Nurturing families both in the United States and around the world and studying the issues that assault family life will be the focus of the seventh annual Catholic Relief Services Global Solidarity Conference.
Adakole and Mary Beth Iduh, who met while working for Catholic Relief Services in Nigeria and later wed, will be the keynote speakers at the conference with a theme of Cords of Human Kindness, Ties of Love, taken from Hosea 11:4.
In their presentation the Iduhs will talk about the work they did with CRS to help families in Nigeria lift themselves out of poverty. In their keynote address they will share stories about the human kindness and love they saw among the people of Nigeria and through assistance coming from the US Catholic community.
In breakout sessions, Mr. Iduh will look at the community-nurturing practices of CRS and how the US Catholic community helps. Mrs. Iduh, who also worked with Catholic Relief Services in Ecuador, will talk about CRS’ efforts to stop sex trafficking of migrant children.
The conference will offer practical ways for families to grow in faith while they grow in solidarity with families around the world during this Year of Faith.
Other breakout sessions will consider the devastating effects on families of poverty, pornography, the sex industry, human rights violations and immigration.
Breakout session speakers include Dr. Mark Ensalaco of the University of Dayton, Tony Stieritz and David Scharfenberger of the Catholic Social Action Office, Regina Estep of Catholic Social Services of Miami Valley; and Lindsay Ainsworth of Think Tank: Dayton Circles and Cheryl Oliver of Oasis House, both agencies receiving funds from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Think Tank assists families in lifting themselves out of poverty, while Oasis House helps women transitioning from the sex trade industry.
Certificates of completion will also be available for teachers to obtain CEUs through the principal-approved CEU process.
The conference costs $10 for students, $30 for conference participants and $40 for catechists seeking credit for certification. Fee includes light breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available.
The Catholic Relief Services Committee of the Archdiocesan Catholic Social Action Commission is partnering with the Archdiocesan Offices of Evangelization and Catechesis, Family and Respect Life, Hispanic Ministry, Youth and Young Adult, and Catholic Social Action, the University of Dayton and Catholic Relief Services.
Online registration and the brochure are available at www.catholiccincinnati.org/socialaction. For more information contact the Catholic Social Action Office at 937-224-3026 or email [email protected].