Our 16th annual Summer Conference has ended. More than 700 lay leaders, bishops, priests, and religious came to Napa Valley to deepen their bonds of faith and friendship.
Dozens of people told me it was our best yet. It’s hard for me to disagree. And Arthur Brooks called it “the most important event in the American Catholic Church.”
And all of us left with a sense of renewed hope.
Our conference theme was America at 250—and our speakers tackled it from every angle. Why America reflects so much of the Church’s teaching. How Catholics have made America better. Our duty to bring out America’s best—by bringing the American people closer to Christ.
Time and again, the conference gave us cause for hope:
- The Arts: On July 20 and 21, more than 350 actors, artists, producers, and creative leaders met for our second annual Arts Festival. They’re the tip of the spear in the movement to reclaim the arts for Christ—a movement America urgently needs. And one young filmmaker walked away with a prize worth up to $100,000 to make a short film we will see debut at next year’s Festival.
- Technology: More than 75 tech leaders and innovators joined our first-ever event focused on the intersection of technology and faith. They’re building platforms and apps and AI tools that protect human dignity and unleash human flourishing.
- The Next Generation: A record number of Catholics under age 40 joined this year’s conference—and 35% of all attendees came for the first time. They show the energy that’s sweeping the Church—and sparking a surge of conversions across the West.
This year’s conference had over 150 Masses and hundreds of hours of Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and Spiritual Direction. The sacraments renewed our hope, as well. And so did the endless hours of fellowship over excellent meals and outstanding wine.
Couldn’t join us? Don’t worry—in the coming months, we’ll release the talks on our YouTube channel. You’ll be able to see Arthur Brooks, Msgr. James Shea, Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Larry Arnn, Ambassador Brian Burch, and more.
And mark your calendar: The 17th Summer Conference will be held from July 28th to August 1st. The third annual Arts Festival will be held immediately beforehand, from July 26th to 27th.
REGISTER NOW (CLICK HERE) for next year’s Arts Festival and Summer Conference—with early bird savings of $300 off next year’s $3,500 price.
We hope to see you there. And may your heart be filled with hope for America’s future—a future that we’re shaping together, as fellow Catholics and followers of Christ.
