Archdiocese Local

Annual men’s conference set for Aug. 11 in Hays

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia speaks during a press conference with a delegation from Pennsylvania at the Vatican March 25. A delegation of government, religious and community leaders from Pennsylvania were meeting with Vatican officials to plan the Sept. 22-27, 2015, World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

by Karen Bonar
Special to The Leaven

HAYS — Some familiar faces will be here for the seventh annual Diocesan Men’s Conference on Aug. 11.

Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., who hails from Concordia and attended St. Francis Seminary High School in Victoria, will be one of two speakers at the conference, which is themed: “Men of God.”

He will be joined by nationally known radio personality John Martignoni, who hosts “EWTN Open Line” on EWTN Radio.

Archbishop Chaput said he is delighted to be returning to his home diocese for the conference.

“Kansas has its own special beauty, and a lot of that beauty comes from the people who live here,” he said. “You can take the boy out of Kansas, but not Kansas out of the boy.”

The annual men’s conference is hosted by the Salina Diocese’s office of family life. The event will feature the speakers, as well as Mass, eucharistic adoration, reconciliation and lunch.

The conference is open to men, aged middle school and older.

“Everybody should come,” Archbishop Chaput said. “This will be an extraordinary conference; an opportunity not just to learn but to reinforce each other with good will, humor and fellowship.

“Men need fraternity, and the conference is an ideal place to deepen or begin building it.”

Martignoni said the talks will enrich many aspects of a man’s life.

“If your Catholic faith truly means something to you and you really want your faith to impact your family’s faith, then my question is: What are you willing to do to strengthen that faith?” he said. “Are you willing to come to a men’s conference? Are you willing to give up one day to strengthen that faith?

“It’s not just about you. It’s about your wife, it’s about your kids. If you’re single, it’s about your future wife, future kids. If you will be a priest, it’s about your people and the people you will be pastoring one day.

“It’s not just about you.”

Fathers are encouraged to register and attend with their sons. Seminarians, deacons and priests attend for free, but must RSVP.

The cost for the conference is $35 for an adult. Middle school, high school and college students may register for $15. Register early for a discount. After Aug. 1, registration increases by $10 per person, but registration is available at the door.

For more information or to register online, go to: salinadiocese.org/family-life.

About the author

The Leaven

The Leaven is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

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