CV NEWS FEED // In an exclusive interview with CatholicVote, the founder of “Catholic Men’s Conference Day,” Ken Santopietro, shared the inspiration and vision behind the annual celebration aimed at uniting and empowering Catholic men across the nation.
National Catholic Men’s Conference Day (CMC Day) is celebrated on Oct. 17. It serves as a call to action for Catholic men across the U.S. The holiday highlights upcoming Catholic Men’s Conferences that feature top speakers and encourage attendees to deepen their faith and embrace their full potential in Christ. CMC Day is designed to inspire and energize men to live their Catholic faith more authentically.
>> Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference to offer ‘spiritual booster shot’ <<
Note: the following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
What was your motivation for starting Catholic Men’s Conference Day, and when was it first created?
Catholic Men’s Conference Day was born from a moment of reflection during a routine drive to work in summer 2019. I was thinking about ways to promote the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference in the fall and wishing there was a centralized platform where men could find and share information about these events. Coincidentally, I heard a radio commercial for a so-called “nonsense holiday,” dedicated to something trivial. It struck me that while there are days for everything under the sun, none of them seemed to support or promote Catholic events, particularly men’s conferences. That’s when the idea hit me—why not create a Catholic Men’s Conference Day?
The day was established on Oct. 17, a date that felt perfect for several reasons. First, it’s six weeks before Advent, making it an ideal time to encourage men to participate in fall events like our conference. But it also serves another important purpose—acting as a six-month marker for conferences held during Lent. This timing allows for a reminder program to begin in October, giving men a nudge to start thinking about upcoming events. Whether a conference is in the fall or during Lent, Oct. 17 is a fitting day to recognize the importance of these gatherings.
What goals do you hope to achieve with this holiday?
The goals of Catholic Men’s Conference Day are clear and multifaceted. First, it aims to answer the question: “Why do men attend these conferences?” By providing a list of conferences from around the country, the day serves as a resource for men to find events near them. The listing includes the name of each conference, a link to its website, and contact information if available. As of now, we have around 40 to 50 conferences listed. My hope is more will join the effort by linking back to our site and helping to promote the day.
The holiday also strives to invite men everywhere to recognize the unique and powerful experiences offered by Catholic Men’s Conferences. These events often take place during Lent, though some occur during Advent or other times of the year. The focus is on gathering men together to attend Mass, wear sacramentals, engage in discussions about their faith, and participate in confession. Supported by the collaboration of three dioceses in Connecticut, we’ve been able to provide men with an opportunity to deepen their faith, connect with other Catholic men, and strengthen their spiritual lives.
How have these conferences impacted you or the men you’ve worked with? Any memorable experiences to share?
Catholic Men’s Conferences have had a profound impact on my life and the lives of many others. Before I became a volunteer for the Connecticut Conference 12 years ago, I attended several conferences myself, including those in the Worcester Diocese, Boston, and Springfield. Each time, I left with “one thing” that stuck with me—a powerful message or inspiration that lingered long after the event.
For instance, after attending my first conference, I felt compelled to volunteer as a catechist in my parish. From there, I joined the adoration team for our parish’s 24-hour overnight adoration. Eventually, I became more involved as a volunteer, which led to my role on the committee for the Connecticut Conference. Each year, we strive to add new elements to the conference that will help men grow in their faith. For example, last year we introduced a procession of relics, featuring 25 saints, which culminated in a Eucharistic procession. It created a powerful opening for the conference, setting the tone for the entire day.
Every man who attends a conference will have a different experience, but the impact is undeniable. The holiday we created aims to make these conferences more well-known, and by marking Oct. 17 as Catholic Men’s Conference Day, we provide a timely reminder for men to attend these events. Whether during Lent or in the fall, these conferences offer a “spiritual booster shot” that helps men prepare for Advent or Easter, reignite their love for their families, and strengthen their faith.
For more information, to find a conference near you, and to access updates from Santopietro, please visit: National Catholic Men’s Conference Day
