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March 19, 20192019 Oklahoma Catholic men’s conference
With a powerhouse lineup of dynamic speakers, the 23 rd Oklahoma Catholic men’s conference, "In The Father's Footsteps," challenged attendees to deepen their faith.
Held March 9 at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in Norman, the event, with a theme of "Building the Bridge Between Repentance and Faithfulness," was a sellout with 950 men filling the center. Educational and entertaining speakers asked men to continue their commitment to serve the Lord and their families.
Jason Evert
The day began with Jason Evert, a national speaker and author. His topic was on "Porn Detox," where he looked at the problem of pornography. Evert mentioned some of the common arguments to defend the viewing of X-rated material.
"Some say it (pornography) is natural. It isn't," Evert told the men. He also disputed the notion the industry resulted in "no one being hurt." He cited the cases of many female participants in pornography dying of drug overdoses or suffering severe depression or being victims of trafficking. Some also are involved in multiple abortions, he noted. Evert said many marriages and other relationships have been ruined by the man viewing pornography.
Evert discussed how to break free of the vice and urged men to "flee idleness," and "starve lust to free love."
At the end of the presentation, a video clip from Archbishop Coakley announced the archdiocese’s participation in Safe Haven Sunday on March 31. On that day, many of the priests will focus their homilies on pornography and its ill effects.
Father Larry Richards
Father Larry Richards gave a talk on "Knowing God's Mercy." Father Richards is a noted speaker, retreat master and pastor of Saint Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community in Erie, Penn. One of his top books is the 2009 best seller "Be a Man! Becoming the Man God Created You To Be."
"We all have issues," he said. "Sin equals slavery." He further explained many people attempted to do things "their way," instead of "God's way."
He noted the importance of forgiveness and mercy.
"We are all in need of mercy," he said. "The reality is we all are blessed, and Jesus Christ paid for your sins. Pray every day."
He challenged the men to “stop being a wimpy man and be a saint."
In addition, Father Richards asked the men to support priests and bishops, and strongly urged them to read the Bible daily.
Jon Leonetti
Catholic radio host, author and speaker Jon Leonetti spoke about a three-step program on becoming a saint.
"I want to become a saint," he told the crowd a few times. "Anyone in heaven is a saint."
Leonetti pointed out that Saint John Paul II, in 26 years, had canonized more saints than the Church had done in the past 500 years. He said all should strive for sainthood.
He said one way to achieve sainthood is through prayer.
"Faith without prayer is a hobby," Leonetti said. "Prayer is where we come to know God."
Another avenue to sainthood is devotion to Our Lady, Leonetti said.
To illustrate, he used the personal story of when he and his wife were expecting their first child. A complication during the pregnancy had medical professionals telling the couple to expect a miscarriage. Although saddened by the news, Leonetti found a novena prayer at a Catholic bookstore in Iowa. He made the novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The pregnancy continued, and the medical professionals were stumped over the improvement of the unborn child. On Dec. 11, the day before the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, his son was born healthy.
Father Roger Landry
A familiar face from EWTN Catholic broadcasting, Father Landry discussed coming to God through Jesus. He said the conference was his first time back in Oklahoma since the September 2017 beatification of Blessed Stanley Rother.
"You all really did that up right," he noted of the event at the Cox Convention Center.
Pertaining to his talk, he said, "We're summoned to come to know him who is the truth," he said. "Jesus shows us holy masculinity and shows us how to be a dad and a brother."
He pointed out a modern "crisis of fatherhood." He said in 1960, 6 percent of children were born without fathers present in their lives. Today, it's more than 40 percent. Father Landry said those living without fathers were more exposed to sex abuse, illegal drugs, behavior problems, poverty and teenage pregnancy.
"A good father takes delight in his children and is their biggest fan," he said. "He loves them unconditionally."
The day ended with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Coakley.
Steve Gust is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Fr. Roger J. Landry speaks to guests during the 23rd Oklahoma Catholic men’s conference March 9 in Norman. Photo Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.
