Christ Our Life is a Catholic regional conference that has happened every two years since 2010 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, in late September.  The conference features internationally known Catholic speakers from around the world.  Past speakers have included Bishop Bob Barron of Word on Fire Catholic Ministies speaking on Catholic apologetics, Fr. Larry Richards of The Reason for Our Hope Foundation sharing his hard-hitting talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), and Immaculée Ilibagiza, survivor of the Rwandan genocide and best selling author of her story, Left to Tell!
 
This year the Christ Our Life Conference includes Fr. Donald Calloway, author of the new book Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father, "St. Joseph was the first missionary. Today, he desires again to bring Jesus to the nations. In order to defend marriage and the family, elevate morals, recover lost ground, and win souls for Jesus Christ, we need to bring St. Joseph onto the battlefield. He is the Terror of Demons!"; Sr. Miriam James, SOLT, with her message on how "all are worthy of the Father's authentic love"; and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and CEO of Mary's Meals who will tell about the great work the Lord's ministry is doing around the world.  Mary's Meals is supported quarterly by our parish through the Sacrificial Giving process facilitated by our Peace and Justice Commission.
 
The Christ Our Life regional conference draws thousands of people from all four Dioceses in Iowa and from the surrounding states, so if you go you will probably see someone that you know.  This year the conference is on September 26 & 27, 2020, and it includes an in-person possibility at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as a live streaming option for those who cannot attend in-person. To order tickets (in-person or live stream) for the Christ Our Life Conference or to find out more about the featured speakers please go to the conference website at:  https://www.christourlifeiowa.com.
 
You never know who you might run into at the Christ Our Life Conference.  When our family went in 2014 my son, Matthew, and I went to the backstage area to try to meet Cardinal Timothy Dolan.  It was not the first time that Matthew and Dolan had met.  We heard him speak at St. Ambrose University in 2007 when Matthew was a baby and Dolan was Archbishop of Milwaukee.  There was a picture of Matthew playing with Archbishop Dolan's pectoral cross published in The Catholic Messenger.  At the Christ Our Life Conference in 2014 Matthew gave Cardinal Dolan a signed copy of the photo and got Cardinal Dolan's signature on a copy of the original photo, and then we got an updated photo with the Cardinal.  Two days later my son received a card from Cardinal Dolan in honor of the Feast of St. Matthew.  Matthew then received a Christmas card from Cardinal Dolan that year.  The two have been exchanging Christmas cards ever since.

So, get out there and be inspired at the Christ Our Life Conference by the speakers
who share their testimony and their Catholic Faith!
 
NOTE:  Due to concerns about safety during the COVID-19 pandemic,
if you are considering participating in the Christ Our Life Conference in Des Moines,
​ the Diocese of Davenport recommends using live stream rather than in-person attendance.
​​

​A baby picture of parishioner Matthew Teets with Cardinal Dolan,
​a former speaker at Christ Our Life Conference.

Gentlemen, You Are Invited!!!
 
The Fathers of St. Joseph meets on 2nd Wednesdays from 6:00-6:45am at St. Mary Church in Iowa City, and
​4th Saturdays immediately following the 7am Mass (approx. 7:30-8:15am) at St. Wenceslaus Church in Iowa City.  Each meeting begins with prayer in the church.
 
Links to the podcast of the talks and talking points and questions will be provided one week in advance of each meeting to all who sign-up.  You should try to listen to the podcast of the talk before coming to the meetings.  If you are unable to listen to the podcast, talking points will also be available at the meetings.
 
2nd Wednesdays at St. Mary's                       4th Saturdays at St. Wenceslaus
 
January 9th St. Mary's at 6-6:45am                January 26th St. Wenceslaus 7:30-8:15am
February 13th St. Mary's at 6-6:45am             February 23rd** St. Wenceslaus 7:30-9am
March 13th St. Mary's at 6-6:45am                 March 23rd St. Wenceslaus 7:30-8:15am
April 10th St. Mary's at 6-6:45am                    April 27th St. Wenceslaus 7:30-8:15am
May 8th St. Mary's at 6-6:45am                       May 25th St. Wenceslaus 7:30-8:15am
June 12th St. Mary's at 6-6:45am                    June 22nd St. Wenceslaus 7:30-8:15am

To find out more about The Fathers of St. Joseph and get access to previous audios check out the website at:
https://fathersofstjoseph.org

Please send your e-mail to dteets@icstmary.org to be added to the e-mail list for the podcast and talking points. 
Call Dan at (319) 337-4314, ext. 105 for more info.
All men are welcome, whether you are a father or not!

**The meeting on Saturday, February 23rd, at St. Wenceslaus Church is longer and will feature Devin Schadt, the founder of The Fathers of St. Joseph, as a guest speaker

Mothers of Young Children (MOYC)
​
A ministry group for Iowa City area Catholic moms with elementary age kids. It is MOYC’s goal to provide a network for its members and opportunities to participate in social, spiritual and volunteer activities through monthly meetings and activities for moms, children, couples and families. MOYC is a fantastic way to get involved with play groups; socialize with other moms and couples, and grow your faith.

Contact Jodi (jlieburn@gmal.com) for more information

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