2025 Good News Conference Highlights: Hope from Catholic Voices
- Good News Conference
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
The 2025 Good News Conference was one for the books! Together, we celebrated with a record-breaking amount of attendees and incredible moments of Faith brought to us by world-renowned Catholic speakers and evangelists. We’re looking back on some of our favorite highlights from the conference, and already getting revved up for what God has in store in 2026!
An Exciting Pre-Night Event
Corporate Travel President John Hale warmly welcomed our guests to an evening of drinks, live music, and community the night before the conference. An uplifting blessing from Fr. Mark-Mary Ames set the tone for a weekend filled with faith and meaningful connection, while Katie McGrady built excitement for the days ahead as she interviewed guests throughout the evening. It was a beautiful night to catch up with old friends, meet new conference attendees, and prepare our hearts for what God would bring!
A Special Sculpture Experience with Timothy Schmalz
On Friday morning, many of our guests strolled through a sculpture garden led by artist Timothy Schmalz, a renowned sculptor whose work is featured in Saint Peters Square and sacred sites worldwide. His stunning sculptures depicting the 12 Stations of the Cross are on display at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
Celebrating 25 years of Word on Fire
We were honored to partner with our friends at Word on Fire as they celebrated 25 years in 2025. Conference guests enjoyed a special panel with Bishop Robert Barron and Fr. Steve Grunow, moderated by John Barron. Bishop Barron also led Masses throughout the weekend, serving as a powerful evangelistic presence for the conference centered on the theme of hope.
Moving Keynote Presentations on Hope
Fr. Rob Galea – From Empty to Overflowing A powerful call to receive hope before we try to share it. Fr. Rob invited us into a deeper personal encounter with hope so we could become authentic messengers to a world in need.
Jeff Cavins – Hope Makes Life Irresistible Biblical hope is never isolated—it’s rooted in God’s faithfulness and strengthened through faith and love. Jeff Cavins unpacked how the three theological virtues work together to transform lives and anchor the soul.
Sr. Agnes Mary Graves – My God, I Hope in Thee Sr. Agnes discussed the controversial topics of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, citing a loss of hope in a world grappling with suffering and death. She reflected on supernatural hope through Church teaching and the witness of St. Damien of Molokai, offering clarity and courage in difficult moral conversations.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames – Mary, Mother of Hope Drawing from the Beatitudes, Host of The Rosary in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary, revealed Mary as the ultimate model of hope—one who teaches us to trust in God’s presence and strengthens us through her prayers.
Fr. Mike Schmitz – The Strength of Hope A powerful reflection on how hope sustains, strengthens, and steadies us through every season of life.
Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB – Embracing Vulnerability Hope requires risk. Fr. Boniface explores how disappointment and woundedness don’t disqualify our dreams—but invite deeper trust, healing, and accompaniment. He said the loving support of a good friend or mentor can be helpful for accompanying us on the journey.
Haley Stewart – Hope Is the True Story When the life of writer Haley Stewart collapsed unexpectedly in 2024, she had to wrestle with whether all the stories of hope she had read and written could be true. She found that the Gospel is the true story of hope in which grief and joy can coexist, and even suffering can be a gift.
Fireside Chats with Hollywood Evangelists
Jonathan Roumie - In an enlightening discussion led by Corporate Travel President John Hale, Jonathan Roumie, star of The Chosen, spoke about the complex responsibilities that come with portraying Jesus on a hit television series.
David Henrie - This talented Disney actor, best known for his role as Justin Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, discussed the importance of patronage in the arts and how there has been an increase in Catholic films and series.
Inspiring Breakout Sessions
Brandon Vogt with Emily Stimpson Chapman & Haley Stewart - These Catholic authors and mothers explored how Scripture forms children’s faith and imagination. Moderated by Brandon Vogt, the panel offered practical ways to bring Bible stories into family life and highlighted The Story of All Stories, Word on Fire’s new children’s Bible.
Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis: Lourdes: 72 Miraculous Cures - The President of the Lourdes Medical Bureau shared how rigorous science and deep faith work together in the Church’s careful discernment of miraculous healings—offering hope to the sick and their families.
Paula Umaña: Living as a Pilgrim of Hope - After a life-changing injury, former pro tennis player Paula Umaña shared practical tools for facing suffering with faith and courage, drawing from her book Rediscovering Hope and her EWTN series Gifts of Hope.
More Highlights from the Good News Catholic Conference
Book signings with renowned Catholic authors
Incredible Emcee presentations from Catholic scholar Matthew Petrusek, who welcomed guests with faith, fellowship, and hope.
Private confessions, prompting healing and renewal for guests
Exciting exhibits from conference sponsors
Night Prayers, led by Ashley Nemeh
Delicious meals and more!
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