Bishop to speak at virtual conference

As concerns over the COVID-19 virus grows, public gatherings, parish events, and now Masses are canceled across the Albany Diocese. In the wake of cancellations, many Catholic men are left wondering how to keep their faith, and their community, together in times of uncertainty.

John Edwards, founder of the website, “Just a Guy in A Pew,” has the answer: a nationwide “Virtual Catholic Men’s Conference.”

“This is something we’re really excited about,” said Edwards in a video promoting the event. He explained how disheartening it was to see opportunities for men of faith to come together canceled, so he decided to do something about it.

“There’s never really, as we know of, something like this that’s been done. And in this time, it calls for ingenuity and new thinking, and that’s what we’re trying to do here,” he added.

The virtual conference runs from midnight on Friday, April 3, until midnight on Sunday, April 5. Speakers will deliver 20-minute talks; attendees are able to watch as many talks as they like in the three-day conference period and will have over 20 talks to choose from.

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger will be one of the speakers and said, “I look forward to seeing how this experiment will go. See you there men!” on the bottom of the event page.Bishop’s talk is titled “Body-Presence in a Virtual Wilderness” and will focus on social-distancing: How do we keep our social contacts human? We are not just spiritual but "incarnate spirits," by nature sacramental. How can we be ourselves -- fully human -- when the Sacraments are not readily available?

The keynote speakers are: Bishop David Talley, Father Mitch Pacwa, Father Mike Schmitz and Sister Miriam James Hiedland.

Other speakers include Deacon Jeff Drzycimski from the Catholic Cafe at EWTN, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, a speaker from Dynamic Catholic, and Bill Donaghy, instructor, international speaker, and curriculum specialist for the Theology of the Body Institute Certification Program.

Registration for the con­ference can be found at: https://www.virtualcatholicconference.com