Approximately 600 people attended the summer conference sponsored by the little servants of Christ The King prayer community in Sudbury on the weekend of August 18th to 20th. and were blessed and encouraged while "Journeying Into The Heart of The Father".

The opening Mass was concelebrated by both Bishops of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, Jean-Louis Plouffe and Robert Harris; a visitor of Bishop Plouffe, Bishop Rodriguez from Brazil; Msgr. Raymond Farrell; Fr.André Tremblay, pastor of St. Mathieu's parish; Fr. Brendan Doherty, pastor of St. Anthony's parish; Fr. Larry Rymes, pastor of Our Lady of Hope parish; Fr. Mel Stevens of Crystal Beach, Ont.; Fr. Jeffrey Shannon, Companions of the Cross, Ottawa; and Fr. Bill Halbing.

Homilist for the opening Mass, Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe, commenting on the Readings of the day from Ezekiel 16, Isaiah 12 and Matthew 19, told of God's enduring love even in times of turmoil and hardship. Bishop Plouffe encouraged everyone present to be open to receive the graces which God our Father, the Living God, would bestow throughout the weekend.

Having been described by Bishop Plouffe as a man filled with the joy of the Lord, Father Bill Halbing, a noted scripture scholar, did not fail to share that joy throughout each of his talks. Although delivered with much wit and humour, no one present failed to hear the message Father Bill proclaimed; that of the importance of living the truths taught in Scripture, and adhering to the teachings of the Catholic faith as outlined by the Magisterium of the Church. He began with the passage, "Behold I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16), explaining the necessity of Catholic Christians giving testimony to what God has done, is doing and will continue to do for and within those who live in relationship with Him.

Father Bill quoted from John 14:6: "Jesus said, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him'." Thus began the journey into the heart of the Father, through Jesus who, as Father Bill said, is the door to the heart of the Father.

We were blessed to have among us a large number of young people, including several from the Sudbury Region who were accompanied by their parents. Also attending was a group from the North Bay, Callander and Powassin areas who are members of YEO (Youth Evangelizing Others). The youth made a significant contribution to the weekend through the presentation of two skits and in enthusiastically dancing throughout the auditorium singing and waving flags in praise while encouraging everyone present to share in their joyful demonstration of love for the Lord.

Healing tears were evident as all were invited to "touch the hem of His garment" as Father Jeff Shannon carried the monstrance bearing Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament throughout the assembly.

Father Halbing issued an invitation to anyone in the assembly who had not previously done so, to receive Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord. Many responded and were led in a prayer of commitment to Him.

An opportunity was extended to receive prayer through the laying on of hands as all present were invited to bring their requests to the Lord. Several prayer teams were also available during the weekend for those who wished to be prayed with individually.

The entire weekend was deeply enhanced by the Spirit-filled music ministry of the litle servants of Christ The King prayer community, as they led conference participants in many beautiful and joyous songs of prayer and praise.

There is certain to be much more healing and conversion of hearts when all come to realize, as stated by Father Bill in his last talk, "We will never have more of God until we realize that God is all we have".