By Ruby Thomas, Record Staff Writer
More than 650 women — representing a variety of age groups and ethnicities — gathered at St. Patrick Church in Eastwood Nov. 7 for the first Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Women’s Conference.
The day’s keynote speaker used dramatic story-telling and music to urge the participants to live “a life centered on God and sharing faith with the world.” ValLimar Jansen, an internationally-known singer, composer and catechetical speaker, gave the address. She was one of several speakers at the conference — made possible in part by the Catholic Services Appeal — who spoke on the theme: “Setting Our Hearts on God.”
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, who made opening remarks and celebrated Mass for the participants, praised his listeners for their contributions to the church and for their “special proclivity to uncover and appreciate the gifts of others.”
“You are helping the archdiocese uncover the gift of women in the church and the community,” the archbishop said.
Jansen opened her presentation with a series of activities, which had the women on their feet dancing, hugging and sharing affirming words with each other. Like an actor on stage, Jansen brought stories from the Bible to life, starting with the creation story from Genesis.
“God created each of us in his own image, but sometimes we forget that by the way we treat one another,” she told the women.
Jansen also related the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, telling her listeners “we must trust God’s plan for our life.”
“Step out into the darkness knowing when your feet land that it will be on solid rock,” she said. “That rock is Jesus.”
“God wants to lavish blessings on us,” Jansen said, and referred to the story of the woman at the well. Many times, Jansen noted, people place obstacles in the way of their blessings — fear, worry and inability to forgive oneself.
The sacrament of reconciliation, she said, is an “obstacle blaster.” It’s there to help a person get up after a fall, she said, adding, “We should run to the sacrament of reconciliation.”
Jane Russell, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, and a member of St. Albert the Great Church, attended the conference with her mother, Margaret Wariua. Russell said she has a busy schedule and may have opted out of this event, but her mother encouraged her to attend. She said she was glad she did.
ValLimar Jansen “was phenomenal,” said Russell. “She touches us, teaches us about the Bible and makes us reflect. Just coming here and remembering that we are one in faith strengthens us as Christians.”
Participants heard from several other speakers during two break-out sessions, which included several workshops, two of them in Spanish.
In the workshop called “Pearls of Wisdom,” Dr. Connie Martinez spoke to Hispanic women about the importance of loving oneself and appreciating one’s qualities, which she said are blessings from God.
Dr. Jane Thibault, University of Louisville professor emerita, led a workshop on “Aging Gracefully,” which focused on ways women can embrace the changes in their lives as they grow older.
“Hearts on Fire for God” was the title of a workshop led by Therese Wilson-Favors, executive director of the National Black Catholic Congress.
The event also included a workshop for children, called “Following Jesus.” Priests were available to hear confessions throughout the event in English, Spanish and French.
Barbara Klump, chair of the conference’s planning committee, said she was “amazed” by the turn out; she had hoped for 300 attendees.
“It says women are hungry for spirituality and a way to become closer to God,” said Klump.
The date for the next conference has already been set for Nov. 5 of next year, she noted.
“We hope to have the same numbers or more,” Klump said, adding that their effort to pull this first conference off was directed by God. “A door opened every time we hit an obstacle and got discouraged.”
This year’s event — two years in the making — was organized by women from throughout the archdiocese, the Office of Multicultural Ministry and the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education.
