The sixth annual Diocese of Camden ManUp South Jersey Men’s Spirituality Conference is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, and it’s shaping up to be a day of great spiritual awakening for men in our area.
The conference’s theme – “Strengthen the Man, Strength the Family” – was chosen because studies show that when men take a leadership role in the spiritual life of their household, the rate of family participation in religious practices rises dramatically.
Deacon David Harkins of Holy Child Parish in Runnemede explains that “men need to hear the authentic truth about Catholic masculinity. Society often attacks the family by weakening the faith and the role of men. By attending the ManUp South Jersey Conference, you will be joining like-minded Catholic men who are called to strengthen families by carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ.”
Anthony Scafidi, a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Blackwood, echoes that sentiment. “We face so many temptations and evils today as men, husbands and fathers, that a day of spiritual strengthening and encouragement can only help us in our ongoing spiritual battle. Attending the conference is a great way for men to further equip themselves as prayer warriors and defenders of our Catholic faith. We can’t promise that this day will change your life, but we truly believe that you will be touched by the Holy Spirit and that the conference will have a significantly positive impact on your spiritual journey.”
With that focus in mind, each presenter has been carefully chosen to help men become more aware of their role. The conference features presentations from dynamic speakers beginning with our very own Bishop Dennis Sullivan, who will lead us in morning prayer and provide words of inspiration to help set the tone for the day.
Speakers include:
• Father Larry Richards: the author of “Be a Man! Becoming the Man God Created You to Be,” an EWTN radio host and one of the most sought-after men’s conference speakers. He will show attendees how to combat the effects of social media on our Catholic values.
• Jim Towey: a trusted adviser and personal friend of Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata for 12 years who did the first reading at her Mass of Canonization in Saint Peter’s Square. He has been a pro bono legal counsel to the Missionaries of Charity for nearly 40 years. He is the author of “To Love and Be Loved: A Personal Portrait of Mother Teresa.” Towey will give examples from his experience with Mother Teresa of how to serve and act with true humility.
• Deacon Nathan Gunn: the initiatives coordinator for the Young Life Northeast Division, with a special emphasis on ensuring collaboration between Young Life and the Catholic Church. He is the author of “Lead Like Mary: A Biblical primer on Marian Leadership.” Deacon Nathan will explain how to talk with, and reach, the young people in our lives.
• Mark Berchem: the Founder of NET Ministries Inc. In the last 43 years, Berchem and his staff have successfully trained and sent out more than 3,500 young adults to share the Gospel with more than 2 million Catholic youth. He will teach us how to share our faith and Catholic values with young people.
• Mark Forrest: will lead the day in a musically guided Holy Hour. He has sung inspirational hymns for luminaries such as Saint Pope John Paul II and Saint Mother Teresa. Forrest is our most requested presenter from previous conferences; he will talk about how to lead our families in times of crises.
The daylong conference also features breakfast, lunch, faith-based exhibitors, Eucharistic Adoration and opportunities for confession.
Jim Sunderhauf, a parishioner of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Turnersville, reflects on his past experiences at the conference, describing it as a “unique event designed to bring men together to highlight real-life examples of what it means to live out our Catholic values.”
Deacon Charles Schiapelli, assistant director of diaconate formation for the Diocese, agrees. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by dynamic Catholic speakers and to enjoy fellowship with our brothers in faith.”
Calling on all men to attend, Joseph DiFilippo, a parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Absecon and founding member of ManUp South Jersey, shares that “this year’s theme asks all of us to embrace masculine Catholic virtues. It’s a tough job, but our lineup of speakers will go a long way in giving us a jump start on how this might impact all of us and our families. I pray you will join us.”
The ManUp South Jersey Men’s Spirituality Conference will be held Nov. 9 at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to manupsouthjersey.com.
Anthony Cioe is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Camden and director of the ManUp South Jersey Men’s Spirituality Conference. He is assigned to Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Turnersville.
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