Men from around the diocese gathered at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell Feb. 24 for the annual Diocesan Men’s Conference. The event began with keynoter Father Tim Donovan, founder and president of Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries in the Diocese of Orange, California. In Father Donovan’s morning talk, “Journeying Like Jesus: Walking the Road to Emmaus,” he talked about evangelization and how to walk with others like Jesus did.
The event continued with workshops, Mass, rosary and confessions, and a second talk with Father Donovan. In his afternoon talk, “Journeying Like Jesus: Sharing in Christ’s Offices – Priest, prophet and King,” Father Donovan encouraged participants to explore what living their baptismal identity looks like.
Workshop presenters included Deacon Mike Benda on becoming a fool for Christ; Father Matthew Crane on Church Law and the Eucharist and Deacon Ed Shoener, president of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, on how to start a mental health ministry.
The conference also included a Spanish track with workshop presenter Father Luis Antonio Palomino, a native of Peru who is currently serving as parochial vicar of the Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community (includes the parishes in Pelican Rapids, Fergus Falls and Elizabeth).
