February 17, 2010

Conference to strengthen spiritual growth of men

By John Gleason

All men are invited to the second annual Rocky Mountain Catholic Men’s Conference set for March 20 in Colorado Springs. Held during Lent, it is a great opportunity for men to enter deeply into the holy season by experiencing conversion to Christ and nurturing a deepening personal relationship with him.

The conference’s stated goal is to strengthen the spiritual growth of men and equip them to be spiritual leaders in their families and communities. A joint venture between the Diocese of Colorado Springs and the Archdiocese of Denver, the daylong conference also aims to foster fellowship between Catholic men in Colorado.

Last year’s conference drew more than 800 men from across the state, which led organizers to secure a larger venue in hopes of attracting even more attendees to the 2010 event.  Phil Webb, director of the Marriage and Family Life Office for the Denver Archdiocese, credited the 2009 success to the fact that men have a hunger to become better spouses and fathers.

“This event is important because men need a lot of encouragement,” he said.  “They want encouragement to become lovers of virtue and to pursue holiness as well as to find strength in faith, love and family.”

The conference theme is “Seize Life” and stems from the Scriptural verse, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10).

This year’s conference boasts an extraordinary line up of speakers, including Father Tad Pacholczyk, director of the education for the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia and a leading spokesman for the Catholic Church on the subject of embryonic stem cell research; Steve Bollman, founder of Paradisus Dei (Paradise of God), an organization of lay Catholics dedicated to the renewal of marriage and family life; Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute; Curtis Martin, president and founder of Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS); and Bill Moyer, executive director of the national Fellowship of Catholic Men.  The day will conclude with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. March 20 at the Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave. in Colorado Springs.  Pre-registration cost is $35 for men 18 and older, $25 for college students. Cost increases after March 1.  High school students are free with a father’s or guardian’s registration. Clergy and seminarians can attend for free but need to register for the meal count.  Registration information is available online at www.rockymountaincatholic mensconference.com or call 719-636-2345.

Men's Conference

When: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. March 20
Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Information: www.rockymoun taincatholicmensconference.com or call 719-636-2345