Rouse the memories you have accumulated in life and you likely will feel both joy and sadness. The annual Holy Spirit Conference set for April 30-May 2 in Helena offers help in coming to terms with the difficult memories that people carry.

Speakers include Father John Hampsch of Claretian Missionaries, who emphasizes a Scripture-based approach to healing. Traveling widely, he reaches out as what he calls an “itinerant preacherteacher.” Inner peace, the healing of memories and the healing of family trees are among the areas of focus in books and audio productions by Father Hampsch.

“The healing aspect of the conference is always very evident and is one of the high points of the conference,” said Dennis Loveless, a member of the organizing committee. Memories “are in the forefront” for a lot of people seeking inner peace, he said. In organizing the 2010 conference, the name of Father Hampsch “kept coming up and we are very pleased to have him coming in,” Loveless said.

“Healing Through the Holy Spirit Brings Freedom” is the theme for the conference, which is in its 28th year and will be at Carroll College. The conference offers high school and middle school youth tracks, and children’s ministry.

Speakers in addition to Father Hampsch include Walter Matthews, executive director for the National Service Committee of Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the United States, and Linda Schubert, a member of the committee’s council. A Catholic convert, Schubert experienced Jesus’s healing as she struggled through grief, cancer and family turmoil. She is a member of the Association of Christian Therapists.

Bill Richart, a worship and praise leader recognized nationally, will lead the conference’s music ministry. Loveless said Richart is known for sharing music that is prayerful and uplifting. Msgr. Kevin O’Neill, V.G., pastor for the Cathedral of St. Helena Parish, will give the welcoming address.

The conference will include celebration of the Eucharist, a healing service and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Reconciliation will be available.

Early registration, available until April 20, costs $40 per person for adults and high school students, $20 for middle school students and $10 for college students with identification. After April 20, prices will be $50 for adults, $45 for high school students, $24 for middle school students and $15 for college students. There is no charge for children in the fifth grade or below.

With the exception of students in the middle and high school youth tracks, registration fees do not include meals. Early registrants desiring lunch and dinner on Saturday, May 1, must prepay the respective $8.50 and $9.50 by April 26. Meals for children under age 12 cost $5.25. Meal preparation will be by the Carroll College food service program.

Registration is available at parish offices or online at www.diocesehelena.org. Additional information is available from the diocesan Pastoral & Renewal Services office at 406-442-5820, ext. 16.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 4, April 16, 2010.