Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference / Facebook
CV NEWS FEED // The 17th Annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference, which long-time director Ken Santopietro described as “the spiritual booster shot every guy needs,” will take place on Sept. 21 at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford.
The Diocese of Bridgeport reports that this year’s event will focus on the theme “The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.” The event is expected to draw men from across Connecticut’s dioceses, with notable participation from several parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The conference will feature a full day of activities starting at 8:30 am, including an opening procession with first-class relics of 24 saints, a Eucharistic procession, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and a Vigil Mass celebrated by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford. The event will conclude with a vigil Mass.
Nationally recognized speakers will headline the conference, including Father Wade L.J. Menezes, CPM, homilist and author of The Four Last Things: A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell; Steve Ray, Catholic apologist and bestselling author of Crossing the Tiber and Upon this Rock; Kevin Wells, former sports reporter and bestselling author of The Priests We Need to Save the Church and Burst: A Story of God’s Grace When Life Falls Apart; and Peter Herbeck, Executive Vice President of Renewal Ministries, co-host of the weekly television show “The Choices We Face,” and host of the daily radio show, “Fire on Earth.”
According to the Diocese of Bridgeport, Santopietro expressed confidence in the theme’s appeal, noting that it resonates deeply with practicing Catholics. He emphasized that each speaker will provide meaningful insights, noting that each has personally explored the topic.
Aaron Joseph, the Conference’s co-director, shared that the event provides men with a chance to rest, reflect, pray, network, and build community.
Deacon Rick Lawlor of St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield highlighted the event’s impact, saying, “It is perhaps the single best day of the year for a Catholic man to focus on his life and spiritual health and ultimately makes each of us stronger and better men.”
Interested parties can find more information and purchase tickets by visiting www.ctcatholicmen.org.
