ABOUT

Conference Background
Christ Our Life Catholic Conference is a non-profit conference being held at Casey’s Center, (formerly 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 2026, we will offer our ninth 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 2026 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
  • Hospitality – Leslie Teeling
  • Hotel Facilitator – Amy McDermott
  • Information Technology and Live Streaming – Lee Burleson
  • Liturgy – Deacon Dan Maxcy
  • Liturgy Advisor and Spiritual Director – Fr. Chris Reising
  • Liturgy Advisor and Spiritual Director Emeritus – Msgr. Frank Bognanno
  • Logistics/Facility Management – Rob Carey
  • Marketing/Facebook – Angie Goodale, Ann Thelen
  • Marketing Associate – Lisa Boden
  • Minority Outreach – Mayra Banuelos
  • Music Ministry – Emily Schmid
  • Onsite Event Assistant – Leslie Teeling
  • Recording Secretary – Mary Purtle
  • Registration/Tickets – Jodi Bermel, Patty Fredrichs
  • Speakers – Marilyn Lane, Ellen Miller
  • Treasurer – Ginny Striegel
  • Vendors/Concourse Coordinator – Bill Brett
  • Volunteer Coordinator – Bruce Mehlhop
  • Volunteer Assistant – Daine Klopfenstein
  • Website – Karen Quiner

Marketing

  • Marketing – Angie Goodale, Ann Thelen
  • Marketing Associate – Lisa Boden
  • Branding & Graphic Design – Marilyn Lane
  • Research/Advertising – Lisa Boden
  • Preview Video – Angie Goodale, Ann Thelen

Outreach

  • Coordinator – Ellen Miller
  • Outreach/“GoTo” Facilitators – Barb Chicoine, Paul Chicoine
  • Knights of Columbus Liaison – Bruce Mehlhop