Catholic Women's Conference
Home Conference Details Registration Speakers How to Help Parish Captains Spread the Word Volunteer Donate Sponsor Links Previous Conferences About Us FAQs	Frequently Asked Questions Why is the conference being held at St. Matthew Catholic Church and McDonald Family Center? The 2009 conference is being held at St. Matthew Church for two simple reasons. First, to choose a Catholic property that is conducive to the mission of the Conference. Second, there is room for the conference plus rooms for breakout, a chapel, area for vendors, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we assess the response to the conference, it may move to another location in the coming years. Who organizes the Catholic Women’s Conference Mary Jane Fox founded the Catholic Women’s Conference in 2001 for women interested in growing in their faith and in learning about their true vocation and dignity as women and daughters of God. Mary Jane Fox and her husband, Deacon Tom Fox, are founders of the Pilgrim Center of Hope, which serves the Archdiocese of San Antonio as a non-profit organization in the field of Catholic Evangelization. Sarah Stravitsch is the Coordinator for the Catholic Women’s Conference. She works with a Steering Committee of 14 women who plan the conference through prayer, monthly meetings, various efforts and most of all a commitment to serve the Church in this capacity. The Steering Committee is made up of members who volunteer their time and efforts towards this unique annual event for all women. Why is there a registration fee to attend? The Pilgrim Center of Hope, which sponsors and organizes the Conference, is a non-profit organization. Unfortunately, conferences cost money, and a lot of it. Not only must we pay for rental of the facility, speaker stipends and travel expenses, but also lunch, publicity, printing costs and other miscellaneous expenses. We have tried to keep the cost to a minimum. Some parishes may help defer the cost to attend. If you are not able to pay the fee, we still want you to attend, there are limited scholarships available. Just fill out the registration form and scholarship form and send it in. We want the conference to be available for everyone. For a copy of the scholarship form email Sarah Stravitsch at cwc@catholic.org or call the Pilgrim Center of Hope at: (210) 521-3377. Why did the registration fee increase? Unfortunately, because of the economy and therefore less donation money, it was necessary to increase the fee from $45 to $55. However, you can still attend the conference at $45 if you register early. Early registration ends August 12th. When does Early Registration end? Due to planning requirements, Early registration ends August 12th. Early Registration forms must be postmarked by this date, or you can register on-line through the Pilgrim Center of Hope website, or call the office at (210) 521-377. After this date you can still register for $55. I have sent in my Early Registration. Will I receive confirmation in the mail? If you have an email address, we would be happy to email a confirmation. Otherwise, when you arrive at the conference, please check in at the Early Registration table to receive your Conference Packet and nametag. I have not registered. May I still attend? By all means, come! We accept registration on the morning of the conference at 8:00am. Are there scholarships available? Yes, there are limited scholarships. Simply ask Sarah Stravitsch, cwc@catholic.org, or the Pilgrim Center of Hope, (210) 521-3377, to send you a scholarship form. Submit the scholarship form and the registration form directly to: Pilgrim Center of Hope 7680 Joe Newton San Antonio, Texas 78251. Do Clergy or Religious (Professed Sisters or Brothers) pay full registration fee? We are happy to welcome clergy and religious as our guests free of charge to attend the Catholic Women’s Conference. However, in order for you to obtain a box lunch on Saturday, registration before the conference is required. Registration form must be submitted by September 8th. How about Student Discounts? Yes. Simply make a copy of your valid Student I.D. card and submit it with your registration form. The Student fee is $25.00 per person, it includes a box lunch. Registration by September 8th is required for a student discount and box lunch. However, if you are unable to register by September 8th we will honor the $25.00 as an “on-site” registration for students excluding a box lunch. What if I'm not Catholic? Can I still come to the conference? Yes! The speakers' topics, the worship and praise, the prayers and the fellowship can be appreciated by all Christian denominations, not only Catholics. I have fallen away from the Church and am hesitant to come. Am I welcome? You are fully and completely welcome. We want you to come, to take that one step back toward God and His Church. Sometimes all it takes is just one step to bring about a major change. Since the inception of the planning efforts, the planning committee has been praying specifically for you, that you will come home. We also welcome your questions. How do I register? You can register by: Mailing in your registration form. Early Registration forms must be postmarked by August 12th. See our website for a complete brochure and form. Register by credit card (Master Card or Visa only please). Or by check (payable to The Pilgrim Center of Hope). By calling in your complete registration with credit card payment. Early registration is $45.00 and regular registration is $55.00. Early registration ends August 4th. Can I receive Archdiocesan Catechetical Credit by attending the Conference? Yes, by attending the conference you can receive 10 hours of renewal credit towards your certificate. When you check in at the conference provide your name and that you would like a certificate. You will sign in both days. Be sure to pick the certificate up at the same place when you leave. What determined the conference events/schedule? For ten years, the Pilgrim Center of Hope, in partnership with the Marian Center of San Antonio, organized the annual Marian Conferences from 1990-2000. The schedule, number of speakers, Mass, and time allowed for breaks of the Catholic Women’s Conference, founded in 2002, is created according to past experience. Will there be a Mass? Yes, there will be Mass on Saturday morning. Since this is a Saturday morning Mass, it does not fulfill the Sunday obligation. Why Mass on Saturday morning instead of the Saturday evening Mass for Sunday? Many women have families and commitments in their own parishes, and some women have traveled from other cities and towns. In the years to come, the conference schedule may very well change from the format being used now -- it's up to your feedback and future discernment. What kind of vendors will be at the conference? Due to the focus of the conference, as well as physical limitations, we are limiting the vendors to those with Catholic products or services only. Some vendors may not accept credit cards, so please plan accordingly. The focus of the Catholic Women’s Conference is to encourage Catholics to live and share their faith. It is our hope to provide the tools, resources and many other religious articles that help us to become a disciple of Christ. Is there a Hotel assigned for Conference attendees? There are a few hotels near the Conference Site. Go to www.travelocity.com and type in the Conference site address: 10703 Wurzbach Rd, 78230. Here you will see a list of hotels available within 2-5 miles of the Conference site. Can I help next year? Yes! In your Conference Packet, there will be a form to leave contact information if you desire to help plan this wonderful event. There are various jobs that can accommodate any schedule. Will I have a chance to leave feedback? Yes. In the Conference Packet, there will be an evaluation form that we will collect after the conference. Is childcare available? Unfortunately, no. If there is an overwhelming need, we will consider it for future conferences. This year, we are limited in facility space. May my daughter attend? Yes, she may. The conference may be a wonderful mother-daughter bonding time. The speakers' topics are geared toward adults, so while each child is different, girls younger than high school might not comprehend all of the topics. I noticed that the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered during the conference. Am I expected to go? No, you do not have to go. It has been the experience in the past that offering Reconciliation has brought wonderful healing, leading to a freedom that only Christ can give. There have been cases where some women have not gone to Reconciliation in decades. Somehow, God touched their hearts to go, and they found the healing and forgiveness that they so much needed. Reconciliation should be a beautiful, unintimidating experience, a Sacrament designed by God to let Him carry your heavy burdens. If you are unable to receive this Sacrament you can always call your pastor, or parish priest, for an appointment in Confession. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you in this. If your question is not listed, please feel free to email us at cwc@catholic.org See you at the Conference!

