Listening and Learning at the Catholic Writers Conference
Listening to the presenters and learning from the writers, editors, publishers and bloggers at the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic New Media Conferences was like trying to drink from a waterfall. The many educational and inspirational speakers were on fire with the joy of the Lord. The whole atmosphere was joyful, with mass everyday and a confessional and an adoration chapel set up near the conference rooms, not too close to the busy noise of the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show.
The homilies and instructional talks charged us to “Be not afraid” to share our faith and to call others closer to the Lord through the media. Now my heart tells me to meditate on those moments of joy and integrate their message into my everyday life. One thing I know: we don’t always have to write perfectly or eloquently, just convey truth from our hearts. Like Moses, we need not doubt our ability to influence others. We have the Internet as our Aaron to carry the message to those hearts prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive our words.
Since this is my second conference, I knew a few people from last year and one of them, Geri Herold, became my prayer partner during the week. Others I had met online were happy to see me in person. A couple of them seemed surprised that I look like my photo. Many of them did not, but had “grown-up” a little with a new look.
Several new programs debuted for the coming Year of Faith at the banquet with about 300 people attending. Catholic convert and country singer Collin Raye was amazing and his personal story very touching.
All the media equipment worked smoothly until time for the last presentation. The master of ceremonies couldn’t get the trailer to play for the movie based on the Confessions of St. Augustine, “Restless Heart.” The crowd became a little restless! I looked over at Geri next to me and we both said at the same time, “Let’s pray!” She began a “Hail Mary” and it spread to several other tables. As the crowd said, “Amen” the movie trailer came up on the two big screens.
Our Blessed Mother is a great intercessor of our prayers. God is everywhere waiting for us to ask for his assistance.
Looks like it’s needed, given that cmmeont on your post about it being under the radar! Still, rather that than being like poor old Les Murray I had lunch with him once in Carlton years ago, and it was like walking down the street with Brangelina!