A successful conference with more than 100 participants on St. John Henry Newman took place on the campus of Holy Family Church in Essex Junction on Oct. 10.

The evening began with Sung Vespers in Latin at 4 p.m. with Father Kevin Chalifoux as celebrant. He was assisted by Father Matthew Rensch and Father James Dodson with Father Steven Marchand as organist. Robert Cade led the Vespertine chanting.

After the completion of Vespers, the gathering joined in Robideau Hall of Holy Family/St. Lawrence Parish Center for a pork dinner.  Thanks go to Bill Rensch and the Knights of Columbus from Williston and Richmond for providing the meal and to the Edmundites for providing the wine.

After dinner, Father Chalifoux presented on St. John Henry Newman as the Master Preacher of the Nature and Grace Controversies.

The keynote speaker was Dr. John McCarthy, a tutor at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Northfield, Massachusetts. He spoke on “The Idea of a University” by Cardinal Newman.

The conference was very well received and it is hoped that it will become an annual event.