Living Life by Design, Not Default

With so much technology at our fingertips, it's tough not to get swept away in all the noise and clutter. In our society there's often a tendency to live passively by simply "going with the flow." In this talk given at a FOCUS national conference, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how we need to live an intentionally Christian life within a technological age. 

St. Maximilian Kolbe and the Problem of Freemasonry

In this informative presentation, Dr. Mark Miravalle, professor of Theology and Mariology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, uncovers the roots of Freemasonry and explains why the Catholic Church has condemned it since its inception in the 18th century. He describes the mission of St. Maximilian Kolbe and how this great saint, through the intercession of Mary, battled this movement against the Church.

Confirmation: The Sacrament of Evangelization and Martyrdom

Today there is oftentimes a misconception of what the Sacrament of Confirmation is actually for or how it affects our lives. In this talk, Dr. Brant Pitre invites us to better understand the tremendous graces and calling received through this sacrament. He points to various passages in scripture which provide a historical foundation and, through bold witness, challenges us to willingly surrender our lives to Christ. Dr. Brant Pitre is a professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, LA.

Drawing Strength from Our Lady of Sorrows

Speaker and author Kimberly Hahn, wife of Dr. Scott Hahn and mother of six, is a convert to the Catholic faith. Although honoring Mary was difficult for Kimberly to initially understand, she began to encounter Mary's loving guidance in little ways on a daily basis. In this presentation, she reflects on the joys and sorrows that Mary prayerfully experienced during her time on Earth, and shares how her example leads us closer to Christ.

Beyond Belief: Following Christ Today

Fr. Mike Schmitz tackles some of the most difficult topics in the Church today with humor, clarity, and theological truth. In this talk, he challenges us to not settle for mediocrity and to allow Christ to change our lives. Fr. Mike goes on to explain that once we are changed by the love of Jesus, then together we can change the world.

Made for Greatness: Runway Model Turns to Christ

Leah Darrow was a fashion model in New York City and a reality TV contestant on America's Next Top Model. She now travels the world sharing her unique experiences in the beauty industry. Leah now speaks to tens of thousands of people each year to audiences as diverse as a United Nations panel, the World Trade Center in Manila Philippines, Pro-Life events, and local parishes on five different continents. In this presentation, learn how the pursuit of pop culture's definition of love and happiness led to a moment of mercy and conversion in Leah's life.

Emotional Virtue

Sarah Swafford is the founder of Emotional Virtue Ministries, and speaks to teens and young adults about how to live a drama-free life. She lives in Kansas with her husband and children.

Fan or Follower?

In this talk, Jeff Cavins shares how he has come to see that Jesus wants us to surrender every bit of our own comfort to follow Him. There are many fans of Jesus in this world, but we are called to be His disciples. 

As a young adult, Jeff left the Catholic Church and became a Protestant Pastor for 12 years. After returning to the Catholic Church, he became a nationally known speaker who has helped thousands come to a clearer understanding of Scripture and our Faith.