A year ago, several men of St. Catherine's Parish participated in the Austin Diocese First Annual Conference of Catholic Men at St. William's Parish in North Austin. That event was on the theme of "Passion & Purpose" and featured Catholic author Matthew Kelly showing us how to "apply the genius of Catholicism to our everyday life." A powerful message by a dynamic speaker, and appropriately tailored to the audience of the moment -- over 1500 Catholic men -- it was equally applicable to any of the many audiences of both men and women flocking to hear this celebrated writer.
This year it all moves closer to home in terms of substance, style, and location for the St. Catherine's audience contingent. This time around, the location will be a neighboring South Austin parish (San Jose). Regarding style and substance, the main speaker is Father Larry Richards, author of Be a Man! The Man God Created You to Be, and who will soon be releasing The Man's Bible with Our Sunday Visitor. Many Austin area Catholics are already familiar with Fr. Richards on Relevant Radio. For a sample of Fr. Larry speaking to men, see HERE.
Also featured will be Justin Fatica, who Dr. Kenneth Blanchard calls "one of the next great inspirational leaders." He will speak directly not only to the younger males there, but to all fathers and grandfathers of boys heading for a world of challenges few of us have experienced.
Bill and Billy Moyer are father and son Catholic speakers noted worldwide, but conveniently based here in Austin. They are the authors of the books, Seeds of Success: A Journey from Success to Significance and Retreat to Success: Living Your Life on Purpose. Bill Moyer is the former Executive Director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men.
The Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men (CTFCM) was launched seven years ago with the direct support of Bishop Gregory Aymond. Not only does CTFCM sponsor these conferences, and the annual Diocesan Men's Masses, but both its formal organizational efforts, and the individual and collective dynamic ministry of its participants have played a significant role in the area success of two highly visible and extraordinary blessings to this parish -- i.e., ACTS and That Man Is You.
Conference tickets are $39 each and may be purchased online at the Conference website. ($35 if purchased by December 12th) and will be $45 at the conference if it is not sold out (the liklihood). Price for minor boys accompanied by an adult is $20. Think about giving the tickets as Christmas Gifts. (This could literally be the gift of a lifetime).
For any questions, email me, Ray Wilson at rwilson@cognabooks.com