tob-congress-logo-2016This week, I'm happy to be joining record numbers of participants at the 2016 Theology of the Body Congress. Yesterday, I attended two pre-conference sessions and am already overflowing with wonderful information that will be incorporated here at the website and in my writing and speaking apostolates.

My first session was an Introduction to Theology of the Body offered by Bill Donaghy (profiled here by our own Melanie Jean Juneau recently at CatholicMom.com). While this session was called an "introduction", it was clear to me that there were many well-informed attendees sitting around me. Bill's insights and education were reinforced by a great level of audience participation. The passion my fellow classmates feel for this topic is already very obvious to me.

My afternoon session, entitled "The Elephant in Your Evangelization" provided tools for any family, parish or diocese looking to combat the problem of Pornography. The three hour session was presented by Fr. Sean Kilcawley of Integrity Restored and the Office of Family Life and Evangelization for the Diocese of Lincoln. Father's presentation was not only packed full of insights and resources. More compellingly, he provided an honest, heartfelt look at the massive problem of porn for our families.

[Tweet "From #TOBCONGRESS visit resources at Diocese of Lincoln and @fr_seank for some terrific resources and ideas to combat the pervasive demon of pornography"]

I look forward to finding ways to incorporate the tools of Integrity Restored here at CatholicMom.com. In the mean time, I urge you to visit this page at the Diocese of Lincoln for some terrific resources and ideas to combat this pervasive demon.

I'll be back at the Congress again today, so watch for my tweets and others by following hashtag #TOBCongress at Twitter. I'll include an overview here so that you can check out the great resources being provided by the Congress even if you can't be here in person.

Catholics gather to learn how Theology of the Body can heal the family

ONTARIO, CA – For the first time ever, the Theology of the Body Institute brings it’s expertise to Southern California where over 850 Catholics flooded the Ontario Convention Center Friday morning for the start of the 2016 Theology of the Body Congress. The Congress is a gathering designed to connect Catholics and provide formation on the theme “Love, Mercy and the Gift of the Family”.

“Theology of the Body is more relevant than ever today due to the culture we live in where there is so much confusion in identity and sexuality - not knowing who we are and how we are to live,” said Jen Settle, Managing Director of the Theology of the Body Institute.  “We need TOB to give us a proper understanding of identity and sexuality in order for us to live it and teach others.”

Essential topics for the modern Catholic will be covered throughout the day by speakers like Monsignor J. Brian Bransfield, Sr. Regina Gorman and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco.

According to Damon Owens, Theology of the Body Congress Chair, “Given the unprecedented challenges for our youth, marriages and families today, it’s particularly important for us as believers to gather to hear the great truths of our faith unfiltered by the media.”

Over 30 presentations will be given during the Congress weekend covering everything from Catholic family life to feminism in the Church to the cultural and personal threat of pornography. Speakers will answer questions like “How is John Paul II’s Theology of the Body important to understanding the ministry of Pope Francis?” or “How can the American Catholic Church more effectively reach our Hispanic population with evangelical tools?”

This event is sponsored by the Theology of the Body Institute, whose mission is to permeate the culture with the life-giving message of Theology of the Body through graduate level courses, on-site speaker programs and clergy enrichment training.

For more information on the 2016 Theology of the Body Congress, visit tobCongress.com or tobinstitute.org.

About the Author

Lisa M. Hendey

Lisa M. Hendey

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom.com, a bestselling author and an international speaker. A frequent radio and television guest, Hendey travels internationally giving workshops on faith, family, and communications. Visit Lisa at LisaHendey.com or on social media @LisaHendey for information on her speaking schedule or to invite her to visit your group, parish, school or organization. Visit Lisa's author page on Amazon.com.