Catholic Women's Conference

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the conference being held at St. Matthew Catholic Church and McDonald Family Center?

The 2009 conference is being held at St. Matthew Church for two simple reasons. First, to choose a Catholic property that is conducive to the mission of the Conference. Second, there is room for the conference plus rooms for breakout, a chapel, area for vendors, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

As we assess the response to the conference, it may move to another location in the coming years.

Who organizes the Catholic Women’s Conference

Mary Jane Fox founded the Catholic Women’s Conference in 2001 for women interested in growing in their faith and in learning about their true vocation and dignity as women and daughters of God. Mary Jane Fox and her husband, Deacon Tom Fox, are founders of the Pilgrim Center of Hope, which serves the Archdiocese of San Antonio as a non-profit organization in the field of Catholic Evangelization.

Sarah Stravitsch is the Coordinator for the Catholic Women’s Conference. She works with a Steering Committee of 14 women who plan the conference through prayer, monthly meetings, various efforts and most of all a commitment to serve the Church in this capacity. The Steering Committee is made up of members who volunteer their time and efforts towards this unique annual event for all women.

Why is there a registration fee to attend?

The Pilgrim Center of Hope, which sponsors and organizes the Conference, is a non-profit organization. Unfortunately, conferences cost money, and a lot of it. Not only must we pay for rental of the facility, speaker stipends and travel expenses, but also lunch, publicity, printing costs and other miscellaneous expenses.

We have tried to keep the cost to a minimum. Some parishes may help defer the cost to attend. If you are not able to pay the fee, we still want you to attend, there are limited scholarships available. Just fill out the registration form and scholarship form and send it in. We want the conference to be available for everyone. For a copy of the scholarship form email Sarah Stravitsch at cwc@catholic.org or call the Pilgrim Center of Hope at: (210) 521-3377.

Why did the registration fee increase?

Unfortunately, because of the economy and therefore less donation money, it was necessary to increase the fee from $45 to $55. However, you can still attend the conference at $45 if you register early. Early registration ends August 12th.

When does Early Registration end?

Due to planning requirements, Early registration ends August 12th. Early Registration forms must be postmarked by this date, or you can register on-line through the Pilgrim Center of Hope website, or call the office at (210) 521-377. After this date you can still register for $55.

I have sent in my Early Registration. Will I receive confirmation in the mail?

If you have an email address, we would be happy to email a confirmation. Otherwise, when you arrive at the conference, please check in at the Early Registration table to receive your Conference Packet and nametag.

