It was described as “elegant,” “Spirit-filled,” and “awesome.” One man said he’d learned more Scripture in two hours on that Saturday than he had in his entire life! Two Protestants who attended are now headed to the Catholic Church.
International Flavor
One said she cried tears of joy all the way home. The other, a resident of Missouri, came because she didn’t think Catholics studied Scripture and wanted to see for herself what this conference was about. She said she was flabbergasted and awestruck. To the delight of her husband, who took her to the event, she bought a Catholic Bible and has left her Protestant church and begun attending Mass with him.
What is the event that had such a soul-stirring effect on so many people? It was Catholic Scripture Study International’s first annual conference in April of this year. The fastest-growing Catholic Bible study in the world held the event at the Omni Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, bringing Catholics together from all over the world to enjoy fellowship with one another. Those in attendance represented 27 states and 5 countries. Here are the highlights.
John Morales, host of CE Today, was the Master of Ceremonies for the three-day event. Featured speakers included such noted Catholic authors as Dr. Scott Hahn, Steve Ray, Mark Shea, Carl Olson and Catholic apologist John Martignoni. Additionally there were fascinating breakout sessions led by members of the talented CSS staff on topics such as Bible resources, facilitating group discussions, understanding the Catechism, and how to start a CSS program in your local parish.
The conference began with Friday night’s social hour and silent auction followed by a formal dinner and live auction. Dr. Scott Hahn, the keynote speaker at dinner, gave a thought-provoking talk entitled “Letter and Spirit: The Living Word in the Liturgy.” After dinner, conference participants were introduced to the CSS staff members who were present, including the CSS European regional director, who traveled all the way from Norway to be present.
Food for Body and Spirit
In addition to the delicious food on Saturday night, conference participants were treated to an “Ask the Priest” session after dinner, when the floor was open for participants to pose questions of two popular priests, Father Patrick Winslow and Father Matthew Kauth. CSS participants have come to know and love these two dynamic priests as lecturers for the CSS studies. Many were very excited at the opportunity to finally meet them in person and express thanks for the vast insight they have brought to the CSS program. .
Everyone immensely enjoyed their friendly back-and-forth banter as well as their informative answers to questions. Fathers Kauth and Winslow showed not only their engaging personalities but their great knowledge of and deep reverence for our Catholic faith and Scripture
Awarding and Rewarding
Another highlight from Saturday evening was the surprise recognition awards presented by Gail Buckley to three CSS Study Leaders for outstanding service and commitment to CSS: Barbara Melanson of Maryland, Gary Goedde of Indiana, and Betty Thomm of Illinois. Gail was then herself surprised by an unexpected presentation of roses and a gift from the CSS team for her untiring dedication, service, and commitment to bringing about the very best Catholic Scripture study program available, one which is now enjoyed by people all over the world.
The final day of the conference was very eventful as well, beginning with a continental breakfast followed by Gail Buckley’s talk on her conversion and the CSS story and then Carl Olson’s dynamic talk on the errors of the book and movie The Da Vinci Code. The conference concluded with a beautiful Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte.
Don’t miss out next year! Mark your calendars now to attend. Plans are to hold next year’s conference in same place (Omni Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina) two weeks after Easter, April 20-22, 2007. The big challenge for next year’s conference will be topping this year's!
© Copyright 2006 Catholic Exchange
Shannon Breedlove lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband Tim and two small boys. She and her husband both converted to Catholicism in 1998. In her search for a quality Bible study in 2003, Shannon discovered Catholic Scripture Study International and soon became a member of the CSS volunteer team as a Regional Director. Earlier this year Shannon was appointed National Regional Director of CSS.
