Under the theme “Apologetics and the New Evangelization,” this year’s line-up of speakers will share the clear truths of the Catholic Church as called for by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Participants can expect to gain knowledge of Scripture, insights about the theology of the body, practical tips on evangelization, learn of secular threats to the Catholic faith, and more.
Biblical scholar, author, and Franciscan University theologian and conference cohost Dr. Scott Hahn will speak on “The Evangelical Catholic Moment? The Bible, the Eucharist, and the New? Evangelization,” and offer scriptural insights throughout the weekend.
Apologist and author Patrick Madrid will lead the entertaining and informative “Stump the Apologist” workshop, while EWTN host Marcus Grodi’s workshop poses the tantalizing question, “What Must I Do to Be Saved?”
In the 1980s, Dr. Janet Smith sounded the first alarm on the dangers posed by a contraceptive culture. Smith returns to DTF to speak on “John Paul II’s Personalism as a Tool of the New Evangelization” at a Friday afternoon session for early arrivals.
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebraska) has been at the center of legislative battles involving Church and state issues. He will give a Saturday workshop on “Protecting Our Religious Freedom.”
A much-anticipated tradition at Defending the Faith is the keynote testimonial. This year’s presenter is Grammy award winning artist Collin Raye, holder of 16 number 1 country music hits. Raye converted to Catholicism at age 23. His newest CD, His Love Remains, was inspired by the death of his 11-year-old granddaughter who suffered for many years from a rare neurological disorder.
For more information about both conferences, go to www.franciscanconferences.com or call 800-437-8368. There is a special registration rate for religious sisters, brothers, seminarians, and anyone under the age of 30.