Skip to main content

ABOUT

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 2022 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

  • Onsite Event Assistant – Leslie Teeling

  • Coordinator Assistant – Stephanie Becker

  • Deacon Liaison – Deacon Dennis Wright, Deacon Steve Reed

  • Development – Joe Lane, Sr. 

  • Hospitality – Leslie Teeling                                                                   

  • Hotel Facilitator – Amy Haas

  • Information Technology and Live Streaming – Lee Burleson

  • Liturgy – Deacon Dan Maxcy

  • Liturgy Advisor – Fr. Chris Reising

  • Logistics/Facility Management – Rob Carey

  • Marketing – Lore McManus Solo

  • Minority Outreach – Mayra Banuelos

  • Minority Outreach Assistant – Maria Matamoros

  • Interim Director – Steve Angrisano

  • Music Ministry – Stefanie Harper, Emily Schmid   

  • Priest Support – Susie Flood

  • Recording Secretary – Maggie Bermel

  • Registration/Tickets – Jodi Bermel, Patty Fredrichs

  • Speakers – Marilyn Lane, Ellen Miller

  • Spiritual Director – Msgr. Frank Bognanno

  • Treasurer – Ginny Striegel

  • Vendors/Books & Sales – Lois Brookhart, Jim Henscheid

  • Volunteers – Bruce Mehlhop, Debbie Mehlhop

  • Volunteers/Speakers: Melissa Gutshall

  • Volunteers Assistants – Melissa and Nick Rahe

Marketing

  • Marketing Chair – Lore Solo
  • 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
  • Knights of Columbus Liaison – Bruce Mehlhop
Close Menu