Pictured from left to right are: Norm, Louis, Mike, Ray, Andy, Eric, Father Martin, Mike, Jeremy, John, Jay, Jason, Dave, Troy and Jim. Photo by John Sabbak (not pictured)
The conference is one of the highlights of our year and we all certainly look forward to the day. A BIG THANK YOU to John Blandin for again putting the trip together for us this year. It was a terrific day of learning and spiritual growth.
The speakers this year included:
Jack McKeon - former manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Florida Marlins. Jack's speech centered on the power of prayer and the importance of choosing a Saint that we can pray to on a regular basis for intervention in our lives. He also stressed that we should not be fearful about professing our faith, and that in fact some day, someone may thank us for showing that strength.
Brian Rooney - I think ALL of us were thoroughly impressed by this member of the Rooney famiy of NFL fame (Pittsburgh Steelers). Mr. Rooney's speech was inspiring to say the least. His unapologetic approach to his faith was refreshing to all of us. A particular theme that stood out was one of standing firm in your faith and taking time to put on the armor of Christ each day in order to prepare for the battles that await. I plan to write more about his speech in later postings. You can learn more about Mr. Rooney at http://runwithrooney.com/
Father Mark Burger - As usual, Father Burger focused on getting us all ready for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is always interesting to me that Father Burger is so adept at listening to God's word committed to doing his will. Each year that I have seen him at the conference, I have been impressed with his approach to preparing for his speech. He asks God what he is supposed to talk about. And God always tells him! You can follow Father Mark's blog at : http://www.stjohnwc.org/blog/father-mark
Jim Gruden - Mr. Gruden's is a true believer in the power of Eucharistic Adoration. He gave some pretty impressive data to back up his passion for having this available in our parishes. He also told his amazing story of faith as he relayed how he became an organ donor to a refugee from Rwanda.
As always, the conference culminated in the celebration of the Mass. It is a very powerful experience to share with a few thousand men. The singing sure is different than on Sunday's at home!
Thank you again to all my St. Aloysius Men's Prayer Group brothers for a memorable day! God Bless us all!
-Eric
Brothers,
ReplyDeleteJust a reminder Eucharistic Adoration is held in the Chapel Every Tuesday 9am-7pm, 7-8pm is Holy hour. Then again on Sundays 3-9pm. The talk on Adoration brought home the power of letting God be the Center of our Lives and the ability to go visit with our Lord for a few moments or longer if you like is very powerful. Many Families are scheduled to be in the chapel to allow you to come freely at you schedule. I know Jesus would Welcome your company too. JMJ..