By Laureen McMahon
The B.C. Catholic
Vancouver

Faith without passion is faith in danger of dying, says Mike Patin, keynote speaker for Archdiocesan Conference One which kicks off at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre Feb. 17 and 18.

The Louisiana native said he hopes in his talk, "A Good Case of Heartburn," to inspire conference-goers "to become as passionately enthusiastic about their faith as Jesus's disciples were when they encountered Him on the road to Emmaus."

Patin, who has spoken to multi-generational groups in 115 dioceses throughout North America, said he has learned through experience that it's easy to be inspired at a conference, but even easier to lose sight very soon afterwards of the passionate spark which excites us about the Christian life.

Working against our best intentions, he said, is the intrusion of everyday life and its distractions, which rob us of passion for our faith.

"We forget how good we feel right after a conference. It's a challenge to keep our hearts burning with the flame of God's love and to be eager to spread the Good News to others.

"How passionate is your discipleship? How fascinating is your Jesus? These are the questions we should ask ourselves," said Patin.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata, he added, "told us to look at the cross to see how much He loved us when He was crucified, and to look at the Eucharist and see how much He loves us now."

Her words, said Patin, should inspire us to strive to stay connected to God, and to be passionate in our faith.

"We must keep a 'good case of heartburn' alive in our souls so that people see we are full of passion for God and for His Church."

The former teacher and coach said he spends from 120-150 days of the year on speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and Canada. He first visited the Vancouver archdiocese in 2006 to talk to young adults, and he said he is delighted to return to address the annual Archdiocesan Conference One.

Patin holds a masters degree in pastoral studies and a certificate of advanced studies in pastoral life and administration from Loyola University of the South in New Orleans. He is married and the father of a 19-year-old daughter.

Archdiocesan Conference One will have several inspiring speakers who will deliver messages of passion and compassion. Organized by the Offices of Catechetics, Evangelization, Service and Justice, Catholic Family Services, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the event will be chaired by Catechetics Director Pat Gillespie.

On the Friday evening, musician and songwriter Matt Maher, a Newfoundlander, will give a concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Maher, who has performed at World Youth Days and papal rallies, is a seasoned worship leader who has previously performed in Vancouver.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m. Saturday, and the conference will feature a ministry fair and exhibits.

Participants can register online at www.rcav.org/conference. The cost for the full two-day program is $45; Saturday only is $30 if registration is completed before Feb. 10.