Catholic Charities announces “Be a Sign of Hope: Respect Life Conference” — A day of faith, education and compassion
By Allison Mosier10/21/2025
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ERIE, Pa. (October 2025) — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie will host the Be a Sign of Hope: Respect Life Conference on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie.
The one-day event will bring together national and local presenters to explore the sacredness of life at every stage, offering practical tools and faith-centered insight for those serving families, parishes and communities. Topics will include hospice and end-of-life care, infertility and IVF, walking with mothers in need and recognizing and combating human trafficking.
“This conference is an opportunity to celebrate life and to renew our shared commitment to protecting it in all its forms,” said Elizabeth Slaby, director of Catholic Charities’ Social Justice and Life Office. “Whether it’s supporting a woman experiencing infertility, accompanying someone at the end of life or helping victims of human trafficking, we want every person to walk away knowing there is always hope — and that each of us is called to be a sign of that hope.”
Speakers include:
- Katie McMahon, Shiloh IVF Ministry, presenting “Hope through Infertility, Hope after IVF and Hope in Jesus”
- Jennifer Wallace and Erin Zahniser, MSSA, LSW, on “Respecting Life at Every Stage: Hospice”
- Chelsy Gomez, USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, discussing “Walking with Moms in Need”
- Eric Failing, Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, addressing “Human Trafficking: How to Recognize and Combat It”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. Scholarships are available, and registration includes lunch. Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to register by October 23 at https://bit.ly/46kqLb2.
Funding for the event is provided through a grant from the Catholic Social Ministry Endowment at the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania, with additional support from the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
“Every person we encounter is a reflection of Christ’s love,” added Slaby. “Through this gathering, we hope to build a culture of compassion that uplifts, protects and affirms the dignity of all.”
DETAILS
Be a Sign of Hope: Respect Life Conference
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (doors open at 8:45 a.m.)
Location: St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie
Tickets: $15 adults | $8 students | Scholarships available
Registration: https://bit.ly/46kqLb2
Contact: eslaby@CCincerie.org
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