Conference Background
Christ Our Life Catholic Regional Conference is a non-profit conference being held at Wells Fargo Arena. It is a grassroots effort of faith springing up out of the heart of Iowa and blessed since its founding by Bishop Richard E. Pates and now our new Bishop, William Joensen of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines.

How Did it Come About?
Christ Our Life Catholic Regional Conference was conceived in 2008 and was inspired by the Holy Spirit pulling on the hearts of two women in central Iowa. They prayed, gathered a dedicated and spiritually motivated group of volunteers, and secured world-renowned speakers. The result was a first-of-its kind Catholic conference. Now we are offering a fifth biennial Christ Our Life conference focused on bringing Catholics together, inspiring, celebrating and exploring their faith and bringing souls to Christ.

You Are Invited!
Please join us for a weekend of faith sharing, faith building and praise as we listen and learn from world-class speakers, renowned Catholic exhibitors and most importantly, share the sacraments

Bishop Joseph Espaillat

Known as the beloved rapper priest from the Bronx, the youngest bishop in America challenges and awakens deeper faith in youth and adults alike.

Bishop William Joensen

The bishop of the Des Moines Diocese is recognized and esteemed not only for his intellect and wisdom, but for his warmth as a spiritual leader.

Father Robert Spitzer

Scientist and host of EWTN TV's "Father Spitzer's Universe" shares compelling research he has gleaned from studying over 1,500 near death experiences.

Sister Medhin Tesfay

Sister Medhin works with Mary's Meals in Tigray, Ethiopia, tirelessly providing daily school meals in a region of Africa devastated by civil war and drought.

Chris Stefanick

Known internationally as an acclaimed speaker, author, TV host, radio personality and Founder of Real Life Catholic, Chris inspires love and respect for the family.

Gabriel Castillo

Host of the podcast, "Children of Mary," passionate author of "The Power of the Rosary," this evangelist initiated True Faith TV, reaching many millions.

Crystalina Evert

Founder of Women Made New Ministries, Crystalina has spoken to over one million people about the virtue of chastity, healing and God's perfect plan for human sexuality.

Charbel Raish

Experiencing a dramatic encounter with Christ led to this Catholic's dramatic story, "How Islam Led Me Back to Christ," as well as the founding of Parousia Media.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

As the founder and CEO of Mary's Meals, Magnus' organization is proud to now feed over 3 million hungry children and children's lives in 16 countries.

Steve Angrisano

A music missionary...musician, storyteller, composer and speaker, leads thousands daily in the Divine Mercy Chaplet online and again inspires our faith at COL.

Christ Our Life Catholic Conference 2026

For Our Searching Souls