Peter Atkinson at the Arizona Catholic Homeschool Conference

This past weekend, Peter Atkinson was the keynote speaker of the Arizona Catholic Homeschool Conference. We sat down with him to discuss his experience, talks, speaking engagements, and more!

TMB: What were your days like at the Arizona Catholic Homeschool Conference?

I flew out Friday afternoon to Phoenix, Arizona, to speak at the Arizona Catholic Homeschool Conference. It was after a busy week of work with The Merry Beggars but I was excited to share the work we’re doing with a new audience. After a night at a hotel, I worked on my talks, went to the conference at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and delivered two keynote talks there. It was a wonderful experience. [I] flew back at midnight on Saturday, landed at 5am and came straight home to take my wife and two children to church!

You mentioned you spoke at the conference - what were you sharing with your audience? 

I share our work with The Saints and our mission to tell stories founded in the Catholic worldview. Homeschoolers often choose to homeschool because they are intentionally trying to create a beautiful, nurturing environment where their children’s mind and hearts can thrive. I was overjoyed to bring The Merry Beggars to the conference as a resource that families there can use to build up cultures of life, faith, and joy in their homes.

What’s something you learned from your conversations with homeschool families?

It is not easy homeschooling! I knew that before (having gone through it myself) but I was struck by how intentional a sacrifice it is to homeschool. It can lay a foundation for the formation of your children, but it requires taking on a large amount of responsibility for every aspect of your children’s upbringing. I was inspired by the witnesses of so many mothers and fathers there - and inspired to find new ways to support them in their vocations!

Are there any plans for similar events in the future?

I love speaking and sharing the message of our work with audiences and conferences. If I can make it work with my family’s schedule, I would love to speak at additional conferences - whether they are Christian or Catholic communities, professional organizations, public or private schools, or parishes and communities - you name it. It is one of the most effective ways to grow awareness of The Merry Beggars and The Saints. And it was such a joy to see mother’s faces light up when they heard that we have over 150 free episodes to share with them. That’s worth it every time.

What was it like being in Arizona?

Hot! It reached 115 degrees Fahrenheit while I was there. I was happy to return to Chicago (though I’m still getting used to living under a cloud 90% of the year). I do love the desert though. I wish I could have stayed for a week, explored the area, and met the community.

Did you get a chance to explore or connect with anyone else at the conference?

Yes - there were a lot of companies that wanted to explore a partnership. Manufacturers of toys, theater groups, writers, etc. It’s really exciting to see people eager to join our mission and really have an impact on our culture.

If someone wanted more information on inviting you to speak, where they should go?

They can go to https://www.themerrybeggars.com/contact-us and drop us a message. We always respond within a day or two. If we can make it work, we would love to do it!

Interested in checking out more content from The Merry Beggars? Go to themerrybeggars.com/shows to learn more!

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