This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Susan Neilson, former president of the of national Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW), will be the keynote speaker as women of the faith gather April 29-30 in Salt Lake City.

Neilson's address, titled "A Joyful Heart," is part of the 89th Annual Convention for the Diocese of Salt Lake City Council of Catholic Women, with its theme of "Catholic Women: Instruments of Joy."

The Intermountain Catholic notes that Neilson, also a former San Francisco province director of the National Council of Catholic Women, is a frequent inspirational speaker at conventions nationwide.

"Susan personifies our theme of joy," current DCCW President Marcie Downs told the newspaper. "[She] has shared her Catholic faith at every ring of council, mentoring women with love and laughter."

Other speakers include Mollie Murphy Dale, who works in the refugee services office of the Utah Department of Workforce Services; and James and Karyn Anderson, who have provided aid to refugees from Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Syria.

A Saturday Vigil Mass, as well as a Sunday presentation, will feature the Salt Lake City diocese's newly appointed bishop, Oscar A. Solis.

The convention's Woman of the Year banquet will be held April 29 at 7:15 p.m. at the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel, 150 W. 500 South.

To register, visit http://www.dccwutah.org.

Bob Mims