Why Attend

To give you some context of what this conference is all about, let me tell you a story from one of our SCM team members:

“I had a scary encounter when I first moved to Florida.  One of our first weekends here my family went to a beach just south of Cocoa Beach.  Having dreamed about this experience, I charged towards the water.  I was shocked at the power of a wave when the first one hit me.  It didn’t slow me down though.  I kept moving farther from the shore, plowing through wave after wave.  My family, friends and I were out there for a long time.  Tired and thirsty I headed back towards shore to take a break.  That’s when it hit me… a current tugged at my feet and a wave hit me from behind.  In the blink of an eye, I found myself spinning in a wave!  Shear terror spread over me as I tried to figure out which way was up.  Not being prepared, I found my lungs burning as I clung to the final bit of air I had.  In the midst of the chaos a peace came over me.  I reached out my hand and felt the ocean floor.  With my hand bracing me, I quickly got my bearings and stood up out of the wave into waste deep water.”

Life can be like this.  We dream about it, plow through it and when we least expect it, it brings us to our knees.  Preparation, knowledge and the right support around us can make all the difference.

The Bible tells us that ours is a daily battle.  A Man’s life is a complicated one.  There are demands from work, family & friends.  We encounter the constant struggle to keep ourselves healthy and balanced: emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually.  The challenges we face are like waves bearing down upon us one after the other.  From time to time we must pull ourselves from the flow of life and reflect, learn and renew.

The Bible provides us Hope in Jesus Christ and points to tools we can use.

Battle against Evil.

“Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.  Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil…In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:10-11, 16- 17

The Men’s Conference is an opportunity to REFLECT.  Confessions will be offered throughout the day.  Mass will be celebrated.  Great speakers will provide material to stir our minds and hearts.

The Men’s Conference is a chance to LEARN from others and further strengthen our faith.  Both the men who are putting on the conference and many of the men attending will be able to provide invaluable knowledge and insight to the questions we ask ourselves every day.

The Men’s Conference is a time to RENEW.  It’s an opportunity to step away for a day and regain our footing.  It’s the perfect setting: sitting among men who are seeking God and daily struggling with many of the same issues.

Come and be a part of the Annual Catholic Men’s Conference in Tampa Bay!