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Diocesan Family Conference 2026

Diocesan Family Conference

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Ebensburg

About the Conference

In celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the annual diocesan men’s, women’s, and youth conferences have been combined into one signature event for all ages. The theme of the conference is “We Are the Body of Christ, The Church of Altoona-Johnstown” in celebration of the family of believers that has shaped the 125-year legacy of faith in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. 

This family conference offers opportunities for men, women, married couples, single individuals, young adults, teens and youth. There will be a keynote address for all and breakout sessions for the groups mentioned above. Bishop Mark will celebrate Mass as part of the day, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and an Eucharistic Adoration Chapel will be available. 

About the Keynote Speaker and Breakout Sessions

Renowned Catholic speaker and musician Steve Angrisano will serve as the keynote speaker for the Diocesan Family Conference. Angrisano will share his music and thoughts and reflections on what it means to be the “Body of Christ” in the Church of Altoona-Johnstown. 

Led by experienced presenters, breakout sessions will be offered to conference attendees and will be rooted in a variety of topics. Held in a smaller group setting, these sessions offer attendees the opportunity to enrich their Catholic faith. Topics include, but are not limited to, parenting, marriage, men’s and women’s spirituality, young adult issues, mental health, vocations, missions, respect life, Catholic Social Teaching, and diocesan history.

Registrants will have the opportunity to select the breakout sessions they wish to participate in when they complete their conference registration, whether it is completed online or by mail. 

Conference Schedule

  • 7:45 – 8:55 AM | Registration & Hospitality
  • 9:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Prayer
  • 9:30 – 10:15 AM | Keynote Session (All Ages) – Steve Angrisano
  • 10:15 AM | Youth commute to their area and adults to breakouts
  • 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Breakout Session Block #1
  • 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Community Time
  • 1:00 – 1:15 PM | Youth commute to their area and adults to breakouts
  • 1:15 – 2:15 PM | Breakout Session Block #2
  • 2:15 – 2:25 PM | Students return to the main area to gather with adults
  • 2:30 – 3:30 PM | Family Activity Session (All Ages Together)
    Service Projects, Living Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, Divine Mercy Chaplet
  • 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Final Keynote (All Ages) – Steve Angrisano
  • If participants are unable to join us for Mass, this is the time to depart.
  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Closing Liturgy with Bishop Mark (fulfills the Sunday obligation)
    • *The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered throughout the day and times posted on the day of the conference.

Registration Information

Lunch is included with the registration fee

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School is a handicap accessible facility 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 4

Registration can be completed online or by mail

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Please note the codes of the breakout sessions listed below that you would like to select for your registration. You will choose two plus one alternate. The codes will need to be submitted in your registration. 

Due to the diocesan payment system, registration and payment need to be completed through two separate websites.

Click HERE to complete registration

Click HERE to complete payment

MAIL-IN REGISTRATION

Please pick up a registration booklet from any parish in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and complete the registration page. Mail the page and payment to the address included in the book.

Click HERE to download and print your own registration booklet PDF

Please direct all questsions to Francince Swope at fswope@dioceseaj.org or 814-695-5579

Breakout Sessions

Listed below is the information for the breakout sessions. Each session has a short description as well as a code (ex. A100) that should be listed when selecting the two preferred breakout sessions and one backup sessions on the registration form. Please reach out to Francine Swope at fswope@dioceseaj.org or 814-695-5579 with any questions. 

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