Extreme skier to speak at Men's Conference

Dan Egan, a world-renowned skier, 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, “Running Toward God’s Purpose: The Power of Manifesting Outcome.” 

Mr. Egan is the pioneer of extreme sports. He has appeared in 13 Warren Miller ski films and is known for skiing in 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. 

His talk will explore God’s word and the power of purpose experienced when people move in God’s direction. Drawing on the example of biblical heroes who boldly moved toward the divine purpose, Mr. Egan will combine his own life of adventures in the mountains with a presentation of why running toward God’s purpose is the key element in manifesting the best outcome for our lives. 

He has authored four books, All Terrain Skiing, Vol I & II, Courage to Persevere and his newest title, Thirty Years in a White Haze, is his story of love of skiing, as well as trials, success, and loss as 30 years dissipate into clarity. One book provides an exclusive firsthand account of the disaster on Mount Elbrus in 1990, a merciless mountain that claims more lives per year than Mount Everest. Mr. Egan was lost in the storm for 38 hours; 15 climbers perished.  

His faith journey has been featured in Parable Magazine. His “Extreme Faith” podcast (2011-2013) can be found on Soundcloud. His television show “Why we Worship” aired for two seasons (2013-2014) on Catholic TV. He actively pursues the Catholic faith and love of the Eucharist by participating in weekly Mass, Adoration, Cursillo, and Bible studies through Holy Trinity Parish Family in Plymouth, New Hampshire.  

Other conference speakers include Best Version Media CEO and former professional football player, Kevin O’Brien, (“The Courageous Father”); 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. The Diocese has been informed that Assumption University will require attendees to either have been vaccinated or have a negative PCR test, a requirement for all campus visitors. 

Registration and dozens of exhibitions will be in the Laska Gym. Confessions will be heard at the conference. Many diocesan and religious priests will participate again this year by hearing confessions at mid-day. The sacrament of reconciliation has become a conference staple in its first 20 years. Since so many participants go to confession the committee hopes that more priests than ever will come.   

Bishop McManus will be the principal celebrant 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; from parish contact persons; by calling Elaine Ford at 774-253-2996 or by emailing Angelo Guadagno at angelo0527@gmail.com.