Conference Background
Christ Our Life Catholic Conference is a non-profit conference being held at Wells Fargo Arena. It is a grassroots effort of faith springing up out of the heart of Iowa and blessed since its founding by Bishop Richard E. Pates and currently by Bishop William Joensen of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines.
How Did it Come About?
Christ Our Life Catholic Conference was conceived in 2008 and was inspired by the Holy Spirit pulling on the hearts of two women in central Iowa. They prayed, gathered a dedicated and spiritually motivated group of volunteers, and secured world-renowned speakers. The result was a first-of-its kind Catholic conference. In 2024, we will offer our eighth biennial conference, focused on bringing Catholics together, inspiring, celebrating and exploring their faith and bringing souls to Christ.
You Are Invited!
Please join us for a weekend of faith sharing, faith building and praise as we listen and learn from world-class speakers, renowned Catholic exhibitors and most importantly, share the sacraments.
THE 2024 COL TEAM
Co-Founders & Co-Chairs
Marilyn Lane and Ellen Miller
Steering Committee
- Business/Bookkeeping – Gordon Graham
- Business/Treasurer – Ginny Striegel
- Conference Coordinator – Rob Carey
- Deacon Liaison – Deacon Dan Maxcy
- Development – Joe Lane, Sr.
- Hospitality – Leslie Teeling
- Hotel Facilitator – Amy Haas
- Information Technology and Live Streaming – Lee Burleson
- Liturgy – Deacon Dan Maxcy
- Liturgy Advisor & Spiritual Director – Fr. Chris Reising
- Logistics/Facility Management – Rob Carey
- Logistics/Signage – Bill Brett
- Marketing – Lore McManus Solo
- Minority Outreach – Mayra Banuelos
- Music Ministry – Stefanie Harper, Emily Schmid
- Onsite Event Assistant – Leslie Teeling
- Operations Management – Rob Carey
- Priest Support – Susie Flood
- Priest Support Assistance – Mary Beth Beacom, Sheila Feintech, Joanne Kuster, Mary Purtle, Helen Siebel
- Recording Secretary – Mary Purtle
- Registration/Tickets – Jodi Bermel, Patty Fredrichs
- Senior Spiritual Director – Msgr. Frank Bognanno
- Speakers – Marilyn Lane, Ellen Miller
- Vendors/Books & Sales – Lois Brookhart
- Volunteers – Bruce Mehlhop, Diane Klopfenstein
- Volunteer Assistants – Melissa and Nick Rahe
Marketing
- Marketing Chair – Lore Solo
- Marketing Associate – Lisa Boden
- Branding & Graphic Design – Marilyn Lane
- Facebook/Instagram/Media Relations – Lore McManus Solo
- Content Development – Marilyn Lane, Lore McManus Solo
- Research/Advertising – Lisa Boden, Lore McManus Solo
- Preview Video – Lore McManus Solo, Ryan Tow
- Web Developer – Karen Quiner
Onsite Support
- Adoration Decorating – Carol Zimmerman
- Volunteers/Speakers – Ann Phillips and Team
Outreach
- Coordinator – Ellen Miller
- “GoTo” Facilitators – Barb Chicoine, Paul Chicoine
- Knights of Columbus Liaison – Bruce Mehlhop