A convert known as the ‘surfer priest’ to be opening speaker at Men’s Conference

The Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference announced that Father Donald Calloway, MIC will be the opening speaker of the 24th annual Men’s Conference.  

Before his conversion to Catholicism, Father Calloway was a high school dropout who had been kicked out of a foreign country, institutionalized twice and thrown in jail multiple times. He was a “Deadhead” (a follower of the band The Grateful Dead) and a member of the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia.  

Now, Father Calloway is the Vicar Provincial and Vocations Director for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, and he is the author of 15 books, including Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.

Known as the “surfer priest,” Father Calloway speaks passionately about Divine Mercy, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph in his moving conversion story.  

“Father Calloway is an incredible speaker and we are so fortunate to have him here this year. The men will absolutely love his presentation” said Todd D. Jarvis, conference committee member.  

The 24th annual Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference will be hosted at the DCU  Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester on April 5. The registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 8 a.m., music at 8:30 a.m. and welcoming prayer at 8:45 a.m. The first speaker begins at 9:00 a.m.

Several improvements have been implemented for this year’s conference including a streamlined registration process, and new credit card processing equipment for tickets purchased at the door (though pre-registration and cash and check are preferred). There will also be a professional master of ceremonies with more than 30 years of experience, more than 50 priests for confession as opposed to last year’s 13, and Catholic music with a special guest vocalist.

In addition to Father Calloway, the other speakers include: Sam Blair, a United States Navy SEAL; Father Derek Mobilio, local diocesan priest; Edward Sri, theologian and FOCUS co-founder; and Artie Boyle with his remarkable and miraculous story of survival.  

The conference also offers the opportunity for men to offer their confession, to solemnly reflect in the all-day adoration chapel, and to visit over 50 vendors. The day concludes with a 4 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop McManus.

Tickets, which include lunch, are $30 for students prior to the conference and at the door. Tickets for adults are $50 through March 26 and $60 there after and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online on the conference website at catholicmenworc.com.