Indiana Catholic Men’s Conference to feature Scott Hahn

By Sean Gallagher

The fourth annual Indiana Catholic Men’s Conference on Oct. 17 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis will feature speakers that are known around the world for their dynamic presentations of the faith.

Ken Ogorek, the archdiocesan director of catechesis who spoke at last year’s conference, will be the master of ceremonies this year.

“I have had conversations with dozens of Catholic men who have said this was a powerfully good experience for them,” Ogorek said. “It’s one thing for me to say, ‘Oh, I think people would benefit from this.’

“But when I hear man after man after man saying to me, ‘I went to that conference and it had an impact on me. It caused me to take my faith more seriously…,’ that’s a pretty ringing endorsement, a pretty powerful testimony.”

Catholic author, speaker and scholar Scott Hahn will give two presentations to the expected 1,000 men who will attend the conference.

He teaches various Scripture and theology courses at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, and at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Penn. Hahn is also the founder and president of the Steubenville-based St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

Franciscan Father Stan Fortuna will incorporate music into his two talks.

Before becoming an original member of the New York-based Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in 1987, Father Stan, 52, was an accomplished jazz and hip hop guitarist. Since being ordained in 1990, he has continued to use his artistry to proclaim the Gospel in concerts around the world and through several recordings.

Super Bowl champion Chris Godfrey will also speak at the men’s conference. Founder of the South Bend, Ind.-based Life Athletes, Godfrey promotes chastity and the pro-life cause in his many speaking engagements across the country.

A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Notre Dame School of Law, Godfrey played nine years in the National Football League. He was a member of the New York Giants when they won Super Bowl XXI in 1987.

Ogorek said Catholic men’s conferences can be effective in helping participants learn the faith and apply it to their everyday lives.

“In some cases, we learn new information,” he said. “In other cases, we hear again something we haven’t heard for a long time. And we’re at a point in our life now where we can take it to heart and really allow it to help us grow in our relationship with Christ and participation in his Church.

“It’s all about learning information and letting that be a catalyst for our formation in the Catholic faith.”

Ogorek said that the setting in which Catholic men receive this information and formation is important.

“We all need help and support on our journey,” he said. “And we get that in various ways, whether it’s a spouse or a good friend.

“But there’s something about being in a room with hundreds of your fellow Catholic men, knowing that you’re not alone in your effort to live the faith. I think that’s very powerful.”

The 2009 Indiana Catholic Men’s Conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the speakers, the conference will include Mass and an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation.

Before Oct. 5, the cost of the conference is $45 per person or $40 per person for groups of 10 or more. The registration cost increases to $50 on Oct. 6.

Student registration is $20 per person. Seminarians and priests can attend the conference free of charge.

Lunch is guaranteed for those who register before the day of the event.

(For more information about the men’s conference or to register, log on to www.indianacatholicmen.com or call 317-924-3982 or 317-888-0873.) †