August 16, 2023 at 9:31 a.m.

'CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR'

Reflections from the second annual Step Up Men's Conference in Auriesville

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger presides over Mass to conclude the Step Up Men’s Conference at The Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville on August 12, 2023. (Courtesy photo of Patrick Dodson)

1.The location and structure of the day was great. I love the shrine and I liked the combination of speakers and confessions/Adoration/Mass. The frequency of the breaks was perfect as well. I also really liked having the confessions outside!

2. The speakers were incredible and I really liked how each had a different focus or theme to their talk. I also really liked how they understood that their audience was men and tailored their talks accordingly. My main takeaways were being challenged by Father Larry to find a piece of scripture to use against the devil when we’re tempted to sin, Dr. Joseph saying that the best parish or diocese “program” is an individual practicing his or her faith, and Chris Padgett saying that the answer to creating peace in the world is a man loving his wife and kids one family at a time.

Thanks again for an incredible day! I can’t wait for next year.

— Will Capuano, The Church of Saint Peter, Saratoga, and leader of Spa City Catholic

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My first impression at this year’s Step Up Men’s Conference was that it was really great to be around a lot of good men, the kind you’d want to have as influences as St. Paul would have us per 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and 1 Corinthians 15:33. I was encouraged by seeing a lot of dads with their sons and young men seeking the path of truth. I made several new acquaintances. With 12 priests attending, everyone had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And I remember thinking how fortunate we are in the Albany Diocese to have these dedicated and spiritually-minded servants of God. Father Torres explained our opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence. All the speakers this year gave sound practical advice on how to be a truly Christian man. This included advice on honoring our parents and loving our children, how to be a good spouse, sacrifice and service, and the importance of connection with other Catholic men. After Mass with Bishop Scharfenberger, I left the conference renewed in spirit and looking forward to next year.

— Ken Mazur, St. Mary’s Church, Amsterdam