Dear Conference Attendees,
As news continues to evolve regarding COVID-19, we at St. Raphael Parish want to assure you that we are working hard to keep you, our parish and others in our community safe. The Spring Women's Conference will be postponed to a later date. We will be issuing refunds by the end of next week. If you have paid by check in the rectory, please visit us during office hours. Thank you for your understanding.
Registration opens
February 28th, 2020
April 3rd
7:00 - 9:00pm - Praise and Worship*
Families are welcome to attend Friday night praise and worship.*
April 4th
7:30 - 8:30am - Check-in |Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 9:30am - Opening Prayer / Welcome
Keynote Speaker: Sr. Becky Perez
10:00 - 11:45am - Workshops A & B
12:00pm - Lunch (Included in registration)
1:00 - 2:45pm - Workshops C & D
3:00pm - Closing Remarks
4:00pm - Mass
Women’s Conference Registration 2020
$25
*Please note, this conference is for women 18 years and older. If you have any questions, send them to srphospitality@gmail.com
$25.00 Registration until March 20th
$35.00 March 21st to day of event
Register by March 27th to get a free theme t-shirt the day of the conference
What is the women’s conference?
This conference was created to bring women of all seasons together in sisterhood and to grow deeper in the true beauty of our faith! Click above to register for four workshops!
KEynote speaker
Sr. Becky Perez
Sr. Rebecca (Becky) Perez, CCVI – Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio TX. Born and raised in El Paso and am grateful for the privilege to minister in my hometown at present.
An Educator of 36 years teaching in San Antonio, El Paso, and St. Louis schools.
Studies: Incarnate Word College (University), San Antonio, Aquinas Institute of Theology and Paul VI Institute of Catechetical Pastoral Studies, St. Louis, MO
Congregational Involvements: Provincial Councilor, Novice Director, On Going Formation Team, La Posada Women’s Transitional Home, US Ministry Council
Involvement in ACTS, Parish Catechist, Youth Group and Music Ministries, are many of my interests as I’m humbled to be of service and experience the Incarnation through so many people in my life. I seek God’s wisdom by interacting with diverse people of all ages and trusting in God’s Providence.
“The Empty Pot: The Root of Our Faith” – Jesus always seemed to say things that challenge us to trust God. So many forces in our culture give us permission to be weak in faith and cause our words and actions to be “empty.” Where do we begin?
Speakers | WORKSHOPS
Maureen de la Rosa
Maureen is married to José Manuel de la Rosa. Together they have six children and four grandchildren. Maureen has been a parishioner of St. Raphael for the past thirty-five years where she is involved in several ministries. She also assists on several diocesan committees. After pursuing Chemistry as an undergrad, a graduate student, and teaching at the community college, Maureen delved deeper into her faith and received a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans in 2012.
WORKSHOP 1:
"Rooted in the Mercy of God: The Sacrament of Reconciliation"
"Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”(Jn 20:23). Jesus seeks to heal our wounds of brokenness if we will let him, in this God given healing sacrament.
WORKSHOP 14:
“Be Still and Know that I am God: How to Listen for God in Our Lives”
(Limited seating. This workshop is repeated from last year by popular demand.)
Using different methods of prayer rooted in Scripture such as the Ignatian prayer technique of imagination ancient practice of Lectio Divina, we will practice ways of listening to God.
Maribeth Keller
Maribeth has been an active parishioner of St. Raphael’s for over 35 years to where she is both a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. She has served at every possible position in the ACTS community including being a director and lay Spiritual Companion, and has served on CORE. She has dedicated her life to serving others & for the past twenty-one years has especially enjoys being a safety net for young children with autism.
WORKSHOP 2:
“Lord, how can I fit one more thing into my busy schedule?”
How can we juggle all the things we are already doing and still make sharing God’s message and love to others a priority? In John 12:26, Jesus says, “Whoever serves me must follow me” and who better to learn this from than our saints who have come before us!
Mary Esther Covarrubias
Mary Esther has been married to Alfonso for 33 years and has 2 daughters. She is a long time parishioner at St. Raphael Parish and is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, an ACTS member and Licensed ACTS Spiritual Companion. She is a core member of the Woman at the Well Ministry. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Global Management and currently is the Chief Financial Officer at MSSL Wiring System Inc.
