SCRANTON – For Shannon Andres of Reading, this year’s Catholic Women’s Conference was more than just a day of spiritual reflection – it was a deeply personal journey of faith shared with her mother.
Andres, who currently lives in the neighboring Diocese of Allentown, attended the June 7 event at Marywood University alongside her mother, who had come alone the previous year.
In the months since, the two women have grown closer in their spiritual lives – so much so that Shannon invited her mother to a women’s conference in the Allentown area earlier this year. In a beautiful return gesture, her mother brought her to this year’s “Refresh Your Faith: Heart to Heart Prayer” conference in Scranton.
“It’s just nice to be in a room full of women who just know the importance of Christ and the importance of our faith,” Andres said.
The day-long event, filled with prayer, powerful speakers, music, and community, left attendees like Shannon and her mother renewed and inspired in their Catholic faith.
“It’s just so moving and it’s just so great to hear people express what we can do to be closer to our faith and what we can do to reflect how much Jesus loves us,” she added.
Several hundred women attended the conference, saying the event radiated energy, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“It has been such an incredible experience. I’m very touched. It had amazing energy. I can feel the Spirit, I can feel God’s presence here today,” Lizbeth Lamont, a first-time attendee from Saint John Parish in East Stroudsburg said.
“It is great talking to people that we know and people that we don’t know and just sharing in the love of our Lord and just enjoying each other’s company for a great day of prayer,” Bridget Kennedy of Saint Paul Parish in Scranton added.
The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, kicked off this year’s conference with a special Mass, urging women to embrace the heart of prayer and the strength of their faith in today’s world.
“This gathering today, with its theme of Heart to Heart Prayer, is an invitation for all of us to engage in the vital practice of opening our hearts to God and placing before the Lord our lives – with all their blemishes, joys, blessings and brokenness – trust that God will ever and always receive us in his tender embrace,” Bishop Bambera said.
The day unfolded with a lineup of speakers that each offered a unique perspective on faith and spiritual growth.
Sister Maria Kateri of the Sisters of Life encouraged attendees to live with courage and conviction rooted in God’s love. Kara Kardell, host of the popular Draw Near podcast, encouraged the women to take time to listen to God speak to them in silence. Acclaimed Catholic musician Sarah Hart moved the crowd with her music and message, blending song and storytelling in a way that brought tears, laughter, and reflection.
“My favorite part is when Kara had us close our eyes and say our name to ourselves,” Danita Evans of Saint Ann Parish in Williamsport said. “If we’re quiet and we silence ourselves and we listen, we can hear His voice.”
“Kara’s message about making sure that we have the time to listen to God speak in silence to us, I think that is what I’ll take away from today,” Teresa James of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Cresco added. “Also, Sarah’s encouragement that none of us have this figured out but God is with us and all will be well.”
Throughout the day, women also took advantage of opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, fellowship during a community lunch, and spiritual conversations in the lively Catholic marketplace that featured vendors, local ministries, and other artisans.
As the day ended, many attendees left reinvigorated in their mission as women of the Church – ready to carry the light of Christ into their families, parishes, and communities.
That includes Shannon Andres and her mother – who shared the special spiritual journey together.
“The Holy Spirit works in mysterious and wonderful ways and just having a day where everyone can focus on how much they love Christ and love our faith is such an amazing thing,” she said.