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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Marian Conference?

The 2019 Marian Conference at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is an opportunity to enter into an experience of prayer, reflection, learning and adoration with the ultimate goal of becoming closer to Jesus through His mother, Mary. In an atmosphere alternating between quiet and celebration, it will be a gathering of at least 800 Catholics from IHM and nearby parishes to reflect on their lives, their families and their world; and with the help of the international and national speakers invited for the event, grow deeper in relationship with Mary and Jesus.

2. Do I need to pre-register?

Yes, as seating is limited, we advise you to pre-register online via FaithDirect or Eventbrite beginning March 2019. You may also opt to pre-register by sending the form through mail or by dropping off the signed form at the Parish Office of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood, CA 94513). Same day registration will be available during the Conference; however, for the interest of organization and convenience on the part of the participants, we advise that you take advantage of the various avenues to pre-register.

3. What does my conference registration fee cover?

Your registration fee of $30 covers admission to sessions and side events during the two-day conference. This also includes a Conference bag, ID tag and lanyard, souvenir program and tokens from our event sponsors. The Marian Conference begins at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 11, 2019 and ends at 10:00 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2019. Kindly standby for the full Conference schedule. We, of course, highly encourage that you attend all the Sacraments, sessions and side events, but also recognize that this entails commitment. The registration fee will remain the same, though, even if you are able to attend only one, or all sessions and side events.

4. Are meals included with my conference registration fee?

Food is separate from your Conference registration fee. When you register, you will have an option to pre-purchase meals. Snacks will also be available for on-site purchase

5. Is lodging available if I wish to stay in Brentwood throughout the conference?

Lodging is limited, but available, in the Brentwood area. Two hotels are just a short drive to the conference.

•Hampton Inn Brentwood is at 7605 Brentwood Blvd, just 2.4 miles from IHM. Their direct number is 925-513-1299.

•Best Western Brentwood Inn is located at 8820 Brentwood Blvd, just 3 miles away. Their direct number is 925-634-6400.

6. Are there multiple sites for the conference?

No, the entire Marian Conference will be conducted on the IHM grounds. Parking will be available within the vicinity, but as space is limited, we do encourage carpooling. Parking has also been arranged off the IHM grounds, with shuttle services available for the entire duration of the Marian Conference. A full vicinity map will be made available, to include reference to Masses, Confessions, Adoration and Benediction, Rosary, Conference sessions, registration desk, food booths and the exhibitors area for books, vestments, sacramental wine and other religious items like statues, rosaries, medallions, veils and prayer cards. There will likewise be recordings of the Conference sessions on USB drive and commemorative shirts for sale which we encourage you to pre-order together with your registration.

7. How should I dress?

Most people dress very modest casual, and nice jeans. Some choose to change into dress clothes for Holy Masses. A light sweater or coat is a good idea for this time of the year in Brentwood.

8. Can I bring my children?

The Marian Conference is a family Conference. Children are most welcome, and 11 and under are free! Youth 12-17 receive a reduced rate of $15 to attend. There will be a Praise and Worship Night for the Family on Friday starting at 7:30 PM. Parents with very young children can sit towards the back of the church, if they so choose, for stroller space.

9. How do I find out the conference schedule?

The full Conference schedule will be made available on the Conference website, which will also contain information on each of our speakers once they have confirmed. You will likewise receive a printed souvenir program upon registration. We recommend keeping it with you at all times, but if you forget or lose it, you can get a copy of the full Conference schedule at the Registration Desk.

10. Can I volunteer to help in any way?

Absolutely! We are very grateful for volunteers! There would be no Conference without them! Before the Conference, call the IHM office at 925-634-4154. Any one who can stay to help break down the Conference at the end is most appreciated! Many hands make light work and we can be done in a couple of hours!

11. Will there be sessions in Spanish?

Yes. From our experience at the last Conference, aside from having translation devices readily available to those who might need them, we will also have at least three (3) parallel sessions in Spanish. More details to follow.

12. Can I make a contribution and/or advertise for the conference?

Most definitely! IHM is a 501C(3) non-profit and all donations are tax-deductible. The Conference does not strive to make a profit, but to cover expenses. Donations should be made to IHM – 2019 Marian Conference. Several sponsorship levels and print advertising options are available, or you can consider sponsoring a group of youth to attend. Call Deanna Betschart at (925) 222-9661 for details.

13. Is the conference recorded?

Yes, the Conference is recorded, and will be available for a reasonable fee. You can pre-order USB as you register, and they will be mailed after the Conference. We do not sell video recordings.

14. I have already registered for the conference, what happens next?

Once you have registered, you will receive confirmation through email, phone call and/or mail. This will come in handy, but not necessary as we have the records, when you check-in on the actual day of the Conference and there receive your Conference bag, ID tag and lanyard, souvenir program and tokens from our event sponsors. Please help us promote the Conference to your family and friends, to your local church community and the ministries you are part of, and share with them this wonderful opportunity to grow in more faith and trust in God’s mercy … by being part the 2019 Marian Conference!