Archbishop to speak at Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference Saturday

HARTFORD — The 11th annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference will feature Archbishop Leonard Blair conducting a question-and-answer session and Jason Calvi, reporter for EWTN and the Global Catholic Network, addressing the group, according to a news release.

Speakers for Saturday’s event will also include Fr. Bill Casey from the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy; Bob Kroll, founder of With All Your Heart; and Doug Hoffman, a deacon from the Diocese of Norwich, the release said.

There will be an opportunity for acceptance of the Holy Eucharist and for the sacrament of reconciliation. In addition, there will be spiritual discussions, prayer and reflection, and a variety of faith-based exhibitors providing information, handouts and merchandise, the release said.

Sam Todzia, founder of Red Barn Ministries and Meat and Greet, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Paul High School, 1001 Stafford Ave., Bristol.

This year’s theme is "Go Into the Whole World,” based on the Scripture of Mark 16:15. It calls on participants to proclaim their Catholic faith bravely and proudly.

The Rev. James Sullivan, pastor of Assumption Parish in Ansonia, is chaplain. He said in the release, “This is an opportunity for men to come together to receive spiritual enrichment and experience Catholic fellowship . ... We hope that when they leave the conference, they will have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and share the gifts they received during the day with their families.”

The archbishop will conclude the conference by celebrating Mass at 4 p.m.

To learn more or to buy tickets, which are $45 per person and $30 for teens, visit www.ctcatholicmen.org or call 860-484-7950.