CHARLOTTE — Catholic men across the Diocese of Charlotte spent a day of spiritual nourishment and camaraderie at the 13th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas Saturday, March 18, hosted by St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
With dynamic speakers who challenged participants to grow in their faith – and by receiving the sacraments – attendees had the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus while gaining the strength and encouragement to live their callings as Catholic men, husbands and fathers.
This year’s speakers included Charles Fraune, Jonathan Fanning, Deacon John Clark, Scott Weeman and Kevin Spalding.
Another special element of the 2023 conference was the presence of the relics of Blessed Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. Brian Caulfield from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council in New Haven, Conn., shared the story and legacy of Father McGivney and the impact he’s had on what it means to be a Catholic man.
“We want this conference to be a fire that would ignite men who have grown weary, discouraged and complacent by the many trials of life and be inspired to want more from themselves so that they can live according to the dignity God created them to be,” said Jason Murphy, founder said prior to the event.
Murphy said one of his favorite components of the conference is the joy of seeing men pour into the confessionals.
“Men who might not regularly confess or confess at all seem to be moved by the opportunity and encouragement we provide for them to ‘hit the box’ and ‘get themselves cleaned up’ so that they can be battle-ready for what life sends their way,” he said.
For more information and to register, visit www.catholicmenofthecarolinas.org.
— Catholic News Herald, provided photos
