Joe Pisani
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Ken Santopietro has led the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference for 12 years, and he says it’s “the spiritual booster shot that all men need,” more so this year than ever.
The 17th annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference, bringing together men from across the state, will be held Sept. 21 at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, where nationally known speakers will address the theme, “The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.”
Santopietro said the panel will include CPM, author and preacher Father Wade L.J. Menezes, Catholic apologist and best-selling author Steve Ray, author and former sports reporter Kevin Wells and Peter Harbeck, executive vice president of Renewal Ministries and television and radio host.
“You’ll love this topic, and the devout Catholics I know say it’s a topic they can ponder,” he said. “Each speaker will have something meaningful to say about it, and each has explored it in some way. It’s a topic that helps them stay focused on the ultimate purpose of life.”
He said the conference provides a wonderful opportunity for men to come together and “embrace the call God has given us to be faithful Catholic men and share a day of faithful teaching, deep fellowship and spiritual renewal.”
In addition to the speakers, there will be an opening procession of first-class relics of 24 saints that will remain on stage throughout the event “as a powerful reminder of the saints’ understanding of Christ’s presence in the last four things,” Santopietro said, and he encouraged those in the apostolate to inquire about setting up displays or tables.
The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends with a Vigil Mass officiated by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford, but also will feature a Eucharistic procession, Eucharistic adoration, confession, exhibits and fellowship. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Men from all three parishes in the state are in attendance, with many from parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport, including St. Edward the Confessor in New Fairfield, St. Rose of Lima in Newtown, St. Joseph in Shelton and St. Mary in Ridgefield.
“This event is a one-day spiritual journey where Catholic men from across the state come together to reflect, pray and find strength and inner peace,” said Deacon Rick Lawler of St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield, a member of the leadership committee. “It may be the single best day of the year for Catholic men to focus on life and mental health, ultimately making each of us stronger, better people.”
Santopietro said he always encourages men to come for the spiritual upliftment and fellowship.
“I encourage men to bring someone in to share and get a little bit of support,” he said. “Anything men can do to support each other is so important during this time.”
Aaron Joseph, co-director of the conference, said the event gives the men a chance to rest, reflect, pray together, network and enjoy fellowship.
“We all need to remember that the way we live has both short-term and long-term consequences,” he said. “In the short term, our actions influence others, leading them to love their brothers more or less, bringing them closer or further from God. It affects us as well… It’s easy to forget this, especially today as we go through life with so many distractions and temptations.”
The speakers are as follows:
Father Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM; He served as Vice-Chancellor, Director of Vocations, and Dean of Seminary Studies at the Fathers of Mercy. He has written for many Catholic publications, appeared as a guest and host on EWTN, and spoken on many Catholic radio programs. He is the author of the following books: The Last Four: A Doctrinal Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell and Overcoming Inner Evil: The Reality of Sin and the Transforming Power of God’s Grace and Mercy.
Steve Ray He converted to the Catholic Church and is a bestselling author. Across the Tiber On this rockand The Gospel of St. John: Biblical Studies and Commentary, He is the writer, producer and host of the 10-part video/DVD series. In God’s Footsteps: The Story of Salvation from Abraham to Augustine. He has been featured on Catholic Answers, Ave Maria Radio, Relevant Radio, and EWTN.
Kevin Wells Catholic author, speaker, and former sports reporter for the Tampa Tribune who covered Major League Baseball. He is the author of the best-selling Catholic book, ” Priests Needed to Save the Church and Burst: A story of God’s grace when life falls apartHe currently serves as president of the Monsignor Thomas Wells Vocational Association.
Peter Harbeck He is Executive Vice President and Mission Director of Renewal Ministries, co-host of the weekly television show, “The Choices We Face,” and host of the daily radio show, “Fire on Earth.” His publications include: When the Holy Spirit Comes in Power and When the Spirit speaks. He and his wife, Debbie, co-authored Lessons from the School of Love: Building a Christ-Centered Marriage.
Tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for children ages 13 to 19. For more information and to obtain tickets, visit www.ctcatholicmen.org.
