This year’s Gospel of Life Conference aims to educate, encourage and equip soldiers on the front lines of today’s culture wars.
The conference themed “Mission Possible: Battle Plan for a Society in Crisis” will be hosted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver, in conjunction with the Catholic Medical Association, Oct. 25 at Risen Christ Church. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with the White Mass to honor doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals, celebrated by Bishop Paul Etienne of the Cheyenne Diocese.
Following Mass, keynote addresses will be delivered by Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., professor of philosophy at Boston College since 1965, speaking on “How to Win the Culture War;” and John Suthers, Colorado Attorney General, who will cover “Dissecting Obamacare II.”
Kreeft is the author of more than 75 books including one with the same title as his talk.
“Three most necessary things we must know,” he said in a past talk to his alma mater Calvin College. “First: that we are at war; second who our enemy is, and (third) what weapons or strategies can defeat him.
“We cannot win a war if we are blissfully sewing peace banners on a battlefield,” he continued. “Or if we too busy fighting civil wars against our allies, or if we are using the wrong weapons.”
Kreeft will provide concrete strategies for facing the culture war, according to Lynn Grandon, program director for Respect Life Resources of Catholic Charities and executive director of Lighthouse Women’s Center.
“People are unsettled,” she said. “There’s tension, despair, fear. I believe we should address these current hot topics head-on.”
Also among hot topics are the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as “Obamacare.” Suthers was part of a panel discussion at Holy Ghost Church last March to help Catholics understand and navigate the Affordable Care Act.
“People who attended said it was the best explanation they’d heard,” Grandon said of Suthers’ comments during the panel.
Along with some 20 other attorneys general, Suthers signed a brief opposing Obamacare and the HHS mandate, arguing that it’s unconstitutional.
Tickets for the Gospel of Life Conference are $35, which includes meals, or $40 at the door. Medical professionals are invited to wear white lab coats to the White Mass. Risen Christ Church is located at 3060 S. Monaco Parkway. To register, click here. For more information, call 303-742-0828 or email AMeyer@ccdenver.org.
Gospel of Life Conference & White Mass When: Oct. 25 White Mass: 8:30 a.m., honoring health-care professionals (wear white lab coats) Celebrant: Cheyenne Bishop Paul Etienne Conference: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Where: Risen Christ Church, 3060 S. Monaco Parkway, Denver Speakers: Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., andColorado Attorney General John Suthers Cost: $35, $40 at the door Register: Click here Questions: Call 303-742-0828 or email AMeyer@ccdenver.org
Respect Life Month October is Respect Life month as designated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Throughout the month, Catholics are called to renew their commitment to defend all human life through liturgies, prayer vigils and other events.
Respect Life Sunday When: Oct. 5 Information: www.usccb.org/RespectLife
40 Days for Life What: Prayer and outreach to end abortion When: Sept. 24-Nov. 2 Information: www.40DaysForLife.com