Men’s conference is March 14

Patrick Madrid to be the keynote speaker

By Dan Russo

Witness Editor

CEDAR RAPIDS — Nationally known Catholic author and radio host Patrick Madrid will be the keynote speaker at the 2020 Archdiocesan Men’s Conference, scheduled for March 14 at Xavier Catholic High School in Cedar Rapids.

Madrid will give two talks; the first, titled “Turn Away from Childish Things and Become the Man Christ Wants You to Be,” will focus on personal spiritual development. The second, titled “Search and Rescue: How You Can Help People Come Home to the Church,” will provide insight into how to bring the Gospel to others. Madrid, who has earned degrees in philosophy and dogmatic theology, has written several popular books on apologetics, such as “Why Be Catholic: Ten Answers to a Very Important Question.”

Matt Selby, marriage and family life director for the Archdiocese of Dubuque, explained that it was important to organizers to provide participants in the conference with tools for evangelization.

“We’re really hoping to equip men to be sent out on mission,” said Selby. “Often times people who come to a conference like this are already visibly engaged in their faith. We want to focus on helping them be better equipped to share their faith with others.”

There will also be multiple breakout sessions led by local speakers. These presentations will cover a variety of topics in both English and Spanish. The list of presenters includes: Keith Nester, Father Tony Adawu, Father Bob Gross, Deacon Dan Rouse, Tyler Wheeler, Matt Selby, Father Josh Link (student session), Kevin Feyen (student session), Father Michael McAndrew (Spanish session) and Gustavo Jimenez (Spanish session).

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. and go until 5 p.m., with a closing Mass at 4 p.m. concelebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels. The cost for the conference is $40 for adults before March 1 and $50 after. The price for students is $10 before March 1 and $20 after. There is a family rate of $60 before March 1 and $70 after.

The 2020 men’s conference will be the 24th in the history of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. To register or to find out more about men’s fellowship groups around the archdiocese, visit catholicmenonline.com