Women from across Northeast Ohio and beyond are invited to come together to focus on their faith and experience the fellowship of sisterhood during the fourth annual Cleveland Catholic Women’s Conference on Oct. 15. The 2022 day of reflection will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Albert the Great parish in North Royalton.
“God Alone Suffices,” the poem and teachings of St. Theresa of Avila, will be the conference theme. Programming throughout the day will encourage women to grow their faith and inspire each other, as attendees will hear from Catholic speakers and engaging praise and worship musicians.
Jen Ricard, executive director of Theology of the Body Cleveland, is the conference chairperson. She said she is excited to offer women an opportunity to come together as one.
“As mothers, wives, educators, caretakers and all the many roles we serve as women it is natural to think, ‘Do I have time?’ ‘What will I get out of this?’ This conference provides the opportunity to give something of ourselves. Gathering with other women creates community. To get to know more people helps us take better care of each other while being centered on Christ,” she said.
One of the featured guest speakers is Lindsay Fullerman, founder of Fit From Faith, a Cleveland-based health and wellness coaching service centered on Christ. Each week, Fit From Faith supports seminarians through a health formation program offered at Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries. In addition, group coaching sessions are available to laity virtually and at St. Barnabas Parish in Northfield.
“The beauty of ministry life is that each daily encounter is different. Group sessions provide a sense of security when sharing and receiving breakthroughs. Integrating our faith in vulnerable moments as someone experiences interior freedom is a true testimony to how God desires us to be healthy and whole,” Fullerman said.
In her talk, Fullerman will incorporate Scripture from Psalm 62:2, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.”
“As women we face common weaknesses. Coming to terms with our weakness or the brokenness felt inside will help each person to not only heal but become aware of who God is calling each of us to be,” she said.
Fullerman said that often women are fearful of their greatness, which can lead to living a life of complacency. “Yearning for God is a real thing and I hope to inspire women that it is OK to work on their own heart first, knowing that the pieces and parts will come together,” she added.
The conference also will include Mass celebrated by Father Andrew Hoover, parochial vicar of St. Ambrose Parish, and time for reconciliation and adoration. Bishop Edward Malesic will conclude the event with a question and answer session. Lunch is included with registration.
READ MORE ABOUT FIT FROM FAITH
About Lindsay Fullerman, MA, PN2, SSC:
Fullerman has an extensive background in health, wellness and theology. She received a master’s degree in theology from Saint Mary Seminary in Wickliffe and is certified in Theology of the Body through the Theology of the Body Institute. She also has an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (BSc.) from Kent State University’s School of Education, Health and Human Sciences; a minor in sports administration; and certifications in strength and conditioning, sports nutrition and Pn2 coaching. She worked nearly a decade as a fitness athlete and strength coach before starting Fit From Faith. In addition to running Fit From Faith, Fullernan serves as the health and wellness adviser at Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries in Wickliffe.