The Advent Season enters upon our lives, overcoming the struggles with a message of hope, drawing us deeper into the mystery of the incarnation and our salvation in the God-man, Jesus.

WEST HARTFORD — Almost 600 Catholic men, from 13 years old to 85, gathered for the 15th annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference and heard a message of hope that it’s time to bring Christ back to a troubled society, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Holy Eucharist.

The Eucharist calls us as men to share the incarnational love of Christ through sacrificial service to others in Jesus' name.

We, as Catholic men, can follow our Lady's example by offering our ordinary lives graced by the extraordinary love of God.

Lent is a time when men are called to pause and consider the profound suffering of the Passion of Christ and allow its truth to shake our souls and shape our lives.

The lonely journey of Advent leads Catholic men through the darkness of trials to the joy and victory that the peace of Christmas brings.

Thanksgiving is a reminder of our call to praise the One who has created us for gratitude. Our shared faith and traditions are a link to the grace that guides our steps along the journey to our heavenly home.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is our spiritual mother. She is a great saintly example for us. Gary Zimak wrote an interesting book on this topic, which was the basis of his presentation at the men’s conference. It’s titled, “Listen to Your Blessed Mother: Mary’s Words in Scripture.”

What does it mean to come together in retreat as Catholic Men? Sometimes a journey with other Christians can help us rediscover what it means to reflect on our Catholic Faith

As men, we work hard to grow up, make our way in the world, and establish our identity leaders. But it is in surrendering to the Father as a child of the Kingdom, that we discover our greatest purpose and joy.

The simplest encounters can become sacramental when we allow the Father to carry us to a place of healing and renewal.

Regular prayer is often a struggle. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to it as the “Battle of Prayer” (2725-2745).

This is the week that Jesus goes from King to Convict. That’s what happens to Jesus in the two Gospels we read on Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week. He goes from King to convict. Ever wonder why on Palm Sunday after reading about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, we then read of his Passion?

Lent is a Eucharistic journey of blind faith through a dark world to a vision of Resurrection Morn.

Lent's a journey which can indeed be joyous one. Joyous because it leads us to the WAY. Joyous because it leads to the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, and to our salvation. Lent leads us joyously back to the WAY.

On October 17th, men from all over the country are invited to learn more about the benefits of a Catholic Men's conference. Thanks to the new national day founded by the CT Catholic Men's Conference. It's called CMC Day or Catholic Men's Conference Day and includes a DIRECTORY of men's conferences from around the USA. If your Diocese conference or information is missing... there's a way to add one too.

The world may come crashing down, but God and his saints build anew from the struggles we face.

Our time away from the Eucharist should lead us to delight in the presence of God , to turn away from the wickedness of the world, and to hope for a future glory that is ours in Christ.