With the future of faith-based family life under siege in today’s culture, the Courage Under Fire Gala offers a bold response: form families, empower parents, and raise leaders rooted in truth. The event will be held May 22–23, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, and will highlight the power of Catholic formation through the family, where leadership begins.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cs4pM8SugtY
This two-day event supports Regina Caeli Academy (RCA), a classical homeschool hybrid rooted in the Catholic tradition. RCA partners with parents as primary educators, offering a nationally accredited curriculum that blends in-person instruction with at-home formation. It is designed to support families in their mission to educate for Heaven, while excelling on Earth.
“Family is the first classroom and the domestic church,” said Alissa Walsh, Courage Under Fire Gala organizer. “At Regina Caeli, we recognize parents not only as caregivers, but as world-changers. They are forming the next generation of saints, scholars, and defenders of truth.”
From the Living Room to the Public Square
This year’s gala brings together national voices who model courageous leadership across family life, education, culture, and public witness. Each speaker offers a testimony of truth rooted in faith and lived through their vocation.
Attendees will hear from:
- Mike Schmitz Host of “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year,” Fr. Mike is a trusted voice for young adults and families alike, known for his dynamic preaching and spiritual clarity.
- Kirk Cameron Actor, filmmaker, and father of six, Cameron is a leading advocate for faith-based parenting and Christian education. His work includes “Fireproof,” “Lifemark,” and “The Homeschool Awakening.”
- Matt Walsh Cultural commentator and father of six, Walsh challenges modern narratives on family, gender, and identity. His films and books — including “What Is a Woman?” — have sparked national conversations.
- Michael Knowles Yale graduate and Catholic intellectual known for his media work defending virtue, speech, and the importance of fatherhood and formation. He is the author of “Speechless.”
- Harrison Butker Super Bowl champion and husband, Butker speaks passionately on the role of husbands, fathers, and men who lead with humility, purpose, and faith in Christ.
“Each of these speakers represents what’s possible when formation begins at home,” Walsh said. “They stand as witnesses to what happens when families lead with clarity — not compromise.”
Catholic Formation: The Blueprint for Legacy
Regina Caeli Academy offers families a unique model: students attend in-person classes twice a week and homeschool the remaining days. This rhythm protects the integrity of the home while strengthening the intellectual and spiritual life of the child.
The result is an educational sanctuary where virtue is lived, truth is taught, and students are equipped to transform the world.
Event Schedule
| 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | VIP Check In | Tennessee Ballroom Lobby |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Mass with Fr. Mike Schmitz | Tennessee Ballroom |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | “How to be a Woman” session with January Donovan | Tennessee Ballroom |
| 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Media Summit (VIP Media and Media Sponsors Only) | Tennessee Ballroom |
| 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | VIP Lounge (VIP Designated Guests and VIP Sponsors Only) | Tennessee Ballroom |
| 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Media Interviews (Media Only) | Presidential Ballroom |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Private VIP Event with Fr. Mike Schmitz | Tennessee Ballroom |
| 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Photo Op and Meet and Greet with speakers | Tennessee Ballroom |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | General Admissions Check In | Tennessee Ballroom Lobby |
| 5:30 PM | Doors open to General Admission (ID Required) | Tennessee Ballroom Lobby |
| 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Gala Dinner and Keynotes | Presidential Ballroom |
Support the Mission. Strengthen the Family. Light the Way.
General Admission Tickets available: www.CourageUnderFireGala.org Media and sponsorship inquiries: info@courageunderfiregala.org
About Courage Under Fire
Courage Under Fire is a national initiative dedicated to building a culture of truth, virtue, and faith by forming leaders through family, education, and media. Its flagship event — the Courage Under Fire Gala — brings together Catholic voices who inspire conviction, courage, and clarity in a confused world.
#courageunderfiregala
Media Contact
Company Name: Courage Under Fire Gala
Contact Person: Alissa Walsh
Email: Send Email
Phone: (678) 878-2500
Country: United States
Website: https:www.courageunderfiregala.org
