A Good Discourse Conference

The Ethics of Universal Witness

Friday, Jan. 22

Evening (EST)

Fr. John LoCoco is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He'll be opening the conference with a talk on the Ethics of Universal Witness. How does my work as a writer fit into the larger picture of my life as a Christian? Does my life proclaim the Good News? Are the people who encounter me drawn to Jesus Christ who animates me?

Fraternal Correction

Friday, Jan. 22

Evening (EST)

The headmaster of the Chesterton Academy of Milwaukee, Eric DeMeuse will be speaking on the gift notoriously easier to give than receive: fraternal correction. What does Christian fraternal correction look like in action? How do the virtues of prudence and justice govern our obligation to speak? These questions and more will be explored.

Gossip, Slander, and Calumny

Saturday, Jan. 23

Morning (EST)

As Catholic writers, we need to speak boldly, fearlessly, and charitably. Following on the heels of our conversation on Fraternal Correction, we will delve into the dark side in this workshop on avoiding the sins against charity while also being true to our duty as faithful Christian witnesses.

Challenging Discourse

Saturday, Jan. 23

Morning (EST)

Extraordinary grief, loss, and pain break open the rawest, most vulnerable corners of the soul. In this workshop, David Mills and Leticia Ochoa Adams share insights into how, as Catholic writers and speakers, we can broach exquisitely sensitive topics with charity.

The Humble Catholic Author

Saturday, Jan. 23

Mornning (EST)

It's the paradox of Christian life: We have to put our lantern on the lampstand to shine before all, and also . . . be humble about it? For Catholic writers, ambition and self-promotion become jumbled with the imperative to spread the Gospel. Grace Mazza Urbanski and Melanie Bettinelli pick apart the wheat from the chaff in this discussion on cultivating good fruit by sowing the seeds of the Gospel in the rich soil of Christian humility.

Catholic Humor

Sunday, Jan. 24

Afternoon (EST)

A dash of humor makes challenging discourse more palatable . . . but not everyone thinks your jokes are that funny. In this workshop, Sherry Antonetti speaks candidly about the blessings and hazards of using humor to lighten the mood and enlighten your audience.

Serving the Meek

Saturday, Jan. 24

Afternoon (EST)

When we write and speak, we broadcast our words to two audiences: Those we want to hear us and those who hear us anyway. As witnesses to the saving power of Jesus Christ, we must discipline ourselves to remember not only that obnoxious hothead we think we're replying to but also the gentle soul who has easily turned away if our words are thoughtless and harsh.

Open Forums

Various Times

During the open session, conference participants will have the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and float proposals for future collaboration. Open forums will take place on Friday at (TBD), Saturday at (TBD), and Sunday at (TBD).

Closing Session and Commissioning

Sunday, Jan. 24

Afternoon (EST)

Closing session: The weekend is wrapping up, but our life of renewed conversion is just beginning. Our final open session will launch opportunities for continued community and accountability as we move forward in our vocations as Catholics and evangelists.

Request an Invitation