Speakers | Catholic Womens's Coference

Keynote Speaker: Kara Kardell

Kara has worked in ministry for over 10 years. There is nothing she would rather do than share the teachings of the Church and the love of Christ with others! There was always a call to serve God, so after undergraduate studies, Kara finished a Master’s in Theology from The Augustine Institute.

Kara co-founded the Lay Apostolate “Draw Near” where she, along with her best friend, host a podcast, lead retreats and worship music, and run an online ministry resource. She also co-founded the Non-Profit organization, “Small Ember,” which primarily serves lay people through a residential
apprenticeship program to grow in spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human formation; Put simply, Small Ember aims to help others be who God created them to be!

While Kara has been called through a passion to ministry, her true Vocation is as a wife and mother of 4.

Keynote Speaker and Inspirational Music: Sarah Hart

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At the intersection of life, faith, and imagination is where Sarah Hart happily resides. Her relatability, her dedication to well-crafted lyric and music, her self-proclaimed “awkward humanness” and her heart for people have all been at the core of her multi-faceted work and life.

Sarah Hart’s enthusiasm about all things creative means that her resume is extensive and varied. A Grammy nominated songwriter/composer, producer, recording artist, author, speaker, workshop educator and worship leader, Sarah brings the joy of her faith into all of her endeavors.

Sarah resides in Nashville, TN with her husband, Kevin. They have two amazing daughters, Rose and Evelyn; and Sarah admits that, of all the varied titles she has held in her life, those of “wife” and “mom” have been her favorite.

Special Guest Speaker: Sr. Maria Kateria, Sisters of Life

A native Pennsylvanian, Sr Maria Kateri was born and raised in Philadelphia. She is back in Philadelphia
after serving 14 years in the Toronto mission of the Sisters of Life. The Sisters of Life were founded to
protect and enhance the sacredness of human life by Cardinal O’Connor, who was a Bishop of Scranton
from 1983-1984. In the Philly mission, the Sisters accompany vulnerable pregnant women.
After graduating from University where she was pre-med, Sr Maria Kateri made her first 5 day silent
retreat and there asked the priest guiding her, “Father, teach me to pray.” Ever since that retreat, Sister
delights in sharing what she learned with others. That retreat was in preparation for becoming a lay
missionary in Central America, where she helped care for abandoned and orphaned little girls. The
demanding work, having no running water, not knowing the language, and other trials of a developing
country impelled her to radically depend on God in prayer.
Returning to the United States, she was determined to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a
missionary doctor yet God had other plans and pursued her to become a religious sister. Uniting her
pro-life involvement with God’s call, she entered the Sisters of Life and celebrated 27 years in vows this
past February.
A fun fact is that Sister enjoys dancing, was part of a folkloric ballet company, and occasionally uses her
ballet shoes in the convent.

Celebrant: Bishop Joseph Bambera, DD, JCL

Bishop Bambera will celebrate the Mass for Refresh Your Faith: Sixth Annual Catholic Conference for Women. His homily and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will fill us with our Lord as the perfect preparation to Refresh Your Faith!

Guest Speaker: Father Bryan Wright

When the Rev. Bryan Wright was a teen-ager, he thought about being like St. Joseph. The carpenter worked with his hands, he served God and he was married. But dreams change when God has other plans. He will love sharing how his prayer life turned into a close relationship with God.

Hostess: Mary Clare Hallman

Mary Clare Hallman began her position as the Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life on Jan. 3, 2022.

She served as Director of Evangelization in the Diocese of Syracuse for eight years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and a master’s degree in theology from Augustine Institute in Denver, Colo. She brings a fresh joy and enthusiasm to her role. The Holy Spirit is her guide!