“The Holy Spirit was alive and well”

The 24 ^th annual Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference set an attendance record this year with 1,120 men gathered to hear four nationally acclaimed speakers and to participate in faith enrichment. The conference included an opportunity for reconciliation as well as Mass at the end of the day celebrated by Archbishop Coakley and Bishop David Konderla of the Diocese of Tulsa.
 
During lunch, 36 priests were present to hear hundreds of confessions. There was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a separate young man's luncheon was held close to the meeting room. Young men, and some of their fathers and grandfathers, listened to a presentation by Alex Sanchez, director of campus ministry for Saint Thomas More University Parish in Norman.
 
"It's very gratifying to see such a good turnout of men here today," said John Helsley, a parishioner at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond and an organizer of the conference.
 
His thoughts were echoed by Bob Rapp of Saint Eugene Catholic Church in Oklahoma City.
 
"It's amazing to be in a group with 1,100 to listen to national speakers speak on how we can be men of faith," he said. He explained that he was there with 37 other men from Saint Eugene.
 
Rapp prayed the rosary with more than 100 other men who gathered in a nearby ballroom. Hallways also included religious vendors. Among the vendors were the Knights of Columbus, who had more than 400 members in attendance. Many Knights also served as organizers and ushers. Another table featured the life and witness of Blessed Stanley Rother.
 
Joe Elbow, marketing director for the conference, addressed the crowd multiple times during the day and urged all men to actively practice their faith and "to share your faith with others."
 
Conference Director Ray Haefele said he was happy with how smoothly the day proceeded in addition to the fellowship shared by hundreds.
 
"My thanks to all who attended," he said. "The Holy Spirit was alive and well in the building today."
 
Steve Gust is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.

Photo:  Archbishop Coakley, Dcn. Bill Bawden and Dcn. Roy Forsythe listen to speakers at the 24th annual Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference Feb. 29 in Norman. Photo Cara Koenig/Sooner Catholic.