ROYAL PALM BEACH | The 13th annual Catholic Women of Faith, Women of Action Conference, is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish, 100 Crestwood Blvd. S. in Royal Palm Beach.
With the theme of “Women in Media, Lights in the Darkness,” the day will offer a day of spirituality, enrichment and fellowship to women from throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach and beyond. The event will feature dynamic speakers, music, Eucharistic adoration, Mass with Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, rosary, a church and relic tour, ministry and vendor tables, and opportunities for the sacrament of penance. The bishop encourages all women to make the conference a part of their Lenten prayer experience.
The annual conference will begin with registration and continental breakfast at 8 a.m., and a welcome and introductions at 9 a.m. by Dorothy Harper, president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. The Mass is planned for 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch. Music will be led by the Called Music Ministry of St. Andrew Parish in Stuart and Vianny Ruiz. The conference is slated to end at 3 p.m.
The keynote speaker will be Alexis Walkenstein, an Emmy-winning journalist, filmmaker, producer and public relations professional who travels the world spreading the Gospel message. Her favorite topics include transforming the culture through media, focusing on pro-life issues, the Hollywood culture, media trends, women in business, the power of the Eucharist and the feminine genius in imitation of Mary.
Walkenstein worked for five years as director of communications and chief spokesperson for the Diocese of Palm Beach. She is passionate about using modern forms of communication to evangelize. Her contemporary heroes are St. John Paul II and Venerable Fulton J. Sheen.
Related to the day’s theme, there will be a panel discussion of local Catholic media influencers, including Jennifer Trefelner, diocesan director of communications and development; Aleen Stanton, Florida Catholic freelance writer; and TV and radio personality Carolyn Dean.
The registration cost is $35 before March 1 ($40 afterward); $20 for students and religious sisters. Cost includes breakfast and lunch. Anyone interested in being a sponsor or advertising in the program book is invited to respond by March 1. For registration and other inquiries, visit https://pbdccw.org/women-of-faith-registration-form.
