Southwest's Largest Catholic Ministry Conference Expands to 3 Days

(IRVING, Texas)--The eighth annual University of Dallas Ministry Conference (UDMC), set for Oct. 23-25 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas, will officially include Thursday, Oct. 23, in this year’s schedule, expanding the conference into a three-day event. The conference, which is the second largest of its kind in the United States, is co-sponsored by the Dallas and Fort Worth Catholic dioceses.

“We are excited to add a third day to our event, increasing the number of sessions offered by 42 percent while maintaining the three-day cost of attendance at the manageable rate of $57,” said Oscar Carranza, UDMC director.

The conference will officially begin Thursday afternoon with 28 sessions over four periods and a short exhibition time. In addition to sessions for deacons, liturgical ministers, and parish and school leaders, Thursday will feature a four-part session on technology and media. This comprehensive class will address using new media to evangelize and improve church ministries.

“The University of Dallas Ministry Conference is a powerful opportunity for Catholics to grow in faith together through prayer, fellowship and education,” said University of Dallas President Thomas W. Keefe. “I would encourage everyone who is able to attend to consider doing so.”

More than 200 sessions will be offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, covering topics such as faith formation, Scripture, evangelization, liturgy, social justice, parenting and technology.

The Most Rev. J. Michael Miller, archbishop of Vancouver, Canada, and former secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education, will deliver the keynote addresses Friday, Oct. 24, in English and Spanish.

Additionally, the UDMC will showcase more than 100 exhibitors, including publishing companies, Christian gift stores and nonprofit organizations. A liturgical art display, musical performances by well-known and up-and-coming Catholic artists, a conference Mass and prayer services will round out the conference. Educators, catechists, deacons, priests, youth ministers, other ministry professionals, as well as general Catholic audiences, are encouraged to attend the UDMC.

Registration is $57 before Sept. 25, $75 before Oct. 10 and $100 at the door. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities also are available.

The UDMC is organized by the University of Dallas School of Ministry, which offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in pastoral ministry and theology, as well as adult faith formation classes. Its rigorous education and formation fosters personal growth, professional ministry and transformative service to the Catholic Church, the broader Christian community and the world. For more information, visit udallas.edu/ministry.

The University of Dallas, located in a metropolitan area of nearly seven million people, is a leading Catholic university widely recognized for academic excellence by well-known publications, organizations and accrediting bodies. It offers distinctive individual undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the liberal arts, business and ministry that are characterized by an exceptional, engaged faculty, a commitment to shaping principled, well-skilled leaders and academic rigor in the Catholic intellectual tradition. For more information, visit www.udallas.edu.

University of Dallas Ministry Conference Promotional Video from UD School of Ministry on Vimeo.