WORKSHOP 3:
“Recognizing God’s Gifts and Giving Back in Gratitude”
Have you ever wondered why God has entrusted you with resources? In the end, of course, what matters most is that God speaks to you and shows you that your life will be invested, one way or another. It all comes down to “stewardship” (your time, talents, and treasure) and where you use them. Come join a discussion on how to focus on what can be done on earth that will gain eternal benefits.
Michelle Zayas
Michelle is an active parishioner at St. Raphael Parish where she is an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, coordinator of the hospitality ministry, ACTS member and a confirmation catechist. She has been married to Marc for 20 years and is a mother to five children. She is the Executive Marketing Director for their local business and is currently pursuing her Master’s of Theology from Franciscan University at Steubenville.
WORKSHOP 4:
“The Eucharist: Not Just a piece of bread and a cup of wine.”
Many people today don’t believe that the Eucharist we receive at mass during communion is truly the Body, Blood and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus broke bread with his disciples and opened up the gates of Heaven to us! An understanding of the Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist will open your eyes and heart to the Real Presence of Christ.
WORKSHOP 15:
“In Defense of Our Faith”
(Limited seating. This workshop is repeated from last year by popular demand.)
We live in a time where the truth of the Catholic Church is under relentless attack by those who have misunderstandings about our faith. Have you ever been part of a conversation where a derogatory comment was made about the Church? How did you respond? St. Peter tells us that we should be prepared to give an explanation for our hope! Learn how to engage in that conversation with grace and dignity.
Diana Bulko
Diana Mendez Bulko, MPS earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1982, her Certificate in Theology through Tepeyac in 2008, and a Masters in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans in 2012. She has served the Diocese of El Paso for 13 years in various Ministries and is currently Marriage Ministry Coordinator for St. Raphael Parish and Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of El Paso.
WORKSHOP 5:
"Divorce and Marriage in the Catholic Church”
PART I: The Theology of Marriage"
The Church’s teaching on marriage and why it is a vocation. Understanding marriage preparation. Do you hear the call?
Rev. Anthony Celino, MDiv., JCL.
Father Tony is the Pastor of St. Raphael Parish, the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of El Paso. He earned his degree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America.
WORKSHOP 5:
PART II: Understanding Annulment and Remarriage in the Church by Rev. Anthony Celino
A continuation on the Church’s teaching on marriage and why it is a vocation. Understanding marriage nullity in the Catholic Church.
Alice Alvarez
Alice has served in multiple ministries including Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and to the homebound, chairman of the financial committee and beginning and directing the ACTS retreats at Mother Cabrini Church. She now is a parishioner at St. Raphael and is involved in Sisters in Christ Ministry. She has a B.S. in Education and a teaching background with the Ysleta District. After managing her husband’s medical office for ten years, she felt a calling to learn more about her faith. In 2009 she received Master’s Degree in Theology. She is married to Dr. Manny Alvarez they have two sons and four grandchildren.
WORKSHOP 6:
“What Happens When We Pray in the Name of Jesus”
There is absolutely nothing more powerful than the name of our Lord God. As Christians we often run to Him at the time of our need, so it would be wise for us to hold His name close at hand. Come and learn the meaning of God’s names, and who they all point back to. As we get to know the meanings of His names, we will get to know His character therefore developing a real relationship with our Savior.
Rev. Rolando Fonseca
Father Fonseca is Pastor of San Juan Diego Parish
WORKSHOP 7:
“Rooted in the Love of the Father for All His Sons and Daughters: Understanding the Magisterium of the Catholic Church Teaching on Same Sex Attraction”
Fr. Fonseca will discuss the teachings of the Church in regard to same sex attraction.
Liz Becerra
Liz is an active parishioner at St. Raphael Parish. She is the Communion Coordinator for Religious Formation, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Core member of the Woman at the Well Ministry, ACTS member and ACTS Choir. She is a Certified Catechist and has received Certification of Theology from Tepeyac Institute where she teaches a Bereavement course. She has been married to Tony for 39 years, mother to 3 children and grandmother to 1 grandson.
WORKSHOP 8:
“Passing our Catholic faith to Our Children”
"Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn from it " Proverbs 22:6. Scripture teaches parents responsibility in the sight of God to teach children about God and his laws. When Parents neglect this responsibility they pass nothing to their children creating a Godless generation. How can children pursue religion if parents don't initiate it and set the example?
