A program to strengthen marriages and families.

July 7, 2009. LEXINGTON, KY:  “The future of the world and of the Church passes through the family." 

This statement made by the late Pope John Paul II in his document “The Family in the Modern World” is something the Diocese of Lexington is taking very seriously. The diocese is cooperating with Familia to sponsor a National Marriage Conference titled “Building Marriages that Last” scheduled for August 6-8 at the Crowne Plaza Lexington Campbell House.

Familia is a parish program designed to help bring out the best in every marriage, according to Jean Stolpestad, Familia communications coordinator. “Men and women engage in dynamic discussions on topics relevant to their roles as husbands and fathers, wives and mothers,” she said. “Through these discussions they discover the peace of knowing how to ensure their family is on the right track.” 

Stolpestad explained why Familia and the diocese are cooperating on this event. “We are inviting people to celebrate marriage,” she said.  “Our spousal relationship is the most important one in our lives and perhaps the one that we take most for granted.  It is certainly the most challenging. Since parenting is a huge part of any marriage, we are including several discussions related to this topic.”

Speakers will include Bishop Ronald Grainer, who will address the conference on the social importance of marriage, presenting the ideal model for the family in our time.

Also speaking will be father and son Ed and Eddie Reinhardt.  Eddie, a highly scouted former University of Colorado football player, has recovered from a severe injury that left him in a coma for 62 days.  Father and son will discuss the amazing story of how the Reinhardt family not only survived this tragedy but how, with the power of family love, they all were able to thrive.

Father Walther Schu, LC, author of the book The Splendor of Love: The Theology of the Body in John Paul II, will discuss common marriage “myths,” and Art Bennett, author of The Temperament God Gave You, will speak on “How to Motivate Your Kids Without the Battle.” 

The event schedule is as follows:
• Thursday, August 6, 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Familia Regional Coordinators Dessert Conference at the Campbell House, Crowne Plaza Lexington
• Friday, August 7, Leadership Conference 8:00 am. to 9:00 pm.  These sessions are offered for clergy and leaders in the diocese, parishes and Familia apostolate leaders, and anyone who helps to promote healthy happy marriages. 
• Saturday, Aug. 8, 12:30 to 5:00 pm - “Building Families That Last” Conference.  Attendance is open to all. This daylong event focuses on aspects of marriage and parenting that are important to anyone who is married or is considering marriage. Then at 5:00 pm, Bishop Gainer will preside over a Mass including a renewal of marriage vows for those attending, followed by a dinner and dance at 7:30 pm.

For more information and to register for the event, go to www.familiausa.net. 
Questions? Contact Stolpestad at jstolpestad@familiausa.net. 

Registration is available for each event separately or for the entire weekend.  There is a substantial “early-bird” discount for those who register before July 21. Conference fees will be waived for any priests who wish to attend.  (Contact Stolpestad for more information.)

To arrange hotel accommodations at the Crowne Plaza, call  (800) 111-2222 .  The cost is $79 a night if booked before July 21.