Speakers

We are excited to present a diverse and inspiring roster of speakers for this year’s church conference. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on faith, leadership, and spiritual growth, offering messages that will uplift and challenge you. Prepare to be encouraged and strengthened as they share their wisdom and experiences with us

This Year's Conference Lineup

Meg Hunter-Kilmer Speaker, Blogger, and Hobo for Christ

Meg Hunter-Kilmer is a missionary and storyteller who travels the world telling people about the fierce and tender love of God. She is the author of seven books about Scripture and the Saints and currently works as a campus minister at the University of Notre Dame. When she’s not obsessively googling obscure Saints, trying to convince people to read Scripture, or driving appalling distances while listening to audiobooks on double speed, she loves watching the Olympics and spending time with her nieces, nephews, and godchildren.


John Brahier Director of Partnerships, Longbeard

John Brahier is the Director of Partnerships at Longbeard. In this role, he supports institutions and developers who are seeking to leverage Longbeard's Catholic AI tools to support the evangelizing mission of the Church. He supports the on-going internal evaluation efforts within Longbeard to ensure that the Catholic AI solutions being built are mission-aligned, effective, and positively impacting the Church. With ten years of experience in the Catholic education and ministry sector - including eight years combined at Divine Child High School and the Archdiocese of Detroit, he brings an deep understanding and love of the Church and a spirit of innovation and missionary zeal to his work. John and his wife (Ann) live in Harper Woods, where they are raising their five children.


Deacon Tim Lynch, M.S. Suicide Education & Prevention Program Manager

Deacon Tim Lynch, M.S., serves as the Suicide Education & Prevention Program Manager in the Consultation, Education, and Outreach Department at Saint John Vianney Center. Deacon Tim joined SJVC in 2025. He brings experience as a clinical counselor spanning residential treatment programs, outpatient services, and private practice. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University, He is a Certified Traumatologist and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), Complex Trauma Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. In addition to his clinical work, he has designed and facilitated numerous psychoeducational programs. Deacon Tim has been ordained as a Deacon for over fifteen years and serves in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.


Shaunti Feldhahn

Shaunti received her graduate degree from Harvard University and was an analyst on Wall Street before unexpectedly becoming a social researcher and best-selling author. Today, she applies her analytical skills to investigate eye-opening, life-changing truths about relationships, both at home and in the workplace.

Her groundbreaking books, such as For Women Only, Thriving in Love & Money, and her Find series of devotionals, have sold more than 3 million copies in 25 languages. Her research is regularly featured in media as diverse as The Today Show, Focus on the Family, The New York Times and iMom. Shaunti and her family live in Atlanta and enjoy every moment of life at warp speed.


Bishop Jorge Rodgriguez

Doctor in Sacred Theology by the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome. Dean of the Theology Department of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome (1994-1997). He has taught Theology at the Pontifical Lateran University, at the Pontifical Institute Regina Mundi and at the Institute for Religious Sciences at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Associate pastor at Stella Maris parish, in Rome. From 2006 to 2014 he was Vice Rector and Professor at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary of Denver. He was appointed Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Thornton, CO., in 2014. On November 4, 2016 he was consecrated auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Denver.


Hotel Information

North Charleston Marriott

A remarkable transformation has taken this beautiful hotel into the next generation of travel. Experience the redesigned Marriott in North Charleston, blending modern technology and southern style. 

Unfortunately, our group block is now full. However, rooms are still available at the hotel for the normal rate:

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chsmn-north-charleston-marriott/overview/

Thursday, October 8


3:00 - 6:00 p.m.Conference Registration Open


5:00 p.m.Mass


5:30 - 6:45 p.m.New Member Welcome Supper

This is to recognize and welcome new CFLA members and first-time conference attendees. (All Conference Attendees are Invited!)


7:00 p.m.Keynote Presentation

Meg Hunter-Kilmer


8:00 p.m.Social and Networking Time



Friday, October 9


7:30 - 8:30 a.m.Mass


8:30 - 10:00 a.m.Break

Time for breakfast and to visit exhibitors


10:00 a.m.Keynote Presentation

John Brahier


11:00 - 11:30 a.m.Roundtable Discussion


11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.Lunch


1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Section Meetings

Diocesan, Parish, and Organization


2:15 - 3:15 p.m.Breakout Session A


3:30 - 4:30 p.m.Breakout Session B


4:45 - 5:15 p.m.Region Meetings


5:30 - 8:00 p.m.Region Dinners

On your own time


8:00 - 10:00 p.m.Social and Networking


Saturday, October 10


9:00 a.m.Keynote Presentation

Deacon Tim Lynch


10:00 - 10:30 a.m.Roundtable Discussion


10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Break


12:00 - 1:30 p.m.CFLA Business Lunch


2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Breakout Session C


3:00 - 4:00 p.m.Break

Prepare for Mass


4:00 - 5:30 p.m.Vigil Mass


6:00 - 8:00 p.m.CFLA Banquet


8:00 - 10:00 p.m.Social and Networking


*Schedule is subject to change.


Register

EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL 9/1/2026!! 


Registrant Info




Cancellation Policy

Cancellation DateRefund Option
On or before September 8, 2026Full refund, minus a $50 administrative fee
Between September 9, 2026 and September 24, 202650% refund
After September 24, 2026No refunds will be issued

Exceptions: In cases of serious illness, family emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, refund requests may be considered after September 24 at the discretion of the conference organizers. Supporting documentation may be requested. 
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to [email protected]. Refunds will be processed within 2–3 weeks of approval. Registration substitutions may be permitted with prior approval.


Donate to Conference Scholarship Fund

We continue our tradition of inviting you to add $10 to your registration, if you are able, to fund the conference scholarship. We thank those who help make this conference accessible to all!


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