The 2023 Men's Conference Called to Be Saints: Immaculate Heart of Mary

An interview with Peter Krajnak, who serves as the 2023 Conference Co-Director and gives us better insight into this year's 26th Annual Columbus Catholic Men's Conference.

My original involvement in the Catholic Men's Conference was eight years ago when I was part of St. Catharine's Host Parish Team. Two years later, I joined the Catholic Men's Conference Planning Team, mainly focused on operations and creating the physical layout for the Conference. I was the Conference Director for the past two years, and for 2023, I am pleased to be Conference Co-Director along with Nate Schroeder of St. John Neumann parish.

While I am always amazed at how the Conference is such a spiritual experience, the real fruits that I experience from this Conference aren't from the nine hours of the day of the Conference. The real fruits come from the nine months of planning with our Catholic Men's Conference Planning Team (CMCPT). I am so thankful and appreciative of the deep relationships that we have built over the years as we work together, as we push each other to achieve more, and as we take the time to reflect on how our efforts profoundly impact the lives of thousands of men. The men on the CMCPT are remarkable, and I am so grateful for their tireless effort to help with this event.

Share your reflections on this year's Columbus Catholic Men's Conference theme focusing on the Immaculate Heart of Mary and more about our keynote speakers.

The recent Conference theme focused on St. Joseph and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so it's Mary's turn this year. Our 2023 Conference theme is "Immaculate Heart of Mary." These themes support Catholic Men's Ministry's focus: "Centered on Christ – Called to be Saints – Inspired by St. Joseph." Our speakers are Bishop Earl Fernandes, John Sablan, and Deacon Charlie Eckeverry. Many men are excited about an opportunity to meet our Bishop personally, and the Conference provides that opportunity. John is very well known to the large That Man Is You community in our diocese. Charlie's family is from Columbia, and he has a vibrant ministry to Latino and non-Latino audiences. He recently spoke at the Napa Institute and served as vice chair of Catholic Answers. We hope Charlie will help us attract our Latino community to this yearly gathering and grow our reach. All three speakers have agreed to help us with our theme of focusing on the Blessed Mother, Our Lady.

This will be our 26th Annual Conference. At each Conference, we see thousands of familiar faces…those who attend the Conference year after year. We are eager to meet the men attending their first Conference. We are pretty friendly and approachable...and we provide a bountiful breakfast and a great lunch. Fill your belly and your soul! We provide live American Sign Language and Spanish Translation at the Conference. For those wondering what the Conference is like, you can view previous conference videos on the Conference tab of CatholicMensMinistry.com.

What is an aspect of the Conference that continues to inspire you over the years?

I have the unique opportunity to see the Conference from the viewpoint of our speakers since I am typically around the stage during the presentations. It is thrilling to see the faces of 3,000 men gathered together. I look forward to seeing the room full of men and hearing 3,000 men's voices singing at mass! It's invigorating and inspiring.

How can men help spread the word? Information and registration are available at CatholicMensMinistry.com or share the attached poster. Now is a great time to share the real meaning of Christmas with others by giving the gift of Faith.

Details: Saturday, February 25, 2023

Kasich Hall Ohio Expo Center, Columbus

Schedule: Adoration 6:00am • Registration 7:00am • Conference 8:00am - 3:00pm

Buy tickets and learn more at: https://www.catholicmensministry.com/catholicmensconference