Speakers

EMCEE: MARYALICE DEMLER

The emcee for the conference is Emmy award-winning WGRZ news anchor Maryalice Demler.  A local news favorite, Maryalice has covered such prestigious stories such as the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Pope John Paul II's funeral in Rome, Italy, Buffalo native and NBC political analyst Tim Russert's funeral in Washington, DC, and Pope Benedict's visit to New York City.

TERESA TOMEO

Teresa Tomeo is an author, and syndicated talk show host of "Catholic Connection" heard daily on EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network.  After a long career as both a print and broadcast journalist Teresa left the secular media in 2000. Spurred by what she called her own "disillusionment with the prevailing culture of media and journalism"  Teresa now travels around the nation and the world giving talks and training seminars in media awareness and  media activism, as well as sharing her reversion into the Catholic Church. In addition Teresa is a frequent guest on EWTN, a columnist for Our Sunday Visitor, and has been featured on Fox & Friends, The O'Reilly Factor, as well as other secular TV and radio programs discussing issues of faith, culture, and media.

Talk 1: Extreme Makeover: Seeing Yourself through the Eyes of Christ
Whether it's losing weight, having cosmetic surgery, remodeling the house, or even finding that dream job, everyone seems to be taking the topic of makeovers to extremes. Long before the words "extreme makeover" were part of our everyday vocabulary, Teresa Tomeo learned the hard way that true happiness and fulfillment can't be found in one's appearance, job, or home but only through faith in Jesus Christ. Teresa will share how the media and its influence have impacted her own life and will also provide seminar participants with the tools needed to makeover their media habits and positively impact the culture.

Talk 2: Handmaids of the Lord; Re-discovering the Dignity of Women
In this presentation Teresa Tomeo shows us the depth, beauty, and truth in the Church's teaching on women.  Her talk helps us examine more closely the roles of women in the Church. Teresa draws from her personal testimony as well as her work as a Catholic journalist.  As one of only 250 women in the world invited to Rome to take part in a Vatican congress on women, Teresa will share her insights from the historic 2008 Rome gathering which focused on how the Catholic teachings represent real freedom for daughters of God.

LEAH DARROW

From the hit TV reality show, America's next Top Model to now Catholic Speaker, Leah will share about her amazing journey of faith and conversion. Leah's story is one of true courage and fortitude. She now travels the world bringing the joyful message of Christ's mercy and seeks to reawaken the virtuous gifts women can contribute to the world. www.leahdarrow.com

Fashion and Faith
In this seminar, Leah focuses on the lifestyle choices she made, and how her fashion style was a reflection of it. She shares how her attire made it easier to succumb to poor lifestyle choices, and explains how clothing can be a powerful communicator - it can tell the world who we are, where we are going, and even our beliefs. In her presentation, Leah shares how modesty inspired others to look at her, and treat her differently than ever before. Leah explains from experience that dressing with dignity speaks louder than any fashion runway.

MOTHER OLGA YAQOB

Known endearingly by many as "The Mother Theresa of Baghdad," Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, founder and mother servant of Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, was born and raised in Iraq where she lived through four wars. It was during this time that she received the Humanitarian Award from the Iraqi Government for her service to the prisoners, homeless, elderly, and handicapped of war for many years. Sr. Olga now resides in the Archdiocese of Boston where Cardinal Séan Patrick O'Malley entrusted to her the mission of establishing a new religious community of sisters in the Archdiocese of Boston, Daughters of Mary of Nazareth.

Becoming a Willing Vessel for God's Noble Purposes
Very often we hear people saying: God would never use me because I am not "perfect". I had done so much wrong in my earlier days. The good news is that God will use any imperfect vessel, like you and me. No matter who we are, if we yield our spirit and life to the Lord, we will become a vessel that God will delightfully use. God looks at our hearts. He is not concerned with what's on the outside. He is more interested with the inside, our heart and soul. If the heart and soul wants to do those things which are good, then God will use us. But, the first step of all is the desire to be a willing vessel. When we are willing to do what God has for us to do, then the rest will be common ground for us. Moses, David and Jesus' Disciples... surely they were not perfect men but they were willing to do what is pleasing to God. Every Lent we look for a change, for growth... for renewal and for transformation in some of the areas of our spiritual life. That is enough for God, the desire that is within us. The Lord said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

FR. RICK POBLOCKI - MASS CELEBRANT AND HOMILIST

Fr. Rick Poblocki is the host of "Calling All Catholics" open forum heard on The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio WHIC 1460 AM. Fr. Rick is a graduate of Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora and is currently the pastor of St. Josaphat's parish in Cheektowaga, NY.

MARIAN GRACE

Inspired to uncover the richest musical treasures of the last two thousand years of Christendom, Marian Grace (vocalist Colleen Nixon & pianist Jimmy Mitchell) is the biggest up-and-coming artist in truly Catholic music. With thousands of records already sold in over 25 countries, their soaring vocals and stirring piano/string arrangements bring tears of joy and fresh life into the world of sacred music. Featured on EWTN last summer as well as many Catholic radio stations throughout the country, the music of Marian Grace is sold through Ignatius Press, the largest Catholic retail distributor in North America. In addition to providing music at the conference, they will also be giving a talk focusing on the distinct roles of music in the life of the Church - from beautiful liturgy and prayerful devotion to that which engages and transforms popular culture. To learn more about Marian Grace please visit their website http://mysteriumonline.com/.

See more conference details and register for this great conference on our TICKETS page.