Those who have attended the annual ManUp South Jersey Men’s Spirituality Conference in the past will see a familiar face at this year’s event.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, internationally known Catholic evangelist, author and television host, will be among the speakers at the eighth annual conference on Nov. 14 at Paul VI High School, Haddonfield. Also presenting will be Bishop Joseph Williams, Bishop Emeritus Dennis Sullivan, Curtis Martin, founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), and more.
Joseph DiFilippo, one of those on the committee responsible for bringing the ManUp Conference to South Jersey, said Deacon Harold is a crowd favorite.
“Men keep asking for us to bring him back. We are honored to have him return,” said DiFilippo, explaining that the deacon spoke at the conference three years ago.
“Deacon Harold doesn’t hold back. He doesn’t water-down the message; he tells it like it is,” DiFilippo said. “He speaks to men in a way that challenges them to become the best version of themselves.”
Known worldwide as the “Dynamic Deacon,” Deacon Harold offers a passionate, practical and direct approach to Catholic teaching. He hosts or co-hosts several EWTN television series, including “Made in His Image: Family Life Today,” “Authentically Free at Last” and “Priests and Deacons: Ministers of Mercy.” He is also the author of “Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality,” published by Ignatius Press.
In his conference talk, Deacon Harold will examine what it means to have a loving, life-giving relationship with God. Blending humor with practical counsel, he will also explain how an authentic understanding of the faith can prepare Catholics to accompany those who have left the Church and welcome them home.
His message is closely tied to the conference theme, “Becoming Laborers for God’s Harvest,” organizers said. Before men can labor effectively in God’s harvest, they must know the faith, live it with integrity and allow their own lives to be shaped by Christ. From that foundation, they can share the Gospel with clarity, mercy and hope.
This year’s conference theme comes from Christ’s words in the Gospel of Matthew: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” The theme calls Catholic men to recognize that sharing the Good News is not reserved for clergy or religious. Through Baptism, every Christian is sent to proclaim Christ in the places where daily life unfolds, such as in families, parishes, workplaces and communities.
Conference organizers said they are confident that attendees will leave the daylong event prepared to embrace the virtues of Catholic manhood and answer the Lord’s invitation to enter the field as a faithful disciple ready to help others encounter Christ.
For more information on the day, presenters and tickets, visit manupsouthjersey.com.
Deacon Anthony Cioe is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Camden and is assigned to Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Turnersville.
If You Go
What: Eighth annual ManUp South Jersey Men’s Spirituality Conference
When: 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Nov. 14; Mass at 7 a.m., followed by registration and breakfast
Where: Paul VI High School Conference Center, 901 Hopkins Road #B, Haddonfield
More Information: manupsouthjersey.com
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