Conference Background
Christ Our Life Catholic 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 current Bishop, William Joensen of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines.

How Did it Come About?
Christ Our Life Catholic 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 an eigth 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.

Meet Our Speakers
We are excited for our 2024 lineup!

Father Robert Spitzer
Serving as President of the Magis Center and the Spitzer Center, Father Spitzer served as President of Gonzaga University for 11 years, increasing the student population by 75%. Known to many through his EWTN weekly television program,"Father Spitzer's Universe," this brilliant scholar offers wisdom in areas of schience, evidence of God, ethics, creation, historicity of Jesus and more.

Father Craig Vasek
As one of 50 priests appointed by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops to reconnect Catholics with the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Fr. Vasek has traveled the country to engage and inspire Catholics everywhere. He has served as a parish priest, Chaplain of Athletics and Program Director at the University of Mary and worked with the Missionaries of Charity throughout the world.

Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN
Raised in the Baptist faith in Houston, Texas, Sister Josephine worked in the banking industry for 10 years, managing a staff of 200. She became Catholic in 2005 and professed her final vows as a religious sister in 2020. She serves as a licensed clinical mental health counselor and also in vocation ministry. Sister is passionate about the sacred value of family and educating the whole person in faith.

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti
Msgr. Rossetti, a licensed psychologist and research associate professor at the Catholic University of America, served as Chief Exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington for 13 years. He is an author of books including, "Diary of an American Exorcist" and pens numerous religious articles and reflections in "Living Faith." Msgr. is an expert on psychological and spirital wellness issues for Catholic priests. Amidst all, he possesses a great sense of humor.

Jeff Cavins
After serving as an evangelical pastor for twelve years, Jeff returned to the Catholic Church in which he was raised. He created the well-known "Great Adventure Bible Timeline" at Franciscan University, where he taught. He launched the EWTN TV series "Life on the Rock," serving as host for six years; later hosting the "Morning Air" program on Relevant Radio. Also an author, Jeff is regarded as a preeminent biblical scholar.

Jason Evert
Over the past 25 years Jason has traveled to six continents, sharing the message of purity with milions of people. He leads "The Chastity Project," and his TV appearances include Fox News, The BBC, EWTN and MSNBC. Jason hosts the podcast "Lust is Boring" and has authored 20 best-selling books, including "Saint John Paul the Great" and his most recent book, "Male, Female or Other?"

Magnus & Julie MacFarlane-Barrow
As founder of Mary's Meals in 2002, Magnus has led this non-profit organization from its inception. Mary's Meals began by feeding hundreds of desperately poor children at their place of education daily. Now, in 2023, Mary's Meals proudly feeds over 2,400,000 kids daily. Magnus' wife July accompanied Magnus on his early journeys, offering aid. She continues to support Magnus as the organization feeds children in 18 countries.

Steve Angrisano
Christ Our Life's beloved musician, singer and story-teller returns for an eighth time, gracing the Wells Fargo stage with his abundant talent. Steve's innate ability to "read" the audience, knowing when to quietly stir hearts or joyfully enliven our spirits, makes him a perennial favorite amont COL conference attendees. Through the combination of music and storytelling, Steve inspires a deeper love of Jesus and His Blessed Mother Mary.

Christ Our Life Catholic Conference 2024

For Our Searching Souls