September 19 - 20, 2014: San Antonio Catholic Women's Conference













Catholic Women's Conference News for You This Month:
1. Basilica Event Info
2. How to Prepare for the Conference
3. Novena to Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity
You are just a few weeks away from experiencing this year's Catholic Women's Conference; what we like to call your "Spa for the Soul." On September 19 and 20, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio will be filled with women glorifying God our Father, encountering Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and being lifted on high in the Holy Spirit.  It is going to be awesome!!!

This last email before the event will provide information, tips, and a Novena to our 2014 Catholic Women's Conference heavenly intercessor, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity.

See you at the Conference!

Nan Balfour
Coordinator

cwc@pilgrimcenterofhope.org

Catholic Women's Conference
September 19-20, 2014
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX


"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."
- Matthew 11:28





SEPT. 12 - FINAL DAY FOR $70 DISCOUNTED RATE!

Beginning Sept. 13, all women must wait to register at the door. 
$75 individuals. $25 students / active-duty military.


Basilica Event - Sept. 18






On Thursday, September 18, please join us for an optional free pre-conference event open to all who wish to attend.

What is it? An Evening with Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, Heavenly Intercessor of the 2014 Catholic Women’s Conference

Where is it?
 The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, 1715 N. Zarzamora, San Antonio, TX

What is the schedule?

5:30pm - Mass
6:30pm - Official CWC Event Begins, with Visual Tour of the Basilica
7:30pm - Reflection on Blessed Elizabeth, presented by Discalced Carmelite Fr. Gregory Ross. Rosary follows.

A relic of Blessed Elizabeth will be present for veneration.

Afterward: Shopping Opportunities - Little Flower Gift Shop / Summa Enterprises

Important Notes:
  • PLEASE(!!!) only park in the designated church parking lots or at available street parking.  Other area business may be closed for the evening, but they still tow unauthorized vehicles.
  • If you plan on attending the event but not Mass, please refrain from entering the Church until Mass has ended. (While you wait, consider taking the elevator or stairs to the ground floor St. Elias Adoration Chapel.)
  • A collection will be taken at this event, with all proceeds going to the needs of the Basilica. Please be generous.
For more information, visit the Basilica Event page on our website.

Pray the Pre-CWC Novena

Beginning Thursday, September 11 and ending onFriday, September 19, please join us in offering a Novena to our 2014 Patron Heavenly Intercessor, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity.

Her intercessory prayer during the planning efforts these past eight months has already produced so much fruit. We can only imagine the powerful graces we will all receive at the Conference when over 2,000 women pray in union with our Blessed friend for the needs of our families, our world, and ourselves.

Together, let's ask her to intercede on our behalf and on behalf of all women --  so that we open our hearts, souls and minds to all that our good God so desires to give us.

Prayers for Each Day of Our Novena


How to Prepare for CWC

To aid you in getting the most out of your Catholic Women's Conference experience, we recommend the following:

Confession: If possible, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the event. Confessors are available at the conference, but note that lines are usually long. (We have attempted to cut back wait time this year by reserving an additional room for Confessions.)

Transportation: Find a carpool. Friday night in downtown San Antonio can test our patience in finding parking. The more women who can carpool, the easier it will be for everyone.

VIA also offers a Park & Ride from several area lots that drop off right in front of the Convention Center.  Last year, a bus driver told a woman who got on with her mother, “Let me guess, you are going to the Catholic Women’s Conference!”  It is a popular, and stress-free way to travel downtown, so check out their website or call VIA at (210) 362-2020.

Road Closures: However you choose to get to the Convention Center, please note that major construction is happening just a block from the site. Here is general information from the City of San Antonio on current closures:
Market Street Map / Detour Plan
Recommended Route to Downtown
Recommended Route Out of Downtown
Stay at a Hotel: Consider missing the traffic altogether by staying at a nearby hotel and walking to the Conference.  We have a list of nearby hotels for your consideration.
Prepare to Shop
: We have over 50 exhibitors this year! These vendors, ministries, and sponsors offer a variety of ways to show, grow, and live our Catholic faith.  We recommend checking out our exhibitor listand visiting their websites prior to the conference.(This is a great opportunity for early Christmas shopping!)

Temperature: The Convention Center is cold! Prepare for this by bringing a sweater, wrap, or even a blanket, depending on your particular needs.

Concessions: Food and beverage will be available for purchase throughout the event. (Concessions on Saturday will open after Mass.) Remember that your box lunch for Saturday is guaranteed (included) for all women who register by September 12.

When You Arrive: For women who have registered prior to the Conference, simply line up at the Check-In Table corresponding to the first letter of your last name.

If you are registering on-site, there will be a separate Registration table.

Wristbands: At check-in, we will give you a wristband, indicating that you are a registered attendee.  It will be put on your wrist at registration check-in and MUST be worn during the entire event both days. (Yes, you can shower with it.)  Please be advised that our volunteers will be asking to see wristbands as you move from area to area.  This is for your safety so that unauthorized people do not enter the conference.  We thank you in advance for showing us you belong by willingly and happily 'presenting your wrists' to our dutiful volunteers.

The Pilgrim Center of Hope *
a non-profit apostolate for Catholic evangelization
Helping you find a deeper relationship with Christ, since 1993.

Call Us: (210) 521-3377
Email: news@pilgrimcenterofhope.org
Website: www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org