2022 Men's Conference set

Co-chairmen Msgr. Thomas J. Sullivan and Angelo Guadagno have announced the speaking program for the 21st annual conference, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, at Assumption University.
“In 2020 we were all disappointed when the conference had to be cancelled two weeks before it was to take place because of the pandemic. This past year we had a virtual conference for the same reason. But now we are so delighted to go forward with an in-person conference again,” Msgr. Sullivan said.
The speaking program will take place in the Plourde Center at the university. “We are thrilled that officials at Assumption University have agreed to let us host the conference again,” he said.
“We have a superb slate of speakers again this year,” Mr. Guadagno said. “There is something for everyone and I know that our participants will not be disappointed in them, especially given the variety of their topics.”

Pro-life champion

“How to be a Pro-Life Champion” is the theme for Patrick J. Castle’s talk. He equips audiences with the reality of abortion by the numbers and then shares strategies on how to be a pro-life champion at home, church, school, wo rk, neighborhood, and any abortion facility. 
A graduate of the Air Force Academy, he is the founder of LIFE Runners, the largest pro-life team of marathon runners in the world with more than 16,000 teammates in 40 nations and 2,569 cities. 
He completed 10 military assignments, including being the weapons of mass destruction defense officer at the base closest to Osama bin Laden after 9/11. During that time, he briefed U.S. generals and members of Congress. While an Air Force Academy chemistry professor, Castle developed the ethics curriculum and coached the marathon team. He has a doctorate in nano-analytical chemistry and did his thesis on chemical warfare agent detection.

Return to Catholicism

Tim Francis left the practice of the faith for a period in his life and was even addicted to cocaine for a time. Through the efforts of his mother, he returned to Catholicism and now gives talks and parish missions throughout the country. He has given more than 500 parish missions and has spoken at the Worcester Catholic Women’s Conference. The title of his talk is “Science tests Faith.” He will explore signs from God, miracles and their meaning. A Fox documentary in 2009 highlighted his research and beliefs.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

One of the founders of the Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference returns as a speaker. Kevin O’Brien, former Northborough resident and parishioner of St. Bernadette Parish, will travel from Wisconsin. He co-founded Milwaukee’s “Men of Christ Conference,” one of the nation’s largest, attracting more than 3,000 men each year. Now president of North America Publications and the CEO of Best Version Media, he will speak on “The Courageous Father.” His talk will express his belief that bringing men back to the faith is one of the greatest ways to make a profound difference in this world.

Power of purpose

“Running toward God’s Purpose: The Power of Manifesting Outcome,” is the subject of the talk to be given by the internationally famous skier Dan Egan. He will explore God’s word and the power of purpose when people move in the direction of the Lord. Drawing on the example of biblical heroes who boldly move toward God’s purpose, Mr. Egan combines his own life of adventures in the mountains into a compelling presentation. He has appeared in 13 Warren Miller ski films and is known for skiing the most remote regions of the world. In 2001, Powder Magazine named him one of the most influential skiers of our time and in 2016 he was inducted into the U.S. Skiing & Snowboarding Hall of Fame.
Father Anthony Hamaty, a priest of the Diocese of Jacksonville, Florida, and the parochial vicar at Queen of Peace Parish in Gainesville, will offer the talk prior to confessions. His talk is titled, “Where are You? How and Why We Hide from God’s Love and Mercy!” A former physician in Jacksonville and Coral Springs, he discerned a call to priesthood and entered the seminary in 2016, completed his master of divinity degree and was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 2020. 
Bishop McManus will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the Conference Mass at 4 p.m.
Many diocesan and religious priests will participate by hearing confessions at mid-day. The sacrament of reconciliation has been a conference staple for two decades.  Since so many participants go to confession the committee hopes that more priests than ever will come.  “We can use as many priests as will come,” said Msgr. Sullivan.
Tickets are available and can be purchased online at www.firstmensconf.org. Through March 21 ticket prices for adult men are $45. They increase to $60 on March 22. Ticket prices for students are $30 prior to the conference and at the door. One may purchase a ticket by sending a check to Catholic Men’s Conference, 49 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609, or by calling Joan DeMasi at 508-929-4345.
In addition to reaching out to men of all ages, a special effort is being made to invite teens and young adults, Msgr. Sullivan added.