‘INSPIRING AND CHALLENGING’

Reflections from the Step Up Men’s Conference

The men view the monstrance for the adoration period during the Step Up Men’s Conference on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at St. Edward the Confessor in Clifton Park, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist (Courtesy photo of CINDY SCHULTZ)

The third annual Step Up Men’s Conference was held on Aug. 10 at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park. These are reflections from some of the attendees: 

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On Saturday, Aug. 10, I attended my third Step Up Men’s Conference for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany at St. Edward the Confessor Church. I appreciate that this event brings different generations of men and boys together so we can grow in our faith. The Lord always meets us where we are and we all need each other to journey together toward our heavenly home. Reconciliation was available with up to 15 priests over the course of the day.

The event introduction started out with an explanation of plenary indulgences by Father Rendell Torres before Mass. It was a great start to the day while we continued to learn about our faith and the built-up treasures of the Church that we have access to through this process.

Mass began at 9 a.m. with Father Dan McHale presiding over the Feast Day of St. Lawrence, patron saint of the poor. Father McHale gave an amazing homily regarding how men need to “Step Up,” be different and proclaim the Good News. What a great message to start the day along with the sacrifice of the Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

There were three presentations throughout the day with well-placed breaks that made for many opportunities to converse with others. I found this valuable making new friends in Christ along with acquaintances from last year. Of course there were also old friends to catch up with.

Michael “Gomer” Gormley was the first presenter with his talk “The Biblical Vision of Manhood” from Genesis to Jesus. Gomer is a captivating speaker and quickly covers many topics, sometimes with a comic relief take on things, while bringing some of the thousands of visions from the Bible on what it means to be a man. Traversing time, he discussed how the role of men remains key to the family in all walks of life, from domestication to prohibition and even to future technologies in the cyber world which dispel nature. He also talked about: how important it is to spend time with your kids to raise happy, healthy and holy adults, and how it is a service to God; laying down your life for your family while being virtuous and having emotional strength; and the sanctity of marriage and its importance for spouses to take care of each other. The final message being “Get back to Christ” with the Cross of Christ in your heart and then your home.

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger was our second presenter with the topic “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41-42). Bishop Ed discussed how most times when someone is called to conversion it is because of one person and how God lifts us up, and doesn’t pull us down, that’s on us. No matter how many times we fall, Jesus loves us and how we can work with the “rough spots.” There is hope for all of us which is the basic Gospel. Today is the day! Jesus meets us here and now. Let’s go and let Jesus take control with the final message, “Jesus is coming to your heart and mine.”

Gomer finished with the third presentation titled, “The Bonds of Brotherhood” and how we cannot live the Christian life alone. He pointed out some interesting facts of how the majority of the human race dies within five miles of where they were born, and how the bonds of fellowship and community become strong because of this. He added: the church used to be the center of the whole town; friendships are not always virtuous, this is something that needs to be considered in your relationships; and how children used to follow in their father’s trade, not so much today if at all. His final message was when men suffer together and work together bonds are created; you “can’t do this alone!”

We finished the day with adoration and reciting the Rosary. Thanks to all involved in making this day a reality for us men to gather!

— Chuck Ciaccia, Our Lady of Victory Church in Troy

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“Step Up” was both inspiring and challenging. The conference definitely encouraged us to “Step Up” and take hold of our spiritual inheritance as men. It gave me some ideas and direction as to how I can best develop myself and serve God in the current phase of my life. I left feeling both empowered and encouraged.

— Nathan Levine, Immaculate Conception in Glenville

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I wanted to share my thoughts on the Step Up! Men’s Conference. I loved it and found it to be uplifting and relaxing. I think the venue was a key contributor to the comfort and peace. Everything was centrally located, the church was bright and airy, and there was more than enough space. I didn’t know the main speaker, Mike Gormley, but I do now. He was fantastic! His insights were fresh and new for me. I learned about the pressures of the culture on men and how to understand them to better serve me, my family and my brothers. The event was bookmarked by the Mass and adoration filling us with the Holy Spirit which put us into the right disposition to receive what we needed. I could not be more pleased with the day and feel rejuvenated and energized to act. This is my third conference and they never disappoint. The only disappointment is the multitudes of brothers who missed out on this life changing event. Be sure to join us next year!

— Rob Bohm, St. Mary’s in Cooperstown, and in the Albany Diocese’s Diaconate Candidacy first-year program 

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The conference was amazing. The “I do” speech was spot on. I have left there informed. My prayer is that I won’t back out on God this time. I’m convinced that I am a child of God. I am here to serve others, allowing my Triune God to shine through me. That is what this conference helped me receive. Looking forward to the next one.

— Ray O’Sullivan, