Second Catholic Men’s Conference Encourages Men to “Live Differently”

New faith-filled journey begins for many from across Diocese

A core group of Catholic men have been give marching orders to start a Christ-centered journey of faith and to “live differently.”

This was the underlying message in a day filled with learning and understanding for those who attended the second annual Diocese of Venice Catholic Men’s Conference Jan. 30 at Bishop Verot High School.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane asked the men what they are going to do with what they have learned. “Did you start that journey today?”

Frank O’Reilly of Fort Myers said he started his journey by first going to the Conference and then taking its lessons to heart. O’Reilly went to the Men’s Conference hoping to reaffirm his faith and to become a better husband to his wife and father to his three teenage children.

“I have been Catholic all of my life and try to live my faith as well as I know how,” O’Reilly said.. I came here hoping to have more tools in that effort and was thrilled with what I heard and learned. I am ready to be a better man by living my life differently.”

More than 500 men attended the conference, some returning from the first event in 2009, while others decided to see what the excitement was all about.

Curtis Martin, one of the speakers, said each person is called to greatness and it can be found in their knowledge of God, and following Him passionately.

“When called to greatness, lots of sacrifices must be made,” Martin said. “The world is desperate for you to step forward. Because of the crisis in the world today on all fronts there has never been a better time for you to rise to greatness. God is working through you to change the world and be great.”

Martin said it is up to everyone to pass the baton to the next generation of men and women. “Live differently, by changing the systems of moral decay and hatred, and you will change the world.”

Catholic evangelist, author and radio personality Jesse Romero built on what Martin said by reminding the men that they are Soldiers of Christ. “We are the strongest weapon of Jesus Christ. We are the ambassadors of Jesus Christ by making the Church attractive to others.”

He also reminded the men that the Bible must serve as the guidance for how they live the rest of their lives. He quoted St. Jerome, adding: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance in Christ.”

Father Bill Byrne, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. spoke about powerful gift of fatherhood.

“In the Church men are the king and women are the queen, but the power comes from Jesus Christ, turn to Him,” Father Byrne said. “Fathers serve as the moral compass and teachers of faith in the world. As men we are also called to be teachers of the faith. Jesus is the way, the truth and life, but you must be the example of the truth and faith.”

Bishop Dewane said each man must answer in his own heart the question Christ asked the Apostle Peter: “Who do you say that I am?”

“You are good men and you must live the life by which we say who Jesus Christ is. We must all look to our Faith as a gift we have been given by Christ. It is about the life we live, how we live it, and what each one of us decides to do with our life.”

The day included an opportunity for fellowship. Many men also received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

A mass at the end of the day served to allow the men to give witness and receive the encouragement to go forward and “live differently in Christ.”

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