Once again, the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference is gearing up for another incredible day of profound teaching, Godly fellowship, and awesome worship. Be sure to save the date, Sept. 24, and reserve your seat now. Tickets are on sale now at www.ctcatholicmen.org.

During the last two years, we moved to an outdoor venue in order to continue the conference; this year, we are moving back indoors. We are so fortunate to be hosted at Northwest Catholic High School, where we will enjoy a larger auditorium, plenty of space for vendors, lunch, adoration and confession – all on one floor. 

Lately there has been some controversy among Catholics about the Eucharist and the relevance it has in our lives. So many have begun to treat the Eucharist as a ritual, rather than the summit of our Catholic faith. The U.S. bishops held a meeting to discuss the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist.  After our 2021 theme of “The Most Holy Rosary,” it only seemed right to discuss the Most Holy Eucharist in 2022.  

The Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference is a day to honor the men who attend as we call them to give their best to the Church. It is a time of fellowship and fond memories, spiritual healing and sacramental renewal. We invite you to come celebrate what it means to be a Catholic man. At the conference, the best Catholic men’s speakers will share their wisdom and their stories to help inspire you to follow Christ more fully. 

Here, you will experience times for personal reflection, intimate fellowship and meditative prayer. You will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession and celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass, as well as spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Outside groups will offer opportunities for getting involved in local, regional and national apostolates. Ultimately, this conference will be a blessing for all who come, an open door to the Savior and a gift of faith.  Men, you will leave this wonderful event with a greater desire to love your families well, share your faith with other men, and serve the Church that has called you to this great and lasting hope.

In order of appearance in 2022, we will have Father Wade Menezes, of the Fathers of Mercy, a national speaker heard on EWTN each week; followed by Father Larry Richards, national speaker from Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, who spoke at the first and second CT Catholic Men's Conference; followed by the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport and a national speaker; followed by Father Chris Alar, national speaker and director of the Association of Marian Helpers.  

Our doors will open at 7:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 8:30 with the Eucharistic procession. Our special exhibit in 2022 is the Eucharistic Miracles display that has been traveling the country and was in the Norwich diocese last year.  The Real Presence of Jesus Christ with His glorified Body is beyond the realm of purely sensory experience. The Eucharistic miracles, on the other hand, are extraordinary events concerning the bread and wine consecrated at Mass, which can be experienced through the senses. They become a visible sign of the Real Presence of Jesus.  www.ctcatholicmen.org

By Ken Santopietro