Father Blatchford, associate director of Courage International, to speak at Women’s Conference

The 2023 Worcester Catholic Women’s Conference will welcome Father Colin Blatchford as a guest speaker on Oct. 7 at St. Joseph School in Webster. The title of his talk is “Authentic Loving Accompaniment.”  
Father Blatchford, a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville, is the associate director of Courage International. Courage is an apostolate of the Catholic Church for men and women who experience same-sex attractions and those who love them.
Father Blatchford was born in Bloomington, Indiana, and moved all over the East Coast until his family finally settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They lived there for 18 years while he attended an all-boys Catholic boarding high school.  
He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida, in 2006 and completed his seminary training at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, receiving a master’s degree in theology. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Knoxville on May 31, 2014.     
Prior to his appointment as Courage International’s associate director on Sept. 8, 2020, Father Blatchford served for three years as the chaplain for Courage and EnCourage for the Knoxville diocese, a position which he held for two and a half years.  
His diocesan assignment was not his first encounter with Courage. Father Blatchford had the pleasure of meeting Father John Harvey (founder of the Courage Apostolate) while a student at Ave Maria University, when Father Harvey was in residence finishing one of his books. Recently, Father Blatchford completed a master’s degree in psychology from Divine Mercy University, Sterling, Virginia, to better serve the members of Courage and EnCourage.
Bishop Richard F. Stika, who ordained Father Blatchford, says he “has a wonderful devotion to sharing our Catholic faith, and he does so with a very compassionate heart. He possesses an ability to connect with people of all ages, but especially young people, with understanding and empathy.  Clearly, Father has a place in his heart for the mission and ministry of Courage International.”
“No matter what our sins or failures, the love of God is sufficient to transform us,” says Father Blatchford.
The theme of this year’s conference is, “Male & Female, He Created Them.” Other speakers include Father Derek Mobilio, Deborah Savage, Patricia Sandoval, and Christopher Klofft.
In addition to speakers, the sacrament of reconciliation will be available during the lunch break. The conference will begin with adoration and the rosary led by Bishop McManus, who will also celebrate the vigil Mass at 5 p.m.  in St. Joseph Basilica.  There will also be many exhibitors.
Today is the last day to get a ticket for $50. After Sept. 15 the price increases to $60. Student tickets (16-22) are $25. For more information and to order tickets online visit www.wcwconference.com.