Critical Life Issues Conference, Oct. 25
PISCATAWAY — The seventh annual Critical Life Issues Conference, entitled “Trust and Hope in Life,” is scheduled for Oct. 25 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center.
This year’s conference begins with Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward T. Hughes at 8:30 a.m. and concludes with Benediction at 3:30 p.m.
Jennifer A. Ruggiero, the director of the Office of Respect for Life, said the conference will help attendees to spread the gospel of life by teaching them how to dialogue effectively, while making them more aware of pro-life resources in the diocese.
“Sometimes people feel so alone, but the Church offers so much,” Ruggiero said. “There is a lot of help out there; people just don’t know about it. This conference will help to raise awareness.”
The conference, which draws participants from throughout New Jersey and beyond, addresses the protection of human life and the promotion of human dignity, focusing especially on the beginning of life. A main theme this year will be the effectiveness of positive messaging in building a culture of life.
In keeping with this theme, keynote speaker Deirdre McQuade, the director of planning and information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will speak about how a person can imitate Jesus when debating abortion.
Other presenters at the conference will include Steven Ertelt, the founder and editor of LifeNews.com, whose talk, “Making Sense of the Media Mess,” will address bias in the secular media’s coverage of life issues.
Bradley Mattes, the executive director of Life Issues Institute, an international organization dedicated to providing pro-life educational materials, will speak about the impact abortion has on men.
Shari Richard, an obstetrical ultrasound expert, will explain how ultrasound can have an impact on changing the hearts and minds of those considering abortion. Her presentation will include live demonstrations of 3- and 4-D ultrasound.
Mary Kellett, founder and director of Prenatal Partners for Life, will speak about the support available for women who have a poor prenatal diagnosis. Drawing from her own experience as the mother of a child born with Trisomy 18, she will talk about the unexpected joys in store for parents who have a child with a disability.
In addition to speakers, the conference will also host a number of exhibits, ranging from displays about postpartum depression, healing after abortion and material assistance available at crisis pregnancy centers, to the new mobile women’s health center of Life Choices, Inc.
Ruggiero said she hopes people from all walks of life will attend the conference, especially clergy, catechists, students and health care professionals. The diocese has requested that each parish send a parishioner to the conference, so that every parish will be represented.
Registration is $40 for general admission and $20 for clergy, religious and students with discounts available. Lunch is included. For more information, call (732) 562-1990, ext. 1629. -- Teresa Fasanello
