National Catholic Men’s Conference Day – October 17, 2022, history, significance
National Catholic Men’s Conference Day is celebrated annually on October 17. It was created to celebrate the Catholic Men’s Conference movement. Its goal is to inspire Catholic men and bring awareness to the upcoming themes of the year. The conferences hope to encourage Catholic men to live their faith more authentically and rise to be all they can be in Christ. Catholic Men’s Conferences are faith-boosting, life-altering events that feature the best men’s speakers, and according to the organizers “draw out the best” from the men who attend.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE DAY
National Catholic Men’s Conference Day was created by ‘The Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference.’ It was developed as a tool to create awareness about this conference movement and to strengthen Catholic practices in the U.S. It is held on October 17 which is approximately 40 days before Advent.
Catholic Men’s Conferences are usually run by volunteers. The first conference, “The Connecticut Men’s Conference,” was held on November 15, 2008. It was the first Catholic Men’s Conference that has been held in Connecticut. It is supported by the Archbishop of Hartford and the Bishops of Bridgeport and Norwich. The theme for the first conference was “Take Your Faith to the Next Level.”
Some of the speakers at the first Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference were Danny Abramowicz, Bishop William Lori, Archbishop Henry Mansell (main mass celebrant and homilist), Father Larry Richards, and Father Charles Sikorski and Sean Wolfington. The first conference had only 300 attendees and this has grown over the years. The eventual goal is to hit 1,000 conference attendees.
There are about 43 such conferences in the U.S. and Canada. The days consist of keynote speakers, confession widely available throughout the day, High Mass — beginning or end of the day, daylong adoration area, lunch, and exhibitors. Along with encouraging attendance at the various conferences around the country, the organizers also offer support to those who would like to organize and plan their events.
NATIONAL CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE DAY TIMELINE
November 15, 2008
The First Conference
The Connecticut Men’s Conference is the first conference to be held.
January 2020
The Official Recognition
National Catholic Men’s Conference Day is recognized as an official day.
March 2020
The Setting Up of a Facebook Page
The National Catholic Men’s Conference Day Facebook page is created on March 29, 2020.
September 25, 2021
The Conference Goes to the Britain Stadium
The 14th Annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference is hosted at New Britain Stadium.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE DAY
Attend a conference
Research your closest event and gather your friends to attend. Being a part of a conference will give you a new perspective.
Plan an event of your own
Put together an event for your Catholic community. This way you will learn more about this community.
Volunteer at an event
Volunteer your time to help at an event. Volunteering will help you understand the ethos of such congregations.
5 FACTS ABOUT CATHOLICISM
The term first used in 110 A.D.
The word ‘Catholic’ was first used by Ignatius of Antioch around the year 110 A.D.
The Vatican’s diplomatic relations
Catholicism continues to spread as the Vatican continues to nurture diplomatic relations with almost every country in the world.
There are billions of Catholics
There are over one billion Catholics living on all five continents.
Roman Catholic priests are always men
Women are not allowed to become priests.
Saint Maurice was the first black saint
The first documented black saint was known s Saint Maurice.
WHY NATIONAL CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE DAY IS IMPORTANT
It creates community
National Catholic Men’s Conference Day brings together many men from different walks of life but all with a common commitment to their faith. It brings spiritual experience to everyone.
The conferences are located around the country
There are over 40 conferences listed and they occur all over the country. It helps connect everyone.
It is a safe space to share
It offers men a safe environment to share their beliefs, hardships, and thoughts about their religion. Sharing makes the experience more enriching.
