Dynamic women show their faith at Mississauga event

TORONTO - In the Bible, there are many women reaching out and evangelizing, says Catholic writer Dorothy Pilarski.

To encourage the same kind of leadership today, Pilarksi is holding the third annual Dynamic Women of Faith conference on March 24.

“I want to introduce women that have a lively faith so others can be inspired by these leaders,” said Pilarski, author of the provocative book Motherhood Matters.

Taking place at John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre in Mississauga, the event will feature speakers Elizabeth Tan, Antoniette Pace, Nora McKernan, Fr. Peter Giopatto, Pilarski and her fellow Register columnist Michael Coren.

Some of the topics covered will include the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, motherhood, Humanae Vitae, an encyclical on human life and the family, and how to juggle the many hats that mothers often wear while still having a life.

“Women in our culture are hungry to grow and develop their potential, but they’re also spiritually exhausted, they’re stressed and many of them have become workaholics,” Pilarski said.

The feminist movement has tried to convince women that being free means having a profession, said Pilarski.

“Being free means being able to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and going where God is calling you,” she said. “And so, I think we’ve lost our freedom because we’re now stuck in boardrooms, in cubicles, in professions that make a lot of money but don’t give us any satisfaction.”

Following the presentations, there will be a panel discussion on topics such as femininity at home, at work and with Christ, and being a mother of eight in today’s society.

The day-long event is intended to be a moving experience for women, said Pilarski.

“I hope women have some type of experience through the Holy Spirit that convicts them to what their mission in life is.”

Cost is $40. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or see www.dynamicwomenfaith.com.