10th National Catholic Singles Conference to be held in San Antonio, Texas February 25-27, 2011
San Antonio, TX, January 26, 2011 - The National Catholic Singles Conference will be held at the Doubletree Hotel San Antonio Airport February 25-27, 2011. Last year's event, the first in Texas, drew over 400 participants from 24 states, Canada and Mexico.
Following the first conference in Denver, CO in 2005, the event has been held in Chicago, San Diego, and Clearwater Beach, FL. The conference is the only event of its kind and was founded to offer singles the opportunity to learn more about soon-to-be Blessed John Paul II's understanding of the human person, popularly known as the theology of the body. The presentations not only discuss his work but a range of issues from dating and relationships to living one's Catholic faith in today's world. Various social events throughout the conference provide occasions for singles of all ages to meet and mingle, while Masses and other services offer time for reflection and prayer.
This year's speakers feature many internationally known guests including Mary Beth Bonacci, author and presenter for many years on the theology of the body, relationships and singles issues; Mario St. Francis, fashion model turned missionary; Vicki Thorn, foundress of Project Rachel, trauma counselor, and prenatal loss and bereavement facilitator; Fr. James Farfaglia, priest from Corpus Christi and author of the book Man to Man: A Real Priest Speaks to Real Men about Marriage, Sexuality and Family Life; and David Thies, musician, storyteller and missionary. Speakers will address many of the issues that singles encounter, whether "still single" or "single again," and will offer practical recommendations for facing those challenges. The presentations promise not only to offer useful information (such as Thorn's insights into the differences between male and female brains and how they affect communication), but to be entertaining and encouraging as well. Bishop Oscar Cant'u, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, will celebrate the closing Mass on Sunday.
The experiences of past attendees testify not only to some great match-making, but also to the formation of many lasting friendships. Social events include an hors d'oeuvres reception, meals together, a dance on Saturday night, and tours of local attractions on Sunday afternoon after the event.
Others report a deepening of their faith or a new awareness of what it means to be a Catholic. As one enthusiastic repeat attendee explains, "After attending these conferences I have had a newfound appreciation of what it means to be Catholic and that there is much more to our faith and what is has to offer than just going to Mass every Sunday."
The conference is sponsored by TOBIA (Theology of the Body International Alliance), CatholicMatch.com, the Archdiocese of San Antonio (Office of Marriage, Family Life and NFP) and TheologyoftheBody.net.
