74 Sacraments in Catholicism in 2023

Introduction

The 2023 “Refresh Your Faith” Catholic Women’s Conference was held on June 10 at Nazareth Hall on the campus of Marywood University in Scranton. Over 400 women attended the sold-out event, gathering under the theme of “With the Holy Spirit.” The conference featured various activities including Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary meditations, and more. The main conference speaker, Johnnette Benkovic Williams, founder and president of Women of Grace, delivered an empowering message to the attendees.

Energized Crowd Gathers for Catholic Women’s Conference

A crowd of 400 energized women filled Nazareth Hall on the campus of Marywood University for the 2023 “Refresh Your Faith” Catholic Women’s Conference. The event was sold out, showcasing the strong faith of the attendees. Lois Rinaldi, a parishioner of Queen of Angels Parish in Jessup, expressed her enthusiasm for being in the presence of so many women with great faith. She found it encouraging and inspiring for her own spiritual growth.

Reinvigorating Faith through the Catholic Women’s Conference

Evie Rafalko McNulty, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish in Scranton, shared her experience of attending the Catholic Women’s Conference for the second time. She highlighted the importance of being reinvigorated in her faith and reminded of how much she depends on her faith to navigate through life’s difficulties. The conference provided her with the opportunity to renew her commitment to her faith and find strength in her beliefs.

Johnnette Benkovic Williams Inspires with a Powerful Message

Johnnette Benkovic Williams, the main conference speaker, captivated the audience with her dynamic and energizing delivery. As the founder and president of Women of Grace and Living His Life Abundantly International, Inc., she brought a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the conference. Despite the absence of the scheduled keynote speaker, Kathleen McCarthy, Williams gladly accepted the opportunity to speak for extra time. She emphasized the importance of each woman’s role in God’s plan and encouraged them to surrender their lives to Him.

The Marvelous Future of Women in God’s Plan

Williams concluded the daylong conference with a powerful message of hope and purpose. She expressed her belief in the extraordinary future awaiting the women as daughters of the Most High God. Williams reminded them that they are equipped with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and called them to bring the word of God to everyone they encounter. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, inspired by Williams’ passionate delivery.

Bishop Bambera’s Homily on the Holy Spirit

The conference began with a Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton. During his homily, Bishop Bambera focused on the theme of “With the Holy Spirit.” He highlighted the miracle of the Spirit’s presence within the Church, despite the brokenness of its members. Bishop Bambera emphasized that God’s presence in the Church is not earned through righteousness but is a result of His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant.

Testimony to Women of Great Faith

Dara Dirhan, a native of Luzerne County who currently resides in the West Chester area, attended the conference to be filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Dirhan recognized the importance of supporting and uplifting one another as women of faith. She emphasized the value of sharing personal stories of faith and journeying together in a faith-filled community. Dirhan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with other women on their individual spiritual paths.

Save the Date for Next Year’s Catholic Women’s Conference

As the conference came to a close, attendees were encouraged to mark their calendars for next year’s Catholic Women’s Conference. The event will be held on June 8, 2024, and will center around the ongoing Eucharistic Revival and the Real Presence of Jesus. The organizers aimed to continue providing a platform for women to gather, strengthen their faith, and support one another on their spiritual journeys.

In conclusion, the 2023 “Refresh Your Faith” Catholic Women’s Conference in Scranton was a resounding success. Women from various parishes came together under the theme of “With the Holy Spirit” to deepen their faith through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Rosary meditations. Johnnette Benkovic Williams delivered a powerful message, reminding attendees of their importance in God’s plan and calling them to mission. Bishop Bambera’s homily focused on the presence of the Holy Spirit within the Church. The conference provided a supportive and uplifting environment for women to share their faith stories and strengthen their spiritual journeys. The anticipation for next year’s conference, centered around the Eucharistic Revival, is high as attendees look forward to further nourishing their faith in the Real Presence of Jesus.