Thursday, 16 August 2012 14:01

About 4,000 attend Midwest Catholic Family Conference Aug. 3-5 at Century II
By Christopher M. Riggs
WICHITA – When he finished getting everything out of Century II last week after the Midwest Catholic Family Conference Aug. 3-5, Kevin Regan said he couldn’t believe he and everyone else had wrapped up their 13th event.
Regan, who oversees the conference, said the numbers haven’t yet been tallied but that close to 4,000 attended over the three days.
“The people are telling us how much they appreciate this conference,” he said. “I’ve glanced through some of the comments. People are amazed at how we bring a spiritual environment to the center. They’re very appreciative of the music for the Masses.”
The lineup of speakers was successful this year, Regan said. “Jason Evert had a young adult program Saturday night. He was a big hit with over 600 attending.”

Evert, an apologist and author, spoke about his book, “How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul,” to the young adults.
Celtic Spring was also a big hit, he said. The family of musicians and dancers performed Friday night during the conference and throughout the weekend.
Several well-known speakers participated in this year’s event – Tim Staples, Steve Ray, and Marcus Grodi – but there were many other notable speakers who addressed the crowds in the Bob Brown Expo Hall and the Carl Bell Convention Hall.
Regan said he was happy that over 1,000 youth participated in the programs for children and youth.
The conference was once again well-attended, he said, because of the strong base the event has developed in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and 10 other states.
“We’ve tried to spread word through parish contacts,” Regan said. “We have close to 200 contacts in different parishes getting the word out.”
He praised the work of the event’s steering committee, the 20 committee chairs, their 200 volunteers, the support of Bishop Michael O. Jackels, Fr. Ben Sawyer,and other priests and religious of the diocese, various offices of the diocese, and the generosity of those who underwrite the conference.
Regan said he is looking forward to their 14th event next year, Aug. 2-4, 2013.