Catholic men’s conference calls men to action

Matt Charbonneau
Special to Spur Ottawa

Catholic men from around the city will soon gather to explore and deepen their Christian faith, becoming better equipped against the challenges of today’s society.

Inspired by Fr. Larry Richards’ book Be a Man!, the John Paul II Centre for Divine Mercy (based east of Rockland) will host an Ottawa Catholic men’s conference on September 7.

“Men need to know Satan likes to get them into corners [and isolated from each other],” explains Keith Doucette, lead organizer of the event. “By bringing men into a conference and being open and honest and vulnerable, we can assure them they are not alone.”

Doucette stresses that in today’s secular society, men require the proper tools to stand against the dominant culture. The conference will host displays to connect participants with various men’s groups from local Catholic churches.

Speaking of the different groups represented, Doucette says “One shoe doesn’t fit all. [Among the groups] something might speak to men that they can tap into to help them in their walk.”

“Dig deep and become the man God is calling you to be.”

Combined with sacred scriptures and theological teachings, Doucette says personal witness can encourage men in developing a true relationship with Christ, fostering courage, compassion, and integrity.

Doucette and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 33 years and have eight children. One of his passions is inspiring other Catholic men to put Christ at the centre of their lives and “dig deep and become the men God is calling them to be. I’ve always had a heart for manhood. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without a personal relationship with Jesus.”

The conference takes place at St. Augustine Parish and will feature keynote speakers Bishop Christian Riesbeck and Fr. Mark Goring. Goring is the pastor at St. Mary’s Parish and former director of the Catholic Charismatic Center, in Houston.

Highlighting the event’s theme “Warrior Identity: If You Want Peace… Prepare for War”, Goring says God’s people must ready themselves for the tests of the times.

“To be a child of God is to know your identity and to take on the battles that come against you, your family, and your life.”

“We’re in a spiritual war. Our society is under attack by the powers of the Enemy,” he says, urging men to remember “who they are and whose they are. To be a child of God is to know your identity and to take on the battles that come against you, your family, and your life.”

Goring plans to invite men attending the conference to assume their proper role in society by leaning heavily on the Word of God.

“Scripture inspires us and has power and is the brightest light for us,” he says, adding the intercession of saints can also help men live with “holy fearlessness and confidence”.

“I think there is such a lack of genuine manhood in our society and culture,” says Jeremy Lobo, who attends St. Maurice Parish and who plans to attend the event with his father. “Like so many other things in life, if you’re not investing in your faith, it can become relaxed.”

The conference will include key Catholic practices such as Holy Adoration, praying of the rosary, confession, and Mass celebrated by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, however, all men are welcome to attend.