CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY REPORT: A wonderful time was had by all last weekend (August 5-7) at the Renaissance Suites Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Over 200 people from 24 states and Canada assembled to hear inspiring talks by world-renown Catholic speakers at the Catholic Scripture Study International Bible Conference. One couple travelled almost 5,000 miles from Hawaii, just to attend this conference. Trudy Rawlins, from Kaneohe, Hawaii, has been a CSS Study Leader since 2007 and has been active in getting other CSS classes started in Hawaii.
CSS Regional Directors from around the country and Canada arrived in Charlotte a day early, on Thursday and that evening all the CSS staff and their spouses were treated to dinner at the hotel by Logos Bible Software, one of the vendors at the conference.
The conference officially began at 1pm on Friday with a talk by Sandra Fountain, National Field Director for CSS. During her talk "CSS: More Than a Bible Study", she introduced the six Regional Directors who in turn told a little about themselves, how they got involved with CSS and how their lives have been changed by CSS. Fr. Patrick Winslow spoke next on "Scriptural Analysis: How to Study Scripture on an Academic Level". His talk was followed by Mass and then Gail Buckley spoke on "Hidden Treasure: Typology in Scripture". After a break, there was a social hour followed by dinner. After dinner, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., well-known host on Eternal Word Television and Radio shows and Bible scholar, gave a talk on "Sin in the Bible". Before his talk, however, he was surprised by Master of Ceremonies, Ken Davison, with a slice of pie with a lit candle and the crowd singing Happy Birthday to him as he had recently had a birthday. Marie Baker, Regional Director from Texas, presented Fr. Mitch with a new cowboy hat since it’s well known that Father Mitch loves cowboy hats and boots.
Following Fr. Mitch’s talk, he was joined by CSS Lecturers, Frs. Winslow & Kauth for a "Priests' Panel" where they answered questions from the audience. The evening ended with Night Prayer led by Fr. Matthew Kauth. Saturday Morning began with the Rosary, breakfast and a talk "Where is that in the Bible?" by best-selling author and well-known Apologist, Patrick Madrid. A presentation on Logos Bible software and a break for confessions and to visit vendor booths followed his talk.
Marcus Grodi was scheduled to speak next but two days before the conference, the Grodi's were told that there was a good chance that their first grandchild might be born any minute and that there could be complications due to the size of the baby so they decided they’d better stay close to home. Fortunately, Hector Molina, a dynamic speaker and evangelist was available to come. Hector's rousing talk "Spiritual Warfare in Scripture and Tradition" received a standing ovation and the CD recording of his talk sold out in minutes!
Hector’s talk was followed by Mass, then lunch, a break and then a talk by Fr. Mitch Pacwa entitled, "The Penitential Psalms". Then the audience got a surprise – live Gospel singing that shook the room! The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir took the stage and brought everyone to their feet, clapping their hands and singing along. Some were brought to tears by their Spirit-filled music praising the Lord.
Up next was Fr. Patrick Winslow with a talk on Exorcism – "The Mystery of Evil: The Rite of Exorcism in the Church".
A drawing was held after Father’s talk for prize giveaways. This was done throughout the weekend and many prizes were given away.
Dr. William Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College and a former Olympian, next spoke on "The Perfection of the Present Moment" (1 Pet. 4:11)
Following Dr. Thierfelder’s talk, there was a break and then everyone gathered in the Atrium for a cash bar, appetizers and social hour before dinner. After dinner, Hector Molina gave his second talk: "Temptation in the Bible: A Tale of Two Adams" after which he was joined on the stage by Patrick Madrid and Fr Mitch Pacwa for a "Speaker's Panel" whereby they took questions from the audience.
Sunday morning began at 8am with a beautiful Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Charlotte, Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis. The bishop was joined by 5 priests, 2 deacons, and 5 altar boys and singing by St. Ann's Women's Schola which added even more beauty and sacredness to the Most Holy Mass.
After Mass, there was a full breakfast buffet and Patrick Madrid gave the closing talk on "The Bible and the Catholic Church: A Marriage Made in Heaven". Following his talk, Gail Buckley drew names for raffle prizes before thanking the audience for coming and bringing this joyful event to a close.
The feedback has been phenomenal. Everyone loved the conference and we thank God for His blessings on this joyful event!
Next up: CSS Pilgrimage to Ireland in 2012!
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