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Sharing the Church’s Story
March 20 -21, 2021 • Simple, powerful tips and workshops so that everyone can share the Church’s story with charity, clarity, and confidence.
Main stage
Everyone comes together to watch and chat about keynotes and panels.
Speed Meetings
Connect one-on-one with fellow attendees in 3 minutes or less.
Workshops
Speakers host 20 minute talks, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A.
Live Expo
Explore live booths and lounges to chat and make new friends.
Live Event Ticket: $25 (coming soon!)
Replays available afterward for $20.
Join us on March 20-21, 2021, to join workshops, discussions, and short seminars geared to help us all share the Church’s story.
When was the last time you were asked a tough question about the Catholic faith? Did you wish that you could have shared the Church’s story with confidence?
Catholic Voices invites you to our first ever online conference: ‘Sharing the Church’s Story.’
“Jesus spoke of God not with abstract concepts, but with parables, brief stories taken from everyday life.
“At this point life becomes story and then, for the listener, story becomes life: the story becomes part of the life of those who listen to it, and it changes them.
Pope Francis, 54th World Communications Day
Welcome Letter from Brenden Thompson
Why is it important to know how to share the Church’s story?
Every Catholic is frequently faced with challenging questions, whether online, with family, from work colleagues, or by friends over drinks.
We all know the stereotypes and misunderstandings that exist about the Church. Many faithful Catholics can often feel full of dread when asked tough questions about the Church’s positions. Does that sound like you?
Back in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI planned to visit the UK. So Catholic Voices was created to answer media interviews, and share the Church’s story in a clear, positive light during his visit.
Since that visit, ordinary Catholics around the world keep asking for our ‘secrets’ and techniques. Normal people – just like you – who wish they had the same confidence to talk about the Church.
We dream of a Church that can speak to modern culture in clear and compelling way, led by ordinary men and women! Catholic Voices has found a simple combo that makes a world of difference.
- Find common ground.
- Look for the positive intention behind the criticism.
- Stay kind and civil.
While we might not win the argument that way, we may win the heart.
In this conference, Catholic Voices and Smart Catholics are teaming up to help lay men and women everywhere to share the Church’s story with charity and clarity.
You will learn:
- How to open hearts and minds.
- Change the terms of the discussion.
- Share a new approach to civil communication
Together we will help the Church’s story influence society and our culture.
All of this comes from an embarrassingly simple idea. We can’t just ‘speak’ about the Church to modern Western culture, and expect people to listen.
We have to first find out why people don’t want to listen at all. We have to do something different.
Join us to find out how we can turn controversies into opportunities to share the story of the Church.
- Find out how to tell a different story from what’s out there.
- Understand the points of view that lead people to see the Church in a negative light.
- Learn how to let the truth and beauty of Catholic teaching shine out.
In this online conference, through live sessions, workshops, and recorded video, you will get the tools and attitudes to develop confidence.
Confidence in communicating your faith. Confidence through making friends with an online community of Catholics worldwide who love their faith, just like you.
About Brenden Thompson
Brenden studied Youth Ministry and theology at St Mary’s, Twickenham before going on to do a Masters in Applied Theology at Oxford University. Brenden is currently the CEO of Catholic Voices.
Brenden also speaks to thousands of people every year about the Gospel with joy and enthusiasm and trains others in how to share the Christian faith with charity and clarity.
Your thoughts
Why are you interested in this event? What questions should this event answer for you?
Meet the Sponsors
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the videos?
The videos will be sent to the email you registered with. You’ll be able to watch all of them for free until after the event.
I can’t attend the event. Will there be replays?
Yes, all the replays will be stored in a beautiful, on-demand library that you can watch any time.
Is there a community?
Yes, this event is happening within the SmartCatholics community. Get formation, feedback, answers, and new friends!
Questions? Leave a comment! →
Question from Helen: With so much current division currently in the Church – many are pushing for radical change while others are resistant and see change as a threat to the Church’s traditional teaching. How can we find a way through such deep division whilst at the same time striving for unity?
Question from Leonie: how to steer an informal conversation about modern liberal themes of universality and reincarnation etc. into a conversation about Jesus’ words: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life’ without offending or causing controversy?
From Ian: How do we persuade a person who has no material wants that the Church’s vision of how life should be led is attractive and worthwhile.
From Tim: How can I be pro-active in the face of indifference and/or hostility to the Church?