Redeemed Women’s Conference unites women near and far

Ladies, we did it. After a two-year delay due to COVID-19, we finally were able to gather and see the Redeemed Women’s Conference come to fruition March 4–5.

In my eight years living in Fargo, I can honestly say this was my favorite conference. Perhaps it was the relief that it finally happened. As part of the planning committee, I experienced the frustration of canceled dates, speaker changes, and constant unknowns from COVID-19 that at times made our efforts feel meaningless. Perhaps I needed—more than I realized—time away from my usual schedule to be with friends and fill my mind with what we, as women, need and what it is we offer to our communities.

But I believe the most powerful factor that made this conference stand out is witnessing just how much we all needed this one.

The conference started Friday evening with music, adoration, a witness talk by Amanda Vernon with the Vigil Project, and Reconciliation. I entered the conference tired from the week’s work and nervous that the efforts for this conference wouldn’t pay off. After Amanda’s lively presentation and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, I left the evening rejuvenated, excited for what else God had in store for me. This seemed the consensus for the many women I met and chatted with throughout the weekend.

The following day, we gathered for Mass celebrated by Bishop Folda. Following breakfast, Dr. Helen Alvaré addressed the big picture of women’s roles, struggles, and desires in our individualistic and isolated culture today.

“When we see the individual as the highest good, the role, traits, and gifts of women make less sense and are less valued. Women have a great capacity for the other, where relationships have special priority in their lives.”

In response to Dr. Flanagan’s presentation, Monica Houim, parishioner at St. Therese Church in Rugby, said, “My biggest takeaway was to take care of my heart. It’s okay for me to take time for myself and with my ‘sister’ friends. Dr. Flanagan said that when women get busy, they put their relationships on hold and that is what I tend to do. So I will be aware of that and make some changes to keep in touch with my friends even through busy times.”

Finally, Marcie Stokman, founder of Well-Read Mom, encouraged us to make time for not just community but the formation of our hearts and minds through reading. She shared numerous stories how wholesome books brought about conversion, unity, and friendship with women involved.

The weekend ended with a social, complete with refreshments. It was the perfect ending for a conference focused on friendship and sisterhood.

While I experienced the conference at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Fargo, more than 100 women experienced it via livestream from one of five parishes located in Rugby, Jamestown, Grafton, New Rockford, and Carrington. There were whispers of their presence throughout the weekend with the use of Slido, a software participants with a smartphone can use to ask questions and comment on the events of the day. I hoped their experience was as edifying as my own, but it wasn’t until after the weekend I was able to connect with some of those parishes and see for myself.

Jackie Schmaltz, parishioner at St. John’s Church in New Rockford, said that many from her parish wouldn’t have gone to Fargo simply due to the inconvenience of travel. “Instead of a handful, if any, women from our parish going, growing in fellowship among themselves, and experiencing the life-giving topics of the amazing speakers, we had about 45 women, mostly from our parish and some close-by parishes, all growing in fellowship in our own community. The satellite locations allowed us to grow community within our own community. I’ve been a part of my parish for 12 years and before where I only knew people’s faces, I now know each of these women by name.”

“It was a gift to the folks who live a distance from Fargo to be able to have the livestream option,” said Katie Dubas, parishioner of St. James Basilica in Jamestown. “We had people come from Rock Lake, Langdon, Dazey, and Napoleon and it was wonderful to have fellowship together as a smaller group of women. My biggest take-away was that we need to pursue and seek out other sisters in Christ to spend time with and support one another in their walk with Jesus in the midst of his Church. We need good sisterhood! We are not meant to walk this journey without sisters!”

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this Trusted Sisters conference. Rest in God the Father’s gaze often, and remember to take care of your heart.