An Oasis of Life
by Ann Gundlach
A CCL convention is an oasis. It’s a brief yet refreshing respite for families to linger in an atmosphere of life; a short escape from society’s relentless mixed messages about what constitutes family.
Nearly 300 families gathered for this refreshment at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL from June 27-30, 2004, and were re-energized in their dedication to the Natural Family Planning (NFP) lifestyle at Convention 2004. The over 1,100 attendees had traveled from 35 states, the District of Columbia, Mexico and Puerto Rico to be part of what has become a very popular event for CCL families.
“This convention was wonderful,” said one attendee. “It gives me courage to carry on. It gives me hope of change in the culture.”
Organized and planned by CCL volunteers from six local chapters, the convention, themed "Open Your Heart to God's Plan," presented a mix of national and local speakers. Nationally known faculty included Steve Wood, founder of St. Joseph’s Covenant Keepers; author Janet Smith, Ph.D.; Steve Koob of One More Soul; radio host and author Coleen Kelly Mast; project Rachel founder Vicki Thorn; lactation expert Linda J. Smith; and Theology of the Body presenter Katrina Zeno. Among the local speakers were Mary-Louise Kurey of the Respect Life/Pro Life Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago, a chastity/pro-life author and former Miss America
finalist; Dr. Mayer Eisenstein of Home First, a group of Chicago-area obstetricians and host of a local radio show; and Father Tom Koys, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and pro-life author. This wide-ranging group presented a combination of main talks and workshops that were inspiring and practical in their support of marriage, parenting, nutrition and NFP methods.
Most convention attendees were certified Teaching Couples, Promoters, or members of CCL. The convention is an opportunity for volunteers to recharge their batteries, sharpen their teaching skills, and share strategic ideas and successes with volunteers from other parts of the country.
There was also a Clergy Day built into the framework of the Convention, and 15 priests of the Chicago area attended a mixture of general convention talks and presentations geared specifically to their ministry. For example, Dr. Janet Smith spoke outlined arguments against contraception and Pope John Paul II’s teachings regarding marital love, and Fr. Tom Koys explained the centrality and importance of sexual issues in their ministry as priests.
The 288 families who attended brought with them 568 children who were treated to their own mini-convention and childcare themed "Purity for the World." The various children’s groups enjoyed age-appropriate activities, inspirational talks and performances such as Jelly Bean the Clown, former Vietnam Prisoner of War (POW) Captain Guy Gruters, Jack Kaufmann's environmental program Creation Awareness, and retired Joliet Bishop Roger Kaffer's humorous and insightful reflections, in addition to pony rides, outdoor play, crafts and music.
