Over a thousand families from across Canada gathered for the 27th Catholic Family Life Conference. Many traveled in camper vans and trailers for the opportunity to connect, reflect, and grow in their faith together at the Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage site. Hosted by Catholic Family Ministries, the event ran from June 27 to June 30, 2025.
Maurice Beier, one of the event organizers, highlighted the unique atmosphere of the conference, where families not only participated in traditional devotions like Eucharistic Adoration and The Rosary, but also enjoyed a diverse range of ministries for all ages, from toddler care to young adult groups.
“It’s amazing to see families return year after year, with children eagerly looking forward to coming back,” Beier said. “It’s a chance for families to reconnect, recharge, and encourage one another in their Catholic faith.”
One of the main draws of the event was the sense of unity it created among attendees from across the country, including families from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and other provinces.
Many participants also appreciated the weekend’s spiritual opportunities, such as the provincial Adoration and a special Divine Liturgy held on Monday led by the Eparchy of Edmonton.
The conference also featured respected speakers such as Dr. Ray Guarendi, Kendra Von Esh, Amanda Achtman, Dr. Patrick Craine, and Dr. Logan Weir, who provided valuable insights on topics ranging from parenting to deepening one’s spiritual life.
The event was further enriched by the presence of Bishop Gary Franken, Bishop William McGratten, and Fr. Paul Moret, who served as celebrants for the conference’s liturgies. The music ministry, led by the Reinhart Family, enhancing the prayer experience through the means of praise and worship.
Often, attending a conference feels like reaching the summit—the ‘mountain top’, where everything seems perfect. When asked about the descent and how to keep the pace of the ‘conference high’, Beier acknowledged that it can be challenging to keep that spiritual momentum.
“One of the hopes we have is that when people leave here, they’ve actually gained something. Being inspired to deepen their faith or devotion,” Beier explained. “And hopefully, they go back and share that with others, inviting them to come next year.”
He also pointed out the tough times many people face in today’s world, saying, “It’s pretty challenging out there these days… with everything that’s going on. But here, we hope people can get grounded in their faith, and be able to defend it.”
He also mentioned how the retreat’s humble environment, without much technology or signal, helps create a more intimate space for worship and reflection. “It’s one of those places where you can really focus on your faith,” he added.
The conference underscored the importance of family and marriage as central pillars of the Church.
Beier stressed the importance of instilling respect for family values and the dignity of women, and how that starts within the family household.
“If we can pass these values on to our children, we can help create a cycle of faith that will continue for generations to come,” he noted.