Oklahoma Catholic Women’s Conference: 3 takeaways

State’s largest ‘Bible study’
With 1,500 women in attendance, the 19th annual Oklahoma Catholic Women’s Conference became the largest Catholic women’s Bible study in the state.

Centered on the theme, “The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home,” words said by Saint Augustine of Hippo, women were encouraged to bring their Bibles for a more personal and prayerful journey throughout a full day Feb. 21 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.

Though Catholics are often stereotyped as unfamiliar with Scripture, the conference powerfully told a different story. Through the teaching of Scott Hahn, Mary Healy and Monsignor James Shea, attendees were reminded that the Catholic faith is where Sacred Scripture lives in its fullness.

Hahn called women to a true transformation of mind through immersion in the Word of God and revealed how the promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New, most profoundly in the Holy Eucharist.

Sip and Shop
Conference Eve introduced a new tradition: “Sip & Shop.”

Each ticket included early access to the vendor sale, a relaxing glass of wine and appetizers. With fellowship central to the mission of the conference, this event provided a peaceful and festive space to browse sacramentals, sacred art and gifts for Confirmation and First Communion, all in an atmosphere free from the usual rush of the day.

Lessons from the well
One of the most moving moments of the weekend came during Monsignor Shea’s keynote, “Transformation at Jacob’s Well.”

He reflected on Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the Well, the longest recorded conversation Jesus has with any individual in the Gospels. In choosing to go out of his way to speak not only with a woman, but with a Samaritan woman, Jesus broke through deep religious and cultural barriers.

It was a deliberate and powerful statement. Many attendees heard for the first time the name traditionally given to her, Saint Photina. This woman, once marked by brokenness and multiple marriages, becomes “equal to the apostles” through the vast number of people she brings to Christ. Shea reflected that Jesus “reveals her to herself,” and there, at the well, drinking from the Living Water, she discovers that nothing in her story is wasted. In Christ, all is grace, and he makes all things new.

Looking ahead to No. 20
Next year’s conference – the 20th conference – will be held earlier than usual, Jan. 16. As a result, the traditional Oct. 1 early-bird registration date has been moved up to Sept. 8. That date is special – the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a joyful day that also marks when Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, patroness of OCWC, made her final vows.
The Oklahoma Catholic Women’s Conference was held Feb. 21 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Speakers included Mgsr. James Shea, Mary Healy and Scott Hahn. Photos Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.