference that is being co-sponsored by the four dioceses of Iowa, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque and Sioux City.

"This is a statewide faith formation conference," said Bev Hurni, director of the Office of Adult and Family Ministries for the Diocese of Sioux City.

The presenter of the conference will be Father Ronald Rolheiser, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He serves as president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. His weekly column appears in more than 50 newspapers worldwide. He is the author of six books on Christian living, including The Holy Longing, The Restless Heart and now Forgotten Among the Lillies. For more information visit www.ronrolheiser.com.

"If people are into spirituality books, his name is very well-known," said Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese. "He is going to be very interesting to listen to. For those who like to read and haven't been exposed to his books before, it will encourage them once they have heard him speak to do more with this."

The conference will begin on April 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. followed by a reception. It will continue on April 3 at 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. including morning coffee, breakfast and lunch. There will be time to pray, to ponder and to share.

"Anyone who is interested in the topic of adult spirituality - certainly pastors and parish leaders - is welcome to attend," said Hurni. "This is a workshop that would be of interest to the general public."

Exhibitors at the conference include publishers, book stores, plus the books and a book signing by Father Rolheiser.

"To not ignore the spiritual side of your faith life is important," said Anderson.

According to Hurni, she hopes that people gain the sense of "hope and reassurance that God is still with us in this complex time."

"Anytime there is an opportunity to come together with the broader faith community is a wonderful opportunity," said Anderson. "Sure there are things we try to offer within our diocese, but we are not talking large numbers. To be able to come together with a group of 500 other people from around the state, hear the same message and interact is enriching for your faith."

Cost of the conference, not including overnight accommodations, is $50 per person for the whole weekend and $20 for Sunday only. After March 17, add a late fee of $5 per person.

"Registrations are really coming in from the other dioceses and this is starting to fill up," said Anderson.

Hurni pointed out that the seating capacity is 500. There are currently over 300 people already registered, so people are encouraged to register this month for the conference.

Overnight accommodations may be made to stay at the Hotel at Gateway Center next to the conference center. Registrants may contact the hotel directly and indicate that they are attending the faith formation conference. Contact the hotel at (515) 292-8600, (800) FOR-AMES or www.thehotelgatewaycenter.com.

The hotel accommodations are separate from the conference registration, commented Hurni.

Registration can be sent to Adult and Family Ministries, Diocese of Sioux City, PO Box 3379, Sioux City, IA 51102. For more information, contact (712) 233-7530 or sandiw@scdiocese.org. The brochure for the conference is available on the diocesan Web site at www.scdiocese.org.