Media CEO to speak at Men’s Conference

Kevin O’Brien, a media executive, will speak at the 21st Anniversary Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference, scheduled for Saturday, April 2, at Assumption University. He will give a talk titled, “The Courageous Father.” 

Mr. O’Brien, the president of North America Publications and the CEO of Best Version Media, believes that “bringing men back to the faith is one of the greatest ways to make a profound difference in this world.” 

While the conference welcomes all participants for this in-person event, it has just announced an alternative way to participate. Participants can join in from home via television, Roku, laptop, tablet, personal computer, or phone. Those interested should email co-chairman Angelo Guadagno at angelo0527@gmail.com. He will register the person and send them a link on Thursday, March 31, to access the live event. 

Kevin O’Brien grew up in a suburb of Detroit and after a stunning collegiate football career played professional football from 1993 to 1996. During that time, he began searching for God everywhere (except the Catholic Church). He had been raised a Catholic. After several years he returned to the “true faith.” He has been married for 22 years and has seven children; five boys and two girls, aged 21 to 9. 

Two decades ago, Mr. O’Brien and his family were parishioners at St. Bernadette Parish in Northborough. A promotion in business caused him to move his family to a suburb of Milwaukee. There, he co-founded one of the largest Catholic men’s conferences in the country, called “Men of Christ.” More than 3,000 men attend their annual conference. He also co-founded the Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance, which is an apostolate to unite all Catholic men’s ministries throughout North America. And he founded Virtue Sport, an apostolate for using sports to build character in children. He also created Unite Our Nation, focused on taking Christ into the streets through eucharistic processions. 

Other conference speakers include world-renowned skier Dan Egan (“Running Towards God’s Purpose: The Power of Manifesting Outcome”); Air Force Academy Professor and Pro-Life Runner, Pat Castle (“How to be a Pro-Life Champion”); former physician, now Florida associate pastor, Father Anthony Hamaty (“Where are You? How and Why We Hide from God’s Love and Mercy,” a talk on the sacrament of Penance); and parish mission speaker, Tim Francis (“Science Tests Faith”). 

Singers and composers Ryan and Elizabeth Tremblay will lead the music throughout the day. 

The conference’s speaking program will take place in Assumption’s Plourde Center. Registration and dozens of exhibitions will be in the Laska Gym. Confessions will be heard at the conference. The diocese has been informed that Assumption University will require attendees to observe whatever coronavirus protocols are in place at that time. 

“We have some wonderful speakers for our twenty-first conference,” said Msgr. Thomas Sullivan. “There is something for everyone and I know that our participants will not be disappointed, especially given the variety of topics.” 

Many diocesan and religious priests will participate again this year by hearing confessions at mid-day. Reconciliation has become a conference staple.  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, “since so many of the men, nearly a thousand, go to confession.” 

Bishop McManus will be the principal concelebrant and homilist for the Conference Mass at 4 p.m. 

Through March 21 ticket prices for adult men are $45. On March 22 they increase to $60.  Ticket prices for students are $30 prior to the conference and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online on the conference website at www.firstmensconf.org; by sending a check to Catholic Men’s Conference, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602; by contacting parish contact persons; by calling Elaine Ford at 774-253-2996 or by emailing Angelo Guadagno at angelo0527@gmail.com.