Participants reflect on impact of Indiana Catholic Women’s Conference

Joanna Kinker, left, of St. Nicholas Parish in Sunman, shares a lighthearted moment with daughters Beth Enneking, middle, of St. Louis Parish in Batesville, and Jona Dierckman, also of St. Nicholas Parish. The family members were awaiting the next speaker at the 13th annual Indiana Catholic Women’s Conference. (Photo by Victoria Arthur)

Compiled by Victoria Arthur and Natalie Hoefer

 
Christine Minic, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Columbus, Ohio—“I missed the local women’s Catholic conference, so the nearest one was Indiana. … Next year, I think I want to take my daughters to this one.”
 

Cheri Bush, St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis—“I think Father’s [Benjamin Luedtke] keynote speech was so affirming of who we are as women and who we are as Catholics.”
 

Mireya Calzudes, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Carmel, Ind. (Lafayette Diocese)—“This is my fourth conference. Since the very first one, I have loved it. I learn something every time I come. … Today is the beginning of St. Joseph’s novena—I learned about that at the conference last year.”
 

Children of Mary Sister Faustina Maria, Cincinnati, Ohio—“In the world today, people are so busy and there’s so much going on. One woman was sharing with me just how easy it is to become distracted and get caught up in our self-love and just thinking about pleasing ourselves, and even just getting caught up in worrying about things you think you need to worry about, but you really don’t. You have Jesus. Coming together like this reminds everyone that Jesus is here; don’t worry.”
 

Vicky Roosa, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Richmond—“We walked in here and the minute we got on site, we felt a sense of peace. …. It’s my favorite place to hang out—with Christians, with Jesus as the focus.”
 

Veronica Gaskill, Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Beech Grove—“Mother Mary Margaret was wonderful. It feels like she just brings you to the feet of Jesus when you listen to her. I want to go in front of the Blessed Sacrament and never leave.”
 

Mary Alice Fitzgerald, St. Mary Parish, Sullivan, Ind. (Evansville Diocese)—“[Father Luedtke] was awesome. I could have listened to him for hours. I’m scared of where our country is going, and it’s right that we need to stand up for our faith.” †

 

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