Above: From left Dawn Dimock, conference co-chair; Jill Smith, women’s commission chair; Nancy Huffaker, conference co-chair.
Women’s Conference focuses on sharing ‘unique feminine gifts’
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
Do you love a bonus, something extra and unexpected that adds grace and value to your personal investment?
If so, you’re really going to love this year’s Diocese of Syracuse Women’s Conference. With a recent history of featuring three premier speakers at the fall event, the 14th annual conference will feature four presenters to deliver messages of hope and divine love that are hallmarks of past conferences.
“I feel like it’s super … everyone’s excited about it!” Jill Smith is chair of the Diocese of Syracuse Commission on Women in the Church and in Society, the organization’s full name. And she added that there is something for everyone in the 2024 lineup. “In fact, I’ve gotten so much positive feedback about our speakers this year because they’re [so] eclectic.”
This year’s speaker lineup includes:
Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, POSC, a retired US Army Colonel and surgeon, among other life experiences. Her apostolate provides missionary surgery overseas and free medical care for the poor and uninsured. She is passionate about the sanctity of life.
Fr. Daniel Reehil, who from Wall Street banker to Catholic priest, is now a renowned exorcist for the Diocese of Nashville. He is the host of Battle Ready, a radio program that seeks to fortify, strengthen and embolden the people of God to advance the Gospel and His Kingdom.
Fr. Donald Haggerty, currently serving at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. He is a renowned teacher, retreat master, spiritual director and author on topics including contemplative prayer.
Ann Burns, founder of The Feminine Project, an organization dedicated to the joy of womanhood. The project spiritually supports a growing community of Catholic women. As wife and mother, writer and speaker, she always strives to uphold what is truly good and beautiful.
(NOTE: More complete biographies are available on the commission’s website; see link at the end of the story)
From left: Sister “Dede” Byrne, Father Daniel Reehil, Father Donald Haggerty, Ann Burns
We are sent
The conference team focuses on providing a one-day opportunity to not just bring Catholic women together but to help attendees find resources and inspiration to grow in their faith year-round. The mission theme for this year was inspired by a conversation with Bishop Douglas J. Lucia, fresh from his time in Indianapolis this summer for the Eucharistic Congress.
“The group that organized the National Eucharistic Revival announced a year of mission, which dovetails with what the bishop asked us to do,” Dawn Dimock, conference co-chair, said. “Father [Thomas] Ward actually came up with the idea of using “Ite, Missa Est.” The direct translation is ‘It is sent,’ meaning the offering of the Eucharist up to God in heaven. But it also has a parallel. Not only is it sent, but we are. That is the whole concept of the conference.”
Co-chair Nancy Huffaker added that “if women can sacrifice the gift of time of that day to the Lord and be open to the Holy Spirit, He will work abundantly, each one individually.”
“The speakers have been invited to encourage women to think about the grace and the strength and all of the inspiration they get from the Eucharist,” Dimock said. “And then tap into their unique feminine gifts that are so lacking for a lot of the world … things that women are the best at: loving, caring, sharing,”
Event blessings are many
To accommodate a larger crowd, the conference this year returns to the main floor of the Oncenter and, thanks to an anonymous donor, parking at the connecting garage will be free. Also, a first-time grant from the Good News Foundation is underwriting a bus from the Utica area.
The Law Office of Eric P. Smith has generously donated this beautiful statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for this year’s raffle
This year’s raffle prize is a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity as a relic generously donated by the Law Office of Eric P. Smith. Additionally, the North American Lourdes Volunteers will be present with their traveling display depicting the grotto along with authentic stones from the shrine in France.
As usual, the day will start with Mass before the speaker presentations begin. Lunch is provided and a large number of vendors will be on hand.
The conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 26 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. Doors open at 7:30AM, Mass starts at 9AM and the day concludes at 4PM.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.syracusecatholicwomen.org/.