WORKSHOP 16:
“Where is God when I hurt?”
(Limited seating. This workshop is repeated from last year by popular demand.)
We all hurt at various times in our lives. Some injuries leave deeper, more painful wounds than others. When the pain produces suffering, it’s not uncommon to wonder…Where is God when I hurt?
Patti Gonzalez
Patti is a parishioner at St. Raphael’s Church and is an Extraordinary Minister of Communion. Patti coordinated a public rosary since 2011 and now co-coordinates the St. Raphael’s Church Celebration of Our Lady of Fatima Rosary. She is a Catholic Daughter and also volunteers with the regional Southwest Youth Conference. Patti has a B.S. in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration and has worked in human resources and business operations industry for 35 years.
WORKSHOP 9:
“Marian Apparitions— Our Mother Mary’s Messages to the World”
The Blessed Mother gives messages to the world by appearing in the familiar cultural manner of countries chosen to receive the messages. Examples show messages of love and redemption through dedicated daily prayer for our sins and those of the world.
Rosie Lund
Rosie Lund has been studying apologetics, going to Bible studies and teaching as a catechist for over 20 years. She was a Confirmation Catechist at St. Mark's from 2000-2006. From 2007-2011, Rosie taught Confirmation for Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Freeport, Bahamas, where she and her family were living at the time. Upon her return to El Paso, she began teaching adults in the RCIA program at St. Mark's from 2012 through May of 2019.
She is currently teaching the Walk in the Light program at her new parish, San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado (as well as at St. Mark's), an 11 week adult Confirmation program given in the spring and fall.
WORKSHOP 10:
"Who Authorized This?"
Did Christ come, and even die, to establish a loose affiliation of like minded believers? Absolutely not! He came to establish a particular church that would go out into the world on a universal mission to teach, sanctify and govern...The One True Church
Lisa Plummer
Lisa has been a parishioner of St. Raphael’s for over 35 years. She is active in several ministries and services within the parish. Lisa is a past Regent of Catholic Daughters of the America’s and continues to be an active member of Court 2236. She has served on CORE for ACTS and as the first lay woman to serve as Spiritual Companion for our parish. Lisa is part of the Eucharistic and Lector ministries at St. Raphael and is a member of the parish council.
WORKSHOP 11:
“Surviving and Supporting the Pain of Grief”
Treading the murky waters of grief to create and live your new normal. Come join us as we share our thoughts and experiences in finding joy and making new memories while coping with grief.
Mary Bejarano
Mary Bejarano is a parishioner of St. Raphael Parish where she has been catechist 5+ years, assisted youth ministry 8+ years including starting and leading an EDGE program for middle school youth from 2016 to 2018. She is currently involved as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Catholic Daughter and is a member of the Parish Council. She has a B.A. in Psychology and English American Literature and is currently working on her teaching certificate and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Her future goals are to become a Middle School English teacher and to open a Catholic Retreat Center for youth and families.
WORKSHOP 12:
“Redeeming Radical Roots”
As young adults, life is tough sometimes but being rooted in the Sacraments can help us become overcomers. In this talk we will discuss how the Eucharist allows us to become vulnerable and embrace our brokenness. In this radical move we will encounter the Redeemer saying “If it’s true you use broken things, then “Here I Am, Lord, I’m all yours.”
Maria Natividad
Maria and her husband Toby have been members of St. Raphael for over 35 years. They have been blessed with three children and ten grandchildren. Maria is a member of the St. Raphael Health Ministry and is an ACTS sister. She holds a BA and MA degree in Art education from UTEP and is a professional artist. She currently presents workshops throughout the city through MCAD. She created the poster artwork for the 100th Anniversary of the El Paso Catholic Diocese and the St. Raphael 50th Anniversary poster.
WORKSHOP 13:
"Honoring Our Faith through Art"
El Paso artist, Maria Almeida Natividad, will lead participants in a step by step hands on workshop in creating a vibrant and unique artwork using the technique of Repujado, metal embossing. It is a technique that can be easily accomplished by persons of all ages. The small aluminum metal sheets and other necessary basic materials will be supplied to each participant at the workshop. The focus of the art workshop will be on our Catholic faith. This workshop involves the use of art to promote spiritual health and wellness through the creative process.