Saturday, March 10, 2012

 Join men of all ages and walks of life to explore new ways to renew your faith. Take the time to listen to how Christ is calling you to follow Him. Set aside this one day to reflect on your chosen vocation and how being a man of integrity impacts those around you.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Fr. Michael Schmitz

Father Michael Schmitz serves as both the Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and the Chaplain for Newman Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Essentially, his mission is to proclaim the Gospel to young people full time. He is a dynamic speaker who God uses greatly to change the  hearts and lives of people of all ages in Duluth and across the nation. Father Mike received a BA in Theology from Saint John’s University and attended the St. Paul Seminary until he was ordained in 2003. In his spare time he is entertained by all things Mac, quoting lines from classic films, running, biking, and kayaking.Father Michael Schmitz serves as both the Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and the Chaplain for Newman Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Essentially, his mission is to proclaim the Gospel to young people full time. He is a dynamic speaker who God uses greatly to change the  hearts and lives of people of all ages in Duluth and across the nation. Father Mike received a BA in Theology from Saint John’s University and attended the St. Paul Seminary until he was ordained in 2003. In his spare time he is entertained by all things Mac, quoting lines from classic films, running, biking, and kayaking.

WORKSHOPS:

1.  Building Your Life on Truth-Call from God and Your Response 
Tim Gapinski, Dcn. Ben Kociemba, Doug Liebsch & Gabriel Walz, Seminarians, Diocese of Saint Cloud, MN
When speaking of vocations in the Church, we often talk about ordained bishops, priests, and deacons or vocations to religious life like monks and nuns. However, the Church also speaks of the vocation of the laity, an equally important one without which the other vocations do not make sense. Lay or ordained, do you know what your role is in the Church? 

2.  Confession: The Truth Will Set You Free
Fr. Scott Pogatchnik, Associate Pastor, St. Mary Cathedral, St. Cloud, MN
A discussion on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the importance of forgiveness for a healthy family, spiritual life and how this sacrament helps us achieve that and brings us closer to Christ.

3.  Living the Truth: A Father-Son Conversation
Mike Heroux, Scientist-in-residence, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN
One of the most important roles of a father is to convey to his son the importance of seeking out, finding, telling and living the truth. Although this role may seem easy at first glance, it is in fact very challenging, especially in today’s world where assumed cultural truths contradict what we as Catholics know to be true.  In this session we discuss our understanding of truth and how it impacts the father-son relationship.  We highlight specific challenges we face in todays culture, with the purpose to increase our ability as fathers and sons to live the Truth.

4.  Questions and Answers on the Catholic Faith
Fr. Matthew Crane , Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit, St. John Cantius & St. Anthony Parishes, St. Cloud, MN & Dcn. Frank Ringsmuth, RCIA Leader & Apologetics Teacher, Holy Spirit, St. John Cantius & St. Anthony Parishes, St. Cloud, MN
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Question and Answer Session

5.  Splendor of the Truth:  Five Practical Truths
Fr. Tom Knoblach, PhD., Pastor, Holy Spirit, St. John Cantius & St. Anthony Parishes, St. Cloud, MN
“One of the parables of Jesus prompts us to reflect: am I building on rock or on sand? Footings, foundations, framing … the structures of a building that we may never see are vital for holding the whole thing together. Where does one begin to build, rebuild, or grow our relationship with God? This talk will focus on five practical truths that give us a foundation and keep the storms outside.”  

6.  St. Joseph: Walking in the Truth
Dcn. Steve Arnold, Pastoral Associate, St. Mary Parish, Melrose, MN
The continuing presence of St. Joseph in the life and mission of the Church is often overlooked. Though he speaks not a word in the Gospels, Scripture and Tradition present him as a role model of faith, humility, and righteousness. Men of all ages and stations in life can learn from him. Among other writings, this session will explore Blessed Pope John Paul II’s exhortation on St. Joseph entitled, The Guardian of the Redeemer. The virtue of humility, understood as “walking in truth,” will be pondered in St. Joseph’s life and ours.

7.  There is an App for that:  How do we use technology to enhance our faith (for dads and sons) 
Scott Frieler, Coordinator of Youth Ministry & Confirmation, Holy Spirit, St. John Cantius & St. Anthony Parishes, St. Cloud, MN
Technology is all around us. John Paul II challenged the Church to Catechize society using the tools of the day.   Scott will share some examples of how he uses technology as part of his catechesis with young people.  Scott will also share tips on how to keep ourselves safe while connected and the importance of disconnecting at times.  The style of this workshop will be discussion based so be ready to share your experiences as well.

8.  The Truth About Human Sexuality/Purity (for dads & sons)
Dr. Jeff Kowitz, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, St. Cloud Hospital;  Deacon,  St. Mary Cathedral, St. Cloud, MN
This talk will briefly review God’s plan for human sexuality.  We will learn what the Catholic Church teaches about the proper purpose and use of our sexuality, marriage and birth control.  We will review the theological foundations for these teachings, as well as the sociological results of ignoring these teachings.

9.  The Truth About Joy and Gratitude
George Sjogren, Director, Stewardship & Development & Executive Director, The CatholicFoundation, Diocese of Saint Cloud
It is safe to say that we are all, to one extent or another, looking for joy in our lives. How often though, do we consider the fact that joy without gratitude is not possible.

 10.  Witnessing To Truth: Faith In The Public Arena
Steve Gottwalt, State Representative, St. Cloud, MN
It’s an election year, and many people are fed-up with politics! But in a democracy like ours, engagement in the public process is a responsibility absolutely essential to the common good of our nation. What does the Catholic Church have to say about faithful citizenship, and how can we, as Catholic men, make a positive, faith-filled difference in the public arena? State Representative Steve Gottwalt offers his insights and perspectives on living out our faith in the public arena.

11.  Marriage Amendment - TBD

Register Today!

This is an excellent opportunity for male Confirmation students and their father or strong male role model to learn more about their Catholic faith!

This event is co-sponsored by K-YES Radio and the Annual Diocesan Appeal.