The Thomistic Institute is pleased to offer this conference for diocesan priests interested in practical strategies to become better confessors, to increase the practice of confession in their parishes, and to exercise more fruitfully their spiritual fatherhood in this important ministry. Prompted by the call of Pope Benedict to renew the ministry of confessor and guided by the wisdom of the Thomistictradition, the conference consists of practical talks and roundtable discussions on issues of immediate relevance to the life of contemporary priests. Led by an impressive cadre of experienced and knowledgeable speakers, and set in a comfortable fraternal atmosphere, with meals together, it offers ample time for prayer, rest, and recreation.

For more information: Contact us at priesthood.conference@gmail.com or call (202) 495-1170.  

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• Registration and Costs
• Conference Schedule
  
• Download the flyer for the conference or the full brochure

-Conference Hotel Information-

The Galt House Hotel, a luxury hotel in downtown Louisville, is offering conference participants a deep discount for accommodations at $105/night. A regular free shuttle will run between the Galt House and the conference venue at St. Louis Bertrand Parish (1.7 miles). The hotel boasts a fitness center, spa, pool, six restaurants and lounges, a concierge service, and other amenities.

You may reserve your room at the Galt House online, or call 1-800-The-Galt.  (Note: if you choose to register by phone, make sure to request the special rate for the “St. Louis Bertrand Conference”). The deadline for reserving at the discounted rate is July 6, 2012.

The Econolodge in downtown Louisville offers conference participants the special rates of $60/night (king room) and $65/night (double room). The hotel is 6 blocks (a half-mile) from the Galt House, and 1.5 miles from St. Louis Bertrand. 

To reserve a room at the Econolodge, call (502) 583-2841 and request the special rate for the “St. Louis Bertrand Conference.” Deadline for reserving at the conference rate: June 20, 2012.

-Conference Venue-

St. Louis Bertrand Church, Louisville, KY

All liturgies will be in the beautiful St. Louis Bertrand Church, a 19thcentury neo-Gothic structure adorned with a magnificent carved baldacchino. Conference sessions will be held in O’Brien Hall in the parish center.

Ample free parking is available at the parish:
1104 South 6th Street  Louisville, KY 40203-3395

-Prayer & Liturgy-

• Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, D.D., Archbishop of Louisville and Vice-President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the main Mass on Wednesday, July 11. All priests are welcome to concelebrate.
• An additional concelebrated Mass for conference participants will take place on the morning of July 12.
• Several altars will be available each morning for priests desiring to celebrate a private Mass (OF or EF). Please contact us in advance to reserve a slot.
• Each day, participants are also invited to attend Lauds and Vespers. A period of silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will also be offered each day, along with the opportunity to go to confession.
• Above all, our goal is to provide a prayerful, relaxing, and fraternal priestly atmosphere.