Apologetics conference targets challenges of ‘post-Christian’ America

Jan 4, 2011 / 00:22 am

The California-based Napa Institute will hold its first annual apologetics conference July 28-30 on the theme “Catholics in the Next America.” The gathering aims to help participants respond to the moral and spiritual challenges of America’s emerging “post-Christian” culture.

The conference will take place in Napa Valley at the Meritage Resort & Spa. The term apologetics refers to giving a defense of the Catholic faith.

Several members of the Catholic hierarchy will speak during the conference and celebrate Mass. Speakers also include priests, religious and lay leaders.

Conference organizers said the event will feature perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, daily Mass, and a sacred music concert alongside fellowship with other Catholics.

Speakers include Cardinal Roger Mahony and Coadjutor Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, Fr. Robert J. Spitzer of the Magis Institute and Mother Assumpta of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Commentator George Weigel and Prof. Timothy Gray of the Augustine Institute will also speak at the event.

Breakout sessions will allow conference participants to engage in personal discussions with the speakers.

The Napa Institute said it exists to “promote excellence in Catholic thought and apologetics” and to instill “a new zeal for Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith in all its participants.” The conference is one of its key tools to advance this mission.

More information on the conference is at available at the institute’s website www.napa-institute.org.