A Day of Prayer, Connection, and Sisterhood at the Catholic Women’s Conference

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Catholic Women’s Conference at St. Michael’s Church in Leamington, hosted by the dedicated women of the Catholic Women’s League. It was a beautiful, Spirit-filled day that reminded me of the power of vulnerability, sisterhood, and our shared identity in the Body of Christ.

The keynote speaker, Beth Davis, was nothing short of inspiring. A lover of Jesus, a retired youth minister, and now the Director of Formation for Blessed is She, Beth brought both wisdom and joy to every moment she shared with us. Through heartfelt talks, guided prayer, and interactive sessions, she invited us to step deeper into relationship—with Christ and with each other.

Beth has a gift for creating space. Safe space. Sacred space. The kind of space where walls come down and healing begins. I found myself opening up to women I had just met—something I don’t always do easily. But with Beth’s encouragement, and the love radiating from so many of the women in the room, I felt safe to be honest, vulnerable, and open-hearted.

I believe this sense of trust and communion was possible because of the truth Beth spoke into the day: we are all one in Christ. Though we each come from different parishes, families, and stages of life, we are united in our faith. We are one Body. That truth felt incredibly real during the conference, and I carry it with me still.

Throughout the day, I had the chance to meet so many amazing women—each with her own story, her own strength, her own love for the Lord. I also had the blessing of sharing some of my own work and selling a few of my books. That kind of support and encouragement means the world to an independent Catholic writer like me.

I’m especially grateful to Jackie from The Sanctuary in Kingsville for inviting me to be a part of the day. Jackie is a true servant of the community—tireless, generous, and full of grace. She does so much, often quietly and behind the scenes, and I admire her immensely.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a women’s conference is worth your time—whether you’ll feel like you belong, or if it’s for “someone like you”—I can say with my whole heart: yes, it is. Come as you are. Let your heart be touched. Let Christ speak through the women around you.

I left with a full heart, a renewed sense of purpose, and the sweet joy of sisterhood in Christ.

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Joanna