WINE conference set Jan. 28

With overwhelming support in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Women in the New Evangelization (WINE) returns for its third conference Saturday, Jan. 28 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge.

The theme for the conference is inspired by Scripture from the Old Testament: “This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).

“I love the theme ‘Anchor of Hope,’ and I think right now we’re going through so much in our world today and in society where everything seems so overcome by everything that is so earthly,” said WINE founder Kelly Wahlquist. “With everything in the news I think it’s such an important time that we come together and realize that our hope is in the Lord.”

In the midst of turmoil, there is an expectation from women of receiving what they truly desire in life, pointed out Wahlquist.

“And it’s joy and happiness that comes from a relationship with the Lord. When we (WINE members) were talking about the theme, we thought what would be something that would elevate women and really lift them up. Hope is an anchor for the soul. We are not created for this world, we are created for something greater and that is where our hope comes from and that expectation comes from something that is eternal and that eternal life that is awaiting us,” she said.

Wahlquist added, “And once we focus on that we can see that we can overcome these obstacles by the grace of God and through our faith and our sisters in Christ.”

One of the edifying things about the WINE conferences is that women from various walks of life attend the events.

“It really doesn’t matter where you are on your spiritual journey and it doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or if you’re 98. One of the things that happens at a WINE event and that we hear all the time is that women will say, ‘I feel like I belong,’ ” Wahlquist said.

The focus of WINE is on the nurturing and encouraging aspect of faith that makes life easier, Wahlquist said. 

She expressed gratitude to the WINE core team at OLOM for their excitement and preparation for the conference.

“Women are going to see women beautifully working in their gifts, whether it be the WINE core team that is decorating, extending hospitality or organizing or singing, all these. You’re going to see all these women beautifully complement each other.”

The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca, whom Wahlquist said has supported WINE since its inaugural diocesan conference in 2019 at Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant.

The conference will provide women an opportunity to know that they are “not alone” and come together for a day of praise, worship, speakers, confession, adoration, prayer teams, lunch and shopping. 

Speakers for the day will include Kitty Cleveland, artist; Leah Jacobson, founder of the Guiding Star Project, a non-profit organization which meets the practical needs of women through providing health care; Martha Fernandez-Sardina, founder and executive director of Remember You Are Loved; and Baton Rouge resident Erin Franco, Catholic speaker, podcast host and radio personality.

Wahlquist added, “Another thing I love is the fact that the Men of the Immaculata will be helping and complementing the women of WINE. I think that’s beautiful and it’s really special to see.”

WINE, a non-profit organization, celebrated its eighth “birthday” on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

“The fact that WINE is a non-profit, it is really run by the generosity of women living all around the country. And it’s flourishing because women are hungry, they are thirsting for a relationship with other women and to watch it unfold is great.”

She said this is certainly the case with the Diocese of Baton Rouge, which held its previous conference at St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge in 2021.

“There is a great enthusiasm and some really incredible leadership in the Baton Rouge area for women’s ministries and for WINE,” Wahlquist. “One thing we would like for the women coming to the conference is to have a mountain top experience. And we want them to be on fire with the Holy Spirit.”

To register for the event, visit catholicvineyard.com.