15th Annual Catholic Homeschool
Conference & Curriculum Fair

TIME	EVENT
8:30 a.m.	Holy Mass*
9:00 a.m.	Registration Free continental breakfast
9:30 a.m.	Preparing Teens to Face an Unholy World Rev. Frank E. Papa, S.O.L.T.,J.C.D. A priest with Human Life International and much work with teens, Father Papa will share how to keep your best efforts from being undermined when your children leave your home.
10:30 a.m.	Papal Cautions for Homeschoolers Rev. Robert Levis Father is a hugely popular speaker each year at this conference. His wit and courageous manner of speaking truth and wisdom are very much appreciated.
11:30 a.m.	Open Forum For new, veteran or yet to begin homeschoolers. Got questions on following the law, evaluations, or getting into college? Come and get those questions answered.
12 noon- 1:30 p.m.	Participants may bring packed lunches or visit Route 22's eating establishments.
1:30 p.m.	Door prize drawings in vendor area (gym)
2:00 p.m.	What St. Paul Says About Mission and Submission in the Family Rev. Edward Connolly In this Year of St. Paul, Father shares an important message for Catholic families.
3:00 p.m.	The Catholic Elements of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Dr. Henry Russell This homeschool dad will make The Lord of the Rings series even more meaningful by bringing out the Catholic themes and lessons.
5:00 p.m.	Conclusion of Conference

*The parish offers confessions at 3:30 - 4:30 and 6:00 - 6:45. Parish evening Masses are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for those unable to attend the morning Mass.

if postmarked by 4/5/2009 $15 first family member** $8 spouse or grandparent** $8 per child/student**

if postmarked after 4/5/2009 or at the door: $18 first family member** $8 spouse or grandparent** $10 per child/student**

Clergy & religious may attend free of charge

**Current and new subscribers to the network newsletter receive a discount of $3 per person!

Most affordable Catholic event to attend! No cost increase again this year.

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Please note: To save on expenses, no confirmation is sent for registrations. Nametags will be available at the door for those who pre-register. If you need to confirm your pre-registration or for any other questions regarding this conference, please e-mail us at conference@catholichomeschoolpa.org.

Will I be able to take home next year's curriculum?  Yes. Because of the vast array of vendors invited, families who supplement or organize their own curriculum could find virtually all of their materials at this one event AND save on shipping charges. Even the full-service curriculum providers will have quantities of individual books available. NOTE: Due to pre-testing requirements and space limitations in transport, families choosing to use full-service curriculum providers will not be able to take home their entire curriculum. However, discussion with them and reviewing their materials will be most invaluable, and supplemental items may be purchased at this time.

Can we trust the choices of materials available to choose from?  You can feel confident that we are very careful to select vendors who are providing materials and/or lesson plans that are loyal to the Holy Father and the Catholic Church teaching. Catholic parents who attended this event in the past have expressed their appreciation that the 75+ vendors invited will assist them in giving their children a thoroughly Catholic faith and education. However, some vendors carry other popular items such as Saxon math, phonics programs, and many other supplemental materials as well. Despite the economy, a tremendous selection of regular and new vendors are registered for the 2009 conference!

Will there be materials for my special needs child?  Vendors are requested to bring an adequate supply of materials to meet these needs. Some vendors may cater to special needs students more than others. Veteran homeschoolers also will be available throughout the day to answer your questions.

Do I have to pay if I only want to look at books? Yes. Unfortunately, this is necessary to meet expenses such as facility rental, insurance, promotion, etc.

Please note that some vendors do not accept credit cards.

Child/Student Attendance Policy: Nursing infants are welcome and attend free of charge. Due to the manpower and amount of responsibility involved, childcare is not provided. Most parents find it easier to concentrate on the speakers and vendors knowing that someone familiar is watching their children at home. However, any students who desire to assist their parents in choosing their curriculum or meeting with the college representatives are welcome to attend.

Parents who are unable to make other arrangements must accompany their children at all times. Since all talks are being recorded, parents are requested to remove noisy children from the conference room.

Directions

From PA Turnpike (I-76): Take PA Turnpike exit 247. Take Route 283 North. Look for I-83 North and I-81 North. Take I-81 North to Paxtonia exit 72. Turn left at first light (Route 22). The church is on the left about 1/4 mile.

From Route I-81 (North or South): Take Paxtonia exit (Exit 72B northbound, Exit 72A southbound). Turn left at first light (Route 22). The church is on the left side of the road approximately 1/4 mile.

Lodging

Harrisburg facilities fill up well in advance, especially due to any major events in town that weekend. Make your reservations early to guarantee a room. Unless otherwise noted, ask for the "Catholic Homeschoolers" rooms when making reservations. Some additional discounts may apply.

Best Western, off exit 69 of I-81 on Progress Avenue, Harrisburg (717) 545-9089; continental breakfast; $119+tax for 1-2 persons/room, ask for Group Code "CG0405"; while rooms are available or until March 17.

Comfort Inn, off exit 77 of I-81, along Route 39 East toward Hershey, (717) 566-2050; $119+tax; light continental breakfast; while rooms are available or until March 5.

Red Roof Inn, off exit 69 of I-81, Harrisburg (800) 733-7663 or (717) 657-1445; $115.99+tax; while rooms are available or until March 17. Children under 17 are free.

Area Activities

For information on nearby sites (i.e. state capitol, National Civil War Museum, other museums, Hershey Zoo, Hershey Chocolate World and other attractions) to visit while in the area or for parents who wish to occupy the children while their spouse attends the conference/curriculum fair, please see their web sites or the site for the Harrisburg Welcome Center.

Please do not call the parish for conference information.