I’m at the Napa Institute after attending for the first time last year. Napa Institute brings together 500+ Catholics for prayer, fellowship, and enrichment. I’d describe its goal as equipping Catholic leaders of all stripes to confidently re-enter the public square as Christians in a secular culture.

This year I’ll be participating in a panel discussion that I’ll share more about after it happens. I’m also joined this year by Bobby and Kristina Schindler of the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network. If last year was an indication, this should be a rewarding five days in a beautiful part of the country:

The 7th annual Napa Institute Conference will be held July 26-30 at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California.  Featured speakers include Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum, author George Weigel, author Mary Eberstadt, Dr. Tim Gray and Dr. Ted Sri, both of the Augustine Institute, Fr. Robert Spitzer S.J., president of the Magis Center and the Spitzer Center, and attorney Alan Sears.

The weekend conference includes fine dining and socializing opportunities.  On Thursday evening, for example, dinner includes a Taste of Napa Valley, which features products from wineries and breweries from all over Napa Valley.  Off-site events for attendees to choose from include a golf outing at Eagle Vines, wine tasting at Mondavi or Domaine Carneros, Trinitas Library Tasting and, for the first time this year, a tasting at the Napa Distillery.