I have not registered. May I still attend?

By all means, come! We accept registration on the morning of the conference at 8:00am.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, there are limited scholarships. Simply ask Sarah Stravitsch, cwc@catholic.org, or the Pilgrim Center of Hope, (210) 521-3377, to send you a scholarship form. Submit the scholarship form and the registration form directly to:
Pilgrim Center of Hope
7680 Joe Newton
San Antonio, Texas 78251.

Do Clergy or Religious (Professed Sisters or Brothers) pay full registration fee?
We are happy to welcome clergy and religious as our guests free of charge to attend the Catholic Women’s Conference. However, in order for you to obtain a box lunch on Saturday, registration before the conference is required. Registration form must be submitted by September 8th.

How about Student Discounts?

Yes. Simply make a copy of your valid Student I.D. card and submit it with your registration form. The Student fee is $25.00 per person, it includes a box lunch. Registration by September 8th is required for a student discount and box lunch. However, if you are unable to register by September 8th we will honor the $25.00 as an “on-site” registration for students excluding a box lunch.

What if I'm not Catholic? Can I still come to the conference?
Yes! The speakers' topics, the worship and praise, the prayers and the fellowship can be appreciated by all Christian denominations, not only Catholics.

I have fallen away from the Church and am hesitant to come. Am I welcome?

You are fully and completely welcome. We want you to come, to take that one step back toward God and His Church. Sometimes all it takes is just one step to bring about a major change. Since the inception of the planning efforts, the planning committee has been praying specifically for you, that you will come home. We also welcome your questions.

How do I register?

You can register by:

Mailing in your registration form. Early Registration forms must be postmarked by August 12th. See our website for a complete brochure and form.
Register by credit card (Master Card or Visa only please). Or by check (payable to The Pilgrim Center of Hope).
By calling in your complete registration with credit card payment.
Early registration is $45.00 and regular registration is $55.00. Early registration ends August 4th.

Can I receive Archdiocesan Catechetical Credit by attending the Conference?

Yes, by attending the conference you can receive 10 hours of renewal credit towards your certificate. When you check in at the conference provide your name and that you would like a certificate. You will sign in both days. Be sure to pick the certificate up at the same place when you leave.

What determined the conference events/schedule?

For ten years, the Pilgrim Center of Hope, in partnership with the Marian Center of San Antonio, organized the annual Marian Conferences from 1990-2000. The schedule, number of speakers, Mass, and time allowed for breaks of the Catholic Women’s Conference, founded in 2002, is created according to past experience.

Will there be a Mass?

Yes, there will be Mass on Saturday morning. Since this is a Saturday morning Mass, it does not fulfill the Sunday obligation.

Why Mass on Saturday morning instead of the Saturday evening Mass for Sunday?

Many women have families and commitments in their own parishes, and some women have traveled from other cities and towns. In the years to come, the conference schedule may very well change from the format being used now -- it's up to your feedback and future discernment.

What kind of vendors will be at the conference?

Due to the focus of the conference, as well as physical limitations, we are limiting the vendors to those with Catholic products or services only. Some vendors may not accept credit cards, so please plan accordingly. The focus of the Catholic Women’s Conference is to encourage Catholics to live and share their faith. It is our hope to provide the tools, resources and many other religious articles that help us to become a disciple of Christ.

Is there a Hotel assigned for Conference attendees?

There are a few hotels near the Conference Site. Go to www.travelocity.com and type in the Conference site address: 10703 Wurzbach Rd, 78230. Here you will see a list of hotels available within 2-5 miles of the Conference site.

Can I help next year?

Yes! In your Conference Packet, there will be a form to leave contact information if you desire to help plan this wonderful event. There are various jobs that can accommodate any schedule.

Will I have a chance to leave feedback?

Yes. In the Conference Packet, there will be an evaluation form that we will collect after the conference.

Is childcare available?

Unfortunately, no. If there is an overwhelming need, we will consider it for future conferences. This year, we are limited in facility space.

May my daughter attend?

Yes, she may. The conference may be a wonderful mother-daughter bonding time. The speakers' topics are geared toward adults, so while each child is different, girls younger than high school might not comprehend all of the topics.

I noticed that the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered during the conference. Am I expected to go?

No, you do not have to go. It has been the experience in the past that offering Reconciliation has brought wonderful healing, leading to a freedom that only Christ can give. There have been cases where some women have not gone to Reconciliation in decades. Somehow, God touched their hearts to go, and they found the healing and forgiveness that they so much needed. Reconciliation should be a beautiful, unintimidating experience, a Sacrament designed by God to let Him carry your heavy burdens. If you are unable to receive this Sacrament you can always call your pastor, or parish priest, for an appointment in Confession. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you in this.

If your question is not listed, please feel free to email us at cwc@catholic.org
See you at the Conference!