Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen

Christ Our Life 2026: Iowa's Biggest Catholic Weekend with Ellen Miller & Marilyn Lane - 09/26/2026

Episode Summary

Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Ellen Miller and Marilyn Lane, co-founders of the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference, on the opening day of the ninth biennial gathering at Casey's Center in Des Moines. They share how speakers are chosen, what's new for families and youth, and why thousands of Catholics return every two years for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, confession, and world-class Catholic speakers. Whether you attend in person or by livestream, it's not too late to join this weekend's celebration of faith in the heart of Iowa. $30 adult pass, in person or livestream; 23 and under free Free youth breakout with pizza and speaker Q&A Speakers include Bishop Joseph Espaillat, Fr. Robert Spitzer, and Chris Stefanick Eucharistic adoration and confession all weekend Sunday Mass is open to all at no charge

Episode Notes

It's Christ Our Life weekend! Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jeanne Thill visit with Ellen Miller and Marilyn Lane, the co-founders and co-chairs of the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference. They talk on the morning the ninth biennial conference opens at Casey's Center in downtown Des Moines.

Bishop's Calendar
Bishop Joensen previews a busy stretch. The priests of the Diocese of Des Moines hold their annual workshop in Iowa City, focused on evangelization and led by Very Rev. PJ McManus, Vicar of Evangelization and Mission. Diocese of Des Moines seminarian Connor Lynch will be ordained a deacon at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on Thursday, October 1, the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The following weekend, the diocese hosts a regional gathering of diocesan attorneys. Bishop Joensen also reflects on his recent Poland pilgrimage, including the visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Mass with the Carmelite sisters nearby. Next week's show will look more closely at that pilgrimage.

Two Years in the Making
Ellen and Marilyn describe the two-year planning cycle behind each conference, from committee meetings to the final details. They also explain how speakers are chosen, with input from the committee and board, to reach every age and stage of faith. Since the first conference in 2010, Christ Our Life has grown into a gathering of thousands.

2026 Speakers

• Bishop Joseph Espaillat, auxiliary bishop of New York, known for his ministry to young people, who will also lead a meditation during Saturday adoration
• Fr. Robert Spitzer, SJ, returning to speak on his research into near-death experiences
• Sister Medhin Tesfay of Ethiopia, who will speak on faith through war, hardship, and forgiveness, and on her work with Mary's Meals
• Charbel Raish of Australia, founder of Parousia Media and author of How Islam Led Me Back to Christ
• Crystalina Evert of Women Made New Ministries, who will address the main arena and a breakout for young women
• Gabriel Castillo, host of the "Children of Mary" podcast, who will speak to young men
• Chris Stefanick, founder of Real Life Catholic
• Bishop William Joensen, giving the homily at Saturday morning Mass

Music and Worship
Steve Angrisano returns to lead praise and worship. Father David Michael Moses joins from Texas, and Father Max Carson serves as emcee. Emily Schmid directs a choir of about 30 voices for both conference Masses.

Youth Breakout
In its second year, the free high school and college breakout brings main-stage speakers back for more intimate sessions with young people. Free pizza is included.

Sacraments at the Center
The weekend includes Mass, confession available through the afternoon and evening, and Saturday evening Eucharistic adoration in the darkened arena. Before setup began, a team prayed the rosary around Casey's Center and blessed it with holy water and holy salt. About 66 vendors and exhibitors line the concourse.

How to Join

• When: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026
• Where: Casey's Center, 233 Center Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Tickets: $30 per adult for the two-day pass, in person or livestream. Ages 23 and under attend free, but registration is still required.
• Livestream: Visit the Christ Our Life website and select "Buy a ticket now" or "I already have a ticket." Past livestreams have reached viewers in as many as 14 countries.
• Sunday Mass: Open to all at no charge. Doors open around 12:15 p.m., and Mass begins about 12:30 p.m.
• Phone: 866-206-3303

Learn more and get tickets at ChristOurLifeIowa.com

View the full conference schedule: ChristOurLifeIowa.com/schedule

Hear Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen every week on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network, the Spirit Catholic Radio Network, and IowaCatholicRadio.com

#ChristOurLife #ChristOurLifeIowa #CatholicConference #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #DesMoines #Iowa #CatholicIowa #Eucharist #EucharisticAdoration #Confession #CatholicYouth #MarysMeals #FrSpitzer #ChrisStefanick #BishopEspaillat #CrystalinaEvert #CatholicFaith #Evangelization