December 14, 2004

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Archdiocesan Youth Conference set for February

        The Archdiocesan Youth Conference will take place February 4 – February 6 at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, OR. The conference is a weekend gathering for high school youth and their chaperones featuring live music, dynamic presentations, skits, powerful keynote addresses and more. The conference doors will open at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 4. The closing liturgy will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 6, with Archbishop John G. Vlazny presiding at the liturgy.

        The Youth Conference is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Portland’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office. The theme for this year’s conference is “Light of the World, Salt of the Earth.” The keynote speakers will be Renee Bondi and Vince Nims.

        Renee Bondi is a gifted Christian singer and speaker. A talented singer before her accident, Renee has augmented her gifts to include a dynamic speaking ability that grabs her audiences. When she shares her profound and moving story that includes paralysis and a life confined to a wheelchair, or performing in concert, Renee brings a powerful message to her audience. Renee's charisma and sense of humor provide plenty of light-hearted moments, including those in her testimony that highlight her marriage and the birth of her son, events that took place after her accident. Her entertaining and practical messages, which combine speaking and singing, have been met with overwhelming success by churches and conferences throughout the country.

        Vince Nims’ describes himself on his web page as “The Roamin' Catholic Banana Guy! Serving the Church through message, music and media.” Currently working on a master’s degree at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkley, CA, Vince’s still maintains a full travel schedule. His schedule this past summer and fall included several concerts, youth leadership camps, confirmation retreats and youth rallies. He is an exciting musician and speaker.

        Registration material and complete information for the 2005 Archdiocesan Youth Conference is available on the Archdiocesan web site: www.archdpdx.org/ym. The conference will cost $45 for each youth or adult participant. To avoid late fees, registrations must be completed by January 12, 2005. The registration fee includes the conference, a box lunch on Saturday and snacks at the Youth Conference fair on Saturday night. Other meals and lodging are the responsibility of participant groups.

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