Conference encourages women to live their faith as Mary did

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Monica Gatlin gives an account of her own personal journey of faith.

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More than 100 women attended a one-day women's conference at St. Theresa Parish Hall on March 7. Hosted and sponsored by the Catholic Daughters of America Court #2433 along with support from the diocesan Office of Family Life, the conference, "Woman Fully Alive: Mary as Our Model," featured speakers Stephanie Bonilla, Jenny Allen and Monica Gatlin.

Allen spoke of her own prayer life, which helped her grow more deeply in her faith, which included a daily prayer with Jesus, the Rosary, devotions wearing the scapular of Lourdes and first Friday and first Saturday devotions. Allen is a licensed counselor who has been active with her husband, Deacon Bob Allen, in family and marriage ministries including Engaged Encounter and PreCana. She is currently involved in conducting deep prayer and healing retreats.

Gatlin gave an account of her own personal journey of faith. Through her own trials and tribulations she spoke of how she and her husband grew together toward a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith. Gatlin currently serves as Administrative Assistant to the Diocese of Corpus Christi's Chancellor/Vice Chancellor/Vicar for Priests. She has taught religious education for 20 years and co-developed a program teaching virtuous living to mothers and their daughters.

Bonilla recounted her experiences in taking a small thing at a time–like praying a decade of the rosary, to living a life full of purpose throughout the day. She also spoke of the domestic Church–living that faith in the home. Comparing it to life in a parish she said that as a family gathers for a meal, they too are being nourished by one another's presence and are then sent forth with purpose throughout the day. Bonilla is Director for the Office for Child and Youth Protection and she received her degree in Child and Family Studies with a specialization in Crimes Against Children. She has also conducted specialized parenting classes.

"Catholic Daughters of America Court #2433 and other Courts were well presented at the conference," retreat organizer Connie Nolte said. "The women were hungry for the word of God."

"Each of the speakers expressed in their own words the wisest words anyone has ever spoken," said Connie Nolte, referring to a passage from the Bible at the wedding of Cana, where Mary tells the servants. "Do whatever he tells you."