Faith On Fire 2022: Love Thy Neighbor

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Faith on Fire is returning to St. Mary Catholic Church on August 5-7, 2022.

This signature family event of the Pacific Northwest celebrates our Catholic fellowship, faith, and vocations, and supports Pope St. John Paul II’s call to a new evangelization.

Through our theme Love Thy Neighbor, our keynote speakers will help us examine what it means to live our Catholic faith on a daily basis. There is also a separate youth track with age-appropriate activities and lessons. Between sessions, we’ll be treated to praise and worship music. We allow time for personal sacraments, adoration, and prayer, culminating in an evening healing service. We keep registration and meal costs down, and free camping is offered on the church grounds so that entire families are able to attend.

We are excited to announce that this year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Edward Sri. Also featured will be Ruach Ministries’ Amanda Koppes and Michele Heitzmann.

Featured Guests

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, author and well-known speaker who presents to tens of thousands of people around the world each year. He has written several best-selling books, including No Greater Love; Who Am I to Judge?; and Walking with Mary. He is the presenter of several faith formation programs used by thousands of parishes, including the celebrated film series Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained. With Curtis Martin, he is a co-founder of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and currently serves as Sr. Vice President of Apostolic Outreach. Dr. Sri leads pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land each year and is the host of the acclaimed podcast All Things Catholic. His latest book is The Art of Living: The Cardinal Virtues and the Freedom to Love. He and his wife Elizabeth are blessed with eight children and reside in Littleton, Colorado.

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Guest Speakers: Amanda Koppes and Michele Heitzmann of Ruach Ministries

Amanda Koppes has 15 years of experience working in Youth Ministry thorough a variety of methods, including 9+ years working as the Pastoral Assistant for Senior High Ministry at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Kirkland, WA, 4 years on the Core Team there before being hired full time. In addition, she served the movement of Life Teen as the Area Contact for Western Washington for 9 years and has spoken at a variety of events throughout the Northwest and West, including as MC and keynote speaker for the Diocese of Yakima Youth Convention as well as the Diocese of Boise Youth Convention, a breakout session presenter at the Catholic Youth Ministry Training Convention in Scottsdale, AZ and as a member of the planning team for several of the past Catholic Youth Conventions for the Archdiocese of Seattle. Amanda lives just outside of Seattle, Washington with her amazing husband of 20 years, and their 3 amazing kids – Emily (17), Ben (13) and Matthew (8). When not working in ministry, she loves to be indulging her hobby of woodworking, doing jigsaw puzzles, or hiking in the Cascades. Her love of Christ and His Church continues to drive her to find new ways to spread the Good News to teens, families and her community.

Not all paths are smooth and straight, and for Michele Heitzmann the adventure includes mountains, valleys and unexpected turns. While there were many moments along the way, her true conversion to Christ happened after Michele was already a youth minister, when she met Him in Eucharistic Adoration. She currently serves St. Nicholas Parish in Gig Harbor, WA as the Pastoral Assistant for Parish Life. It was through her work as the Youth Minister of five years, that Michele discovered a greater passion for revitalizing the larger church community. She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in December 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Catechesis and Evangelization. Michele’s unique experience with trauma and tragedy has refined her gift of accompaniment. Her husband Eric (married 20 years) is a recent convert to the Catholic faith and this also gives her a new perspective on faith and family. They have two beautiful adolescents, Madds (14) and Dylan (12). Michele has a special heart for youth and women’s ministries and enjoys speaking on a variety of topics. When not serving in ministry, you can find her hosting a meal or exploring the picturesque beauty of the Northwest. Above all, she enjoys sharing with others the truth, beauty and love our Catholic faith encompasses.

Please Help Support Faith on Fire

To ensure the future of the Faith on Fire Family Weekend, we are seeking sponsors and individual donations to offset the cost of the Conference, including tents and facilities, speaker and musician stipends, meals, scholarships, travel, and keeping registration costs affordable for attendees.

Sponsors who donate at least $500 will be given registration for one or more families, and will be recognized at the event in print on the program and with a sign at the registration booth. See the registration page for more information about sponsors and individual donations.

As individuals we are limited in resources; but as a group of disciples, we can do more, as in the beginning days of our Church. We know as Catholics when we give to organizations that do the work of the Lord, we individually share in the eternal benefits as well. In that spirit - no matter how you participate, time, talent, or treasure, you can be sure you are part of the great scheme of God’s plan to rescue souls.

Donations made to St. Mary Church and the Faith on Fire Family Weekend are tax-deductible. St. Mary’s Tax ID is (53-0196617).

Thank you for your support!

The New Evangelization calls each of us to deepen our faith, believe in the Gospel message, and go forth to proclaim the Gospel. The focus of the New Evangelization calls all Catholics to be evangelized and then go forth and evangelize. {USCCB}

Volunteer at Faith on Fire

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Sign up or find out more here. Thank you!

Event Details

Scholarships

We want to keep this event accessible to all. If you are in need, please contact the parish office at (360) 293-2101.

Food and Drink

An all-inclusive meal plan including two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners is available. You may also purchase individual meals.

We encourage you to purchase a meal plan or bring your own food because Faith on Fire weekend coincides with the Anacortes Arts Festival this year. There may be longer wait times at local restaurants than usual, and parking downtown will be limited.

The deadline for ordering meals is August 1, 2022.

Camping

Dry camping spaces are available on Friday and Saturday nights for RVs and tents on a first come, first reserved basis. No utilities are available, and campers will need to take their garbage with them when they leave. Campers must register in advance.

Apparel

We are offering T-shirts and pullover hoodie sweatshirts in a cotton/poly blend with the Faith on Fire 2022 Love Thy Neighbor design. Shirts may be ordered with registration.

The deadline for ordering apparel is July 13, 2022.

Register Now!