The 2018 Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference: A Few Afterthoughts

The 2018 Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference is now behind us, and I wanted to offer a few thoughts on those things about the event that impressed me most. I admit there is a sense of relief in knowing it is all over and has once again produced an abundance of grace that was reflected in the hearts of every man who attended. I want to share these impressions, especially with those who missed the event, because I believe it is crucial that you make sure not to miss another.
 
In the End, Grace…

I am always amazed that a group of ordinary believers, committed Catholic men who care deeply about the spiritual welfare of their brothers, can put together this incredible spiritual experience and see it come off without a hitch, a glitch, or problem. For my part, I must confess that my efforts on behalf of the conference are always very little compared to the work of the other men who secure our speakers, handle registration, work with our vendors, organize Confession, Adoration, and the Mass, and carry out every little task from beginning to end. That they are able to deal with this monumental undertaking is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit to impart God’s grace into the hearts of willing servants who roll up their sleeves and get the job done.
But grace works too in the hearts of the speakers, who, while not coordinating with one another, are able to present a unified message of hope and healing to the men who attend. It pours forth in the words of our vendors who become ministers of the Gospel to the men who are looking for materials to enhance their spiritual life. It overwhelms the men who come to Confession as they encounter Christ in the godly priests who hear their sins and offer absolution. But most of all, it shines brightly in the hearts of the men themselves as they spend time with one another in fellowship throughout the day.
 
The Wounds that heal…

One presentation that day that moved me in a particularly profound way was “The Father Wound and Beyond” by Bob Kroll. I listened as Bob spoke about the abuses that many men suffer at the hands of their fathers. Bob offered examples from his own life to bring the reality of the pain and inner hurt home to the men in the audience. His story of personal healing provided a foundation for understanding the scars that are left upon our lives by our fathers’ sins and personal struggles. It brought the hidden inner pain so many men experience into the light of Christ’s love and allowed the audience to come to a deeper understanding of how these wounds can influence their actions and interfere with their Christian journeys.

However, as moving as Bob’s presentation was, the most profound aspect of the experience was what happened afterward. I watched as men met for lunch and shared openly and freely their own stories of abuse and fatherly neglect. I saw the catharsis and empowerment it brought to the men, many of whom were revealing these hurts for the first time in their lives. For some, it brought tears; for others, deep joy and deliverance. Truly strongholds were broken that day, and the lines for Confession were longer as men patiently waited to experience the healing power of the sacrament and find renewal and release in the love of Christ.
 
What Else the Conference Offered…

In addition to all that I observed during my time there – for there were parts of the event I missed while taking care of many important tasks during the day – I know the men were blessed by the other speakers: Deacon Doug Hoffman, Jason Calvi, and Father Bill Casey. These men spoke to important issues facing Catholic men today, challenging their grateful audience to step up and take hold of the calling God has placed on each and every heart there. They learned important truths about their faith and were comforted in their concerns about the struggles and scandals facing the Church today.
I took great comfort too in knowing that throughout the day, men had the opportunity to come before the sacred presence of Christ in eucharistic Adoration, to be blessed by the eucharistic Procession, and to celebrate the Eucharist with their brothers at the end. I know also, that Archbishop Leonard Blair was there to answer important questions on the hearts of the men, that the band gave men the opportunity to hear and sing words of praise to their Creator, and most of all, that the men themselves were there to build up one another in the faith by the strength each one brought to the conference.
 
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…

For the past six years, I have had the privilege of attending the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference. That wonderful journey for me began with a simple invitation from my father-in-law, Gerald Davino, one of the greatest men I know. He bought my ticket and met me at that first conference, and I have been coming ever since. I have seen how the conference has helped him to grow; and I have seen how it has humbled me and helped me to see my need for God. Thank you, Dad, for that.
This is my second year of helping on the Planning Committee for the conference. That came about because an article I posted online caught the attention of the CCMC’s director, Ken Santopietro. His invitation brought me into a fellowship of beloved brothers and allowed me to share my meager talents and help promote the event online. It led to many more encounters with godly men for video interviews, time with the speakers on trips to and from the airport, and deep conversations with the men who have become part of this special family of faith. Thank you Ken, for asking me to come on board.
Finally, I am grateful to my Savior, for all the “random” happenings that have brought me to this point on my journey as a man seeking to honor God by all I do. To see the unfolding of His plan in my life, the “chance” meetings and events that have led to my more active participation in the conference, and the blessings I have received through the relationships I have experienced with these incredible men, leaves me in awe of the greatness of the One who has called me to follow Him forever. Thank you Jesus, for inspiring the leaders to serve you, for helping them to create conferences to bring men together in fellowship and purpose, and for sending the men back to their parishes and families to live out the lessons you teach them day by precious day.
 
A Message to Those Who Haven’t Come…

I urge all those who have wandered “by chance” onto this website, looking to know more about this yearly men’s event, to consider what it can mean for you to take that step of faith and come out to next year’s Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference. I challenge you to bring your best self and to be open to all that God will do through the speakers, the shepherds, the songs, and the sharing that will take place. I promise you will not be disappointed and I look forward to all that you will contribute to making the 2019 Conference the best conference yet! God bless!