“One in the Spirit: A Catholic Homecoming” is a celebration of the Catholic faith that will take place at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia on Saturday, November 1. Sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Savannah, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds, located off Interstate 75 in middle Georgia. Doors open at 9 a.m. There is no admission charge. Inspirational talks, music, and liturgy will serve to renew, restore and revitalize the faith of all who come.

Homilists

Bishop Richard Malone, Bishop of the Diocese of Portland, Maine

Bishop J. Kevin Boland, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah

General Track

Emcee: Derek Wright, Fox 24 Television in Macon. He has worked in television and radio for over 18 years and is a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Macon.

Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, Cardinal of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, has been a member of several Pontifical Councils, served as the Vatican's spokesperson on issues of Third World debt, served as President of the Episcopal Conference of Honduras, and is the founder of the Catholic University of Honduras, "Our Lady Queen of Peace."

Bishop Richard Joseph Malone, Bishop of Portland, Maine, has been an educator, the archdiocesan liaison with the local Jewish community, has produced and hosted television programs for Boston Catholic Television, and lectured nationally on Catholic education.

ValLimar Jansen is a highly regarded singer, cantor and recording artist. She is also a college professor, a leader of worship and prayer and a workshop presenter at conferences across the United States. Known especially for her work with gospel, contemporary Christian & gospel-jazz styles, she sings a wide range of music, including spirituals & traditional, organ-based choral music.

Hispanic Track

Emcee: Rey Morales, Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry

Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, see above.

Omar Jesus Maytorena from Sonora, Mexico is a lay minister, working as the Director of the Catholic Evangelization Ministry - Bajo la Uncion.

Alabanza is the Augusta Deanery Hispanic Ministry Band/Choir lead by Sonia Rivera, Admin. Assistant for the Diocesan Hispanic Ministry. They play traditional Hispanic liturgy songs, some with a Caribbean sound not common here in the USA. Their music and songs are very lively and will move the spirit of those participating.

Youth Track

Emcees: Chuck Frost, Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adults

Christine Braski, is the Director of Youth Instruction and a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Warner Robins, GA

Tony Melendez is a successful musician and very talented guitarist whose spiritual music has been recognized worldwide. He has released seven albums, published his book "A Gift of Hope," and has made many TV appearances.

Father Tony Ricard, Pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in New Orleans, is the author of several books and a well known inspirational speaker.

Children's Track

Children ages K-5th grade are welcome to attend this Vacation BibleSchool-type experience. Separate areas will be available for eachage group. Parents must register their children for this track at Online Registration by October 15.

Joanne Fast, Coord. of Religious Education at St. Patrick Church, Kathleen, GA

Alvin Blount, Director of Music and Worship, St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA

Dan Funsch, Choir Director, St. Joseph Church, Augusta, GA