Photo Caption: All are invited to hear best-selling Catholic author and popular speaker Scott Hahn during a day-long event on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria.

The New Evangelization, the Eucharist and Mary are among the topics that will be discussed during “A Day with Scott Hahn” on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria.

Two years in the planning, Hahn’s visit is being sponsored by the diocesan Office of Catechetics. The day isn’t only for people involved in faith formation, however.

“My desire to bring him here is to encourage and support people — catechists, laity, anyone who wants to come,” said Dr. Vincent McClean, director of the Office of Catechetics. “I hope it’s an event that people will take advantage of and will benefit from.”

The day will begin with a continental breakfast and registration at 8:30 a.m. and the first session, “Consuming the Word: The Bible, the Eucharist and the New Evangelization,” will be given by Hahn at 10 a.m. After the lunch break his presentations are “Hail Holy Queen” and “First Comes Love.”

Conference participants are invited to end their day at the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, which will be celebrated by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC.

VAST EXPERIENCE
This is a return trip to the Diocese of Peoria for Hahn, who spoke at the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress in 1992.

A former Protestant pastor, Hahn was received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 1986. He is professor of theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990, and is the founder and director of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

In 2005, he was appointed the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Penn.

A best-selling author, Hahn’s books include “The Lamb’s Supper,” “Reasons to Believe” and “Rome Sweet Home,” which he co-authored with his wife, Kimberly. Some of his newest books are “Many are Called,” “Hope for Hard Times,” “The Catholic Bible Dictionary” and “Signs of Life.”

Hundreds of his presentations have been recorded and distributed by Catholic Lighthouse, the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and St. Joseph Communications. He has appeared on EWTN, hosting several popular programs.

The fee for “A Day with Scott Hahn” is $50, which includes lunch. Registration is due by Oct. 18. McClean said 120 people from as far away as Wisconsin and Michigan have already indicated they are coming.

A registration form may be downloaded by visiting Office of Catechetics and selecting “Forms General” from the drop-down display. Checks made payable to Diocese of Peoria and your name, address, phone number and email address may also be sent to Roberta Gifford, Office of Catechetics, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603.

For more information, call the Office of Catechetics at (309) 671-1550.