2025 Conference Theme
Bold & Brave
To be bold and brave in the Catholic faith is to embody the virtues of courage, trust, and perseverance, modeled by the great saints and heroes of the Church. It is to live with a deep conviction that God is with us, even in the midst of challenges, and that our actions, no matter how small, can have an eternal impact. Whether in our personal lives, in our communities, or in the world, boldness and bravery in faith are essential to fulfilling the mission Christ has given to each of us - to love God and love our neighbor.
In our Catholic Faith, the theme of being bold and brave is deeply rooted in the call to live authentically as disciples of Christ, even when it requires courage, strength, and trust in God’s plan. This theme underscores the ideas that following Jesus is not always easy or without challenges, but it is through this very boldness and bravery that one finds true freedom and fulfillment in God’s will. We are called to live out our beliefs with confidence and conviction, even in a world that may not always support or understand those beliefs. The boldness of saints before us, is a powerful reminder of what it means to stand firm in one’s faith despite persecution and suffering. In today’s world, boldness might look like speaking the truth in love, standing up for justice, or offering a witness of faith in environments where religious expression is marginalized or ridiculed. It calls for courage to act accordingly to one’s values in the face of social pressures, and to remain steadfast in the face of opposition.
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Bravery in the Catholic faith is often seen as the willingness to face the unknown with trust in God’s provision. It’s about having the strength to confront the difficulties of life - whether personal trials, societal injustices, or spiritual struggles- while trusting that God will provide the grace needed to persevere. We must live the Gospel message authentically. It involves embracing a radical trust in God;s love and mercy and taking risks in service to others. This courage is not about seeking personal glory, but rather it is a desire to make a difference in the world by sharing God’s love, mercy, and truth. The bold and the brave Catholics are those who stand up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular or uncomfortable.
As women, we can embrace leadership in faith communities, challenge gender-based injustices, and dare to lead with compassion and wisdom. We are called to continue Christ’s legacy by being witnesses of His love and advocating for the dignity of all people, particularly women and children who are often marginalized or overlooked.
2025 Keynote Speaker

Emily Stimpson Chapman
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Emily Stimpson Chapman is an award-winning Catholic writer based in Steubenville, Ohio. She is the author of nine books including Letters to Myself from the End of the World (Emmaus Road, 2021), Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of the Resurrection of the Body (co-authored with Scott Hahn, 2020, Emmaus Road), and The Catholic Table: Finding Joy Where Food & Faith Meet (Emmaus Road, 2016), as well as the children’s books, Mary:Mother of All (2023), The Supper of the Lamb (2023), and Lord, Have Mercy, all co-authored with Scott Hahn. A beautifully illustrated youth Story Bible, authored by Emily and published by Word on Fire will be published in late 2025, as will her fourth children’s book with Hahn and her essay-rich cookbook, Around the Catholic Table.
In addition to her own books, Emily has authored six book length studies for the women’s ministry Endow, is the editor and co-author of the Formed in Christ High School Textbook series, and is the author of numerous Bible studies, as well as hundreds of articles and essays for Catholic publication.
Currently, Emily writes a successful weekly newsletter on Substack, Through a Glass Darkly, and co-hosts the popular podcast Visitation Sessions.She lives in Steubenville, Ohio, with her husband and three young children, ages 6, 4, and 3.
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2025 Featured Speaker
Fr. Jacek Mazur
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Father Jacek Mazur is the parochial Vicar of the Mater Ecclesiae family of parishes in downtown Buffalo. Born in Poland, Father Mazur graduated in 2003 from SS Cyril and Methodists seminary in Michigan. In 2004, he was ordained to the priesthood in Buffalo NY. Prior to his position in Buffalo, Father Mazur was the pastor of Divine Mercy and St Mary of the Cataract in Niagara Falls. Along with his current duties as Vicar, Father Mazur also cohosts the radio program “Divine Mercy in My Soul” on 101.7.

2025 Conference Emcee
Amanda English
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Amanda joins us from Our Lady of Victory, where she and her husband co-founded Victorious Hearts (@victoriousheartsolv), a couples' ministry open to engaged and married couples seeking to grow in faith and community with others called to the vocation of marriage.
In addition, Amanda accompanies women one-on-one as a Catholic Life Coach, empowering them to boldly and authentically use their God-given gifts for the Kingdom of God. She draws inspiration from St. Catherine of Siena's words: "Be who God created you to be and set the world on fire."