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January 14, 2021When COVID-19 created a flood of concerns for organizers of the “In The Father’s Footsteps” Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference, Jim Beckman registered a plea.
“Really since last March, I feel like I’ve been one of the relentless voices of, ‘Don’t cancel! We can’t afford to cancel!’” said Beckman, executive director of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis for the archdiocese.
“That’s what’s happening a lot in the world, one thing after another is being canceled or put on hold. People have a lot of needs in their life, and life goes on, despite the circumstances that we’re in right now. I’m more of a fan of creative recalibration and offering things in a new way that meets up with restrictions and limitations, but still serves people.”
Alas, organizers of the Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference said the conference will go on in person and virtually on Feb. 20 at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Oklahoma City.
Registration is open at catholicmen.net.
This year’s conference, themed “Walking with the Risen Christ,” carries added significance as the 25th annual event, building from humble beginnings to this point where the demand for feeding the faith fuels a move to carry on, even amid a pandemic.
“I think these kinds of events are a powerful way for men to connect,” Beckman said. “Men are typically drawn to fellowship and brotherhood and community, even if they wouldn’t put it into those kinds of words. But, then they connect in a powerful way with Christ and with the Church and with good teaching that is exhorting them on how to live their lives.”
The lineup includes Jeff Cavins, author, speaker and Bible scholar; Steve Angrisano, musician, songwriter and worship leader; Tony Ferraro, author, executive coach and mission leader; and Beckman, a speaker and evangelist in addition to his duties as diocesan leader.
“The team has developed a quality itinerary of four great speakers and is charting new ground with the addition of live-streaming,” Conference Director Ray Haefele said. “With all the effects of a year-long pandemic, we all need a day of quality inspiration and reflection to give direction and meaning to our Lenten journey. I’m praying that many join us on Feb. 20.”
Cavins, a former Protestant pastor, is recognized nationally and internationally as a dynamic Bible teacher skilled at taking complex theological concepts and making them practical for everyone. He developed “The Great Adventure Bible Studies,” a practical and color-coded interactive Bible study system and is the founding host of EWTN’s Life on the Rock.
Angrisano is a published songwriter and singer, and a storyteller who brings music to his talks.
Ferraro is director of training services for Matthew Kelly's Floyd Consulting and is an executive coach for several influential CEO's across the country. Tony has more than 25 years of leadership experience in the educational and business sectors.
Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference
Feb. 20
catholicmen.net
Catholic Pastoral Center
A link will be provided to
registrants before the conference
