By Jessica Able, Record Staff Writer
Organizers of the seventh Catholic Men’s Conference aim to encourage men in the Archdiocese of Louisville to become deeply involved in their faith and parishes.
The event is set for April 6 at St. Michael Church, 3705 Stone Lakes Drive, from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Steve Angrisano will deliver one of two keynote presentations centered on the day’s theme — “Allowing Jesus to Find Me.”
It’s been two years since the last men’s conference but organizers say they are confident they will meet their goal of welcoming about 350 to 400 participants. Two years ago organizers decided to alternate years between the men’s and women’s conferences.
Mike Schmitt, a member of the conference’s core team, said the numbers are on par with the 2017 registration.
“We hope to see high school age students all the way through men in their triple digits,” Schmitt said during an interview last week.
The conference will address questions such as:
– What should Catholic men do and be in today’s world?
– How can men strengthen their family life, work life and faith life?
– How can men become better fathers, husbands and leaders?
Schmitt said he hopes participants take away the message that Christ calls “us everyday to get up and do the right thing.”
“It’s easy as men, as humans, to overlook it, to ignore the call and not attempt to have a relationship with Christ,” he said.
His wish, he said, is for the conference to “open up men’s hearts and for them to seek out a relationship with Christ.”
Check-in and breakfast will begin at 6 a.m. The welcome is at 8:15 a.m. and Angrisano’s address will follow.
Angrisano is a national Catholic speaker, singer and songwriter. He weaves his message of faith through music and storytelling.
“Steve Angrisano brings with him a lot of experience with youth but his music and ministry touches all ages; he’s very inspirational,” Schmitt said.
Following Angrisano’s talk, there will be opportunities for reconciliation. About 20 priests will be on hand throughout the building, Schmitt said.
Deacon Pat Harris and Father Peter Bucalo will lead a panel discussion, which will be followed by a keynote address from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz.
The closing liturgy will be celebrated at noon and an optional lunch and fellowship will follow.
If participants pre-register, the cost is $30 for adults and $15 for students. At the door, the cost is $40 for adults and $25 for students.
Register online at www.archlou.org/mensconference or contact 636-0296, ext. 1201. Scholarships are available upon request.
The men’s conference is sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and is supported by the Catholic Services Appeal.
