A novel, inter-generational event to connect and inspire individuals and families in a community of faith is promising to be a monumental moment in the life of the Diocese that you won’t want to miss.
“BEHOLD! A Conference for the Family of God” is the first of its kind here in Harrisburg, poised to create an encounter that deepens our connection as a community of faith.
The unique, one-day event is set for Saturday, October 18, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Harrisburg and will deliver engaging talks and programs in a festival-like atmosphere.
The experience will combine formation, celebration, and festivities attractive to people of all ages and at various places in their faith development, from the devout to those who are lukewarm or searching.
“The event is called BEHOLD! because we want this to be a memorable moment in the lives of our Diocesan community; a moment where the faithful pause to listen for the whisper of Christ in their hearts and hold on to that sense of God among them,” said Melissa Maleski, Diocesan Director of Laity and Family. Her office is among those in the Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization, which is undertaking the first-of-its kind conference in the Diocese.
“BEHOLD! is the perfect companion to the Revival because the day emphasizes authentic personal connection – with each other, and with Christ who is always present and waiting for us in the Blessed Sacrament,” Maleski said.
The event will take the best elements from the annual Diocesan men’s and women’s conferences – well-attended events but ones that lack the presence of people under the age of 50.
“We are a diocese with over 30 elementary schools. We are rich with younger individuals and families, yet the conferences did not seem to provide what these demographics need and want,” Maleski remarked. “BEHOLD! changes that by taking what is great about our traditional conferences and adding opportunities for young families, teens and young adults, as well as more festival-type elements to truly make this event a ‘conference for the family of God.’”
Itinerary highlights include a keynote address by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut; various breakout tracks for men, women and couples; special programming for youth and young adults; a Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Timothy Senior; and an evening picnic dinner and musical entertainment.
“Bishop Caggiano is down-to-earth, with a wonderful sense of humor and an air of relatability that earns the respect of his faithful and his peers. He is also a man of deep faith. His keynote will give us words of wit and wisdom that will inspire us to keep seeking Christ without allowing our fears and failings to keep us from taking that first or next step toward healing and reconciliation,” Maleski said.
The day will offer a relaxed and flexible experience; attendees can select which sessions they prefer to be part of, enjoy time in quiet prayer, visit vendors and come and go throughout the day and evening festivities.
“The beauty of BEHOLD! is that it is an event for everyone; the devout, the curious, and the ambivalent are all welcome…. BEHOLD! is about starting a conversation, not teaching a particular article of faith or pushing an agenda,” Maleski said.
“The ultimate goal of BEHOLD! is to become a launchpad for deeper, more intentional conversations about the fundamentals of our faith and how we truly live as Christian disciples at the more intimate levels of the Diocesan community: parishes, ministries, and families,” she said.
For registration information and to stay informed about detailed sessions, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/behold-a-conference-for-the-family-of-god/.
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
