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NORTH EASTON — For Lent this year, the Fall River Diocese is offering for the first-time a one-day Women and Men’s Conference featuring nationally-noted speakers, prayer, music, and Mass as an opportunity for enrichment and renewal in preparation for Easter.

The inaugural Women and Men’s Conference will take place on Saturday, March 11, at the Ames Sports Complex at Stonehill College in Easton, beginning at 8 a.m.

Speakers will be Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., of the Boston Archdiocese and the former Bishop of Fall River; Sr. Terry Rickard, O.P., president and executive director of RENEW International; contemporary Christian music singer, composer and recording artist ValLimar Jansen; and evangelist, humorist and inspirational speaker Michael Cumbie.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate Mass to conclude the conference and offer the homily.

In a message on the conference, Bishop da Cunha said that, “During Lent, we are called to look for ways to grow in faith, to deepen our relationship with God. This year, in our own Diocese, this Women and Men’s Conference is an opportunity for just that: a renewal of faith as we journey towards the celebration of Easter. It is my hope that many of our parishioners will participate, and I look forward to being with them.”

The theme for the conference is “Thirsting for hope—Can you drink the cup I drink?”

Conference committee chairperson Beth Mahoney explained that its selection followed the committee’s desire “to offer women and men a message of hope —of God’s mercy, love and forgiveness.”

The day will begin at 8 a.m. with praise and worship music and the praying of the Rosary. Cardinal O’Malley will present the morning keynote address at 9:15 a.m., followed by breakout sessions for women with Jansen, and for men with Cumbie.

Sister Rickard will give the afternoon keynote address at 1:30 p.m. followed by a 3 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop da Cunha.

There will be a midday break with lunch, as well as the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to visit the many vendors that will be on hand.

Registration for the conference is required. The deadline is March 1. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available.

For more information, including registration and cost, visit www.fallriverdiocese.org or pick up a flyer at a parish in the diocese.

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
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