On April 23, St. Louis will play host to the OneFaith Experience — an event featuring popular Catholic speakers such as Fr. Larry Richards, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Tim Staples, Hector Molina, Teresa Tomeo and Adam Blai. A concert will follow the conference that evening, headlined by Matt Maher, John Tibbs and The Thirsting. Following is an interview with EWTN Radio host Jerry Usher (Take 2 With Jerry and Debbie), co-host of the event.

What's the OneFaith Experience all about?

The OneFaith Experience is designed to bring like-minded people together who want to enjoy an atmosphere of dynamic faith presentations, great contemporary Christian music and energetic fellowship. There are many great events like this that take place all over the country. We're aiming to add a few elements that conference goers sometimes aren't presented with. Things like an immersive multi-media presentation made possible by the use of Chaifetz Arena's four huge jumbo screens, one in each corner of the arena. We're busy producing dozens of custom video elements that will enhance the attendees' experience, and, God willing, leave them re-energized to go out and actively engage in the New Evangelization. 

Sounds big. Should I call it a conference?

Technically, yes, it's an all-day conference, followed by an evening music concert. However, our decision to call it an "experience" touches upon some of the things I mentioned above, namely, we want people leaving this event feeling proud to be Catholic, and excited to share their faith with family members, friends and everyone around them. Of course, this is hardly unique to our event, as there are lots of great conferences put on throughout the year. We just wanted to implement a slightly different model, and thus, the decision to call it an "experience." 

How will the feel be different from other Catholic conferences?

I provided a general answer before, but a few other features can be mentioned. Debbie Georgianni and I will be the hosts for the day. Rather than introducing each speaker by reading his or her bio from the stage, we will be positioned on a "set" off to the side of the main speaking stage. Prior to speaking, each presenter will join us on the set, and together we will conversationally introduce the speakers to the audience, giving people a unique look at their lives and ministries through dialogue. All this is designed to make the attendees feel like they're in the middle of an interesting and engaging conversation with their favorite speakers.  

Who are the featured speakers?

I’m glad you asked because we’ve got an exciting lineup.

Fr. Larry Richards will speak on totally surrendering our lives to the will of God.

Adam Blai will give a presentation that includes a brief overview of evil spirits and how they can influence us, but most of his talk will be geared toward helping people understand that we don't have to be afraid of evil, the devil can't harm us if we pray and remain in a state of grace, and he'll address many of the dangerous things that are facing our young people today, trying to get them to turn away from God and allow evil to enter their lives. 

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers will detail the importance of taking what we learn and live as Catholics (in prayer, at Mass, etc.) while going out into the world and evangelizing a culture that doesn't know it's great need for God. Deacon Harold will place a special emphasis on restoring the family as God always intended it to be.

Teresa Tomeo is going to talk about her faith journey, and how the mercy of God, which she experienced so deeply in her life along the way, is available to all, especially during this Year of Mercy.

Hector Molina is nicknamed "The Motivangelist." It's a cross between a motivator and an evangelist. His passion for spreading our Catholic faith will come through clearly, as he will provide concrete, simple things we all can do to help draw souls to Jesus and the Church.

Tim Staples' talk will be on being boldly Catholic. He will get into things like the importance of the Church's magisterium, our need for the sacraments, the role of Mary in the life of a devout Christian, and much more.

Any entertainment?

We don't really use the word "entertainment." We'd rather just refer to the "music," or the "concert," that evening. It's not really the intent of the musicians to "entertain" people, but rather to help them open their hearts to how God wants to touch them that evening and beyond. The music acts will be:

• The Thirsting (www.thirstingcatholic.com), a cutting edge Catholic band from the Pacific Northwest.
• John Tibbs (http://johntibbsmusic.com), who is traveling with Matt Maher on the latter's "Saints and Sinners" tour.
• Matt Maher (www.mattmahermusic.com), 8-time Grammy nominee and GMA Songwriter of the Year, arguably the most sought-after Catholic singer/songwriter today. 

A very key point to make here is for those young people who will be traveling to Poland for World Youth Day, or, especially for those who are unable to go. Matt Maher and many bands will be performing this summer at WYD. For those who are blessed to go this July, the OneFaith Extreme concert would be a great way to get themselves fired up for WYD. And, of course, for those who cannot make the trip with their friends this summer, this could be their WYD. It's a tremendous opportunity that doesn't come along very often. 

What's the general message of the event?

The OneFaith Experience has no specific central theme. One reason for that is because we wanted to allow the Holy Spirit to work through our mutual prayer and discernment with the speakers to see what was on each of their hearts to present to those in attendance. We believe the topics they've chosen have come together to weave a perfect blend of issues that are of importance to people today. I will say that the name, OneFaith, was chosen specifically because our God is One, our faith is one, we are called to be one (unified in Jesus Christ), and the world today wants to tell people that there are many paths to God and to Heaven. While God alone judges hearts, we are commanded to go out and make disciples of all nations (disciples of Jesus Christ, specifically). He alone is the way to the Father. Thus, our desire to draw attention to the need for Christians and people of goodwill to be united in one faith, one baptism, one Lord.

Should I leave my family at home?

The OneFaith Experience will be totally family-friendly. Parents should ask themselves, "Should I leave my children at home when we go to Mass?" That's an easy question to answer: no. Nothing at the OneFaith experience will be inappropriate for young ears, minds or hearts. Even if people are concerned about Adam Blai's presentation on evil in the world, they shouldn’t be. Adam has been praised by EWTN and many others as being the most balanced, sensitive voice on these issues you can find. What he is going to present will be vital for parents and their children to hear - a popular look at crucial realities that could save lives and souls. And, of course, at $15 or $18 per event (conference and concert), we've priced it precisely so that entire families could afford to come. 

Where can I learn more?

Just visit our website, onefaithexperience.com.

A Group Advantage discount is available for groups of ten or more people. And if a group of 40 registers, they receive four free tickets to whichever event (conference, concert or both) they sign up for. And there are travel packages that include tickets, hotels, etc., for those who are coming from outside the St. Louis area. We already have groups coming from throughout Illinois, Minneapolis, Syracuse, Houston, Wichita and Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Advance purchase ticket pricing will end in early April. People will still be able to purchase individual or group tickets, but prices will increase, so they should buy theirs soon.

Jerry, thanks for taking the time to discuss this important and exciting event.

Thanks again, Shaun.