The Catholic Morning Show
Inside Christ Our Life: How 200 Volunteers Power Iowa's Biggest Catholic Conference – Bruce Mehlhop & Diane Klopfenstein – 08/13/2026
Episode Summary
Christ Our Life Conference volunteer coordinators Bruce Mehlhop and Diane Klopfenstein join Bo Bonner to preview the September 26–27, 2026 Catholic conference at Casey's Center in Des Moines. They share how roughly 150 to 200 unpaid volunteers, a team they've helped lead since 2010, keep ticket prices low and the entirely volunteer-run event running smoothly for thousands of Iowa Catholics. Bruce and Diane explain how listeners can sign up to usher, staff confession lines, serve as Eucharistic escorts, or spend a shift in adoration at Iowa's largest biennial Catholic gathering.
Episode Notes
About the Guests
- Bruce Mehlhop — Volunteer Coordinator for Christ Our Life Conference and the event's Knights of Columbus liaison. Involved with the conference since 2010; has led the volunteer team since 2014.
- Diane Klopfenstein — Volunteer Assistant for Christ Our Life Conference, helping coordinate ushers, Eucharistic escorts, and the volunteer information table.
Event Highlights
- Christ Our Life Conference is held every two years at Casey's Center (formerly Wells Fargo Arena) in Des Moines — no paid staff, entirely volunteer-run.
- Roughly 150–200 volunteers typically staff the weekend, filling roles from ushering and confession-line support to Eucharistic escorts and adoration chapel coverage.
- Volunteers can pick up single or multiple shifts around the speaker schedule — and still need to have a conference ticket.
Logistics & Links
- Dates: Saturday–Sunday, September 26–27, 2026
- Location: Casey's Center, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Volunteer sign-up: Sign up here
- Conference info & tickets: ChristOurLifeIowa.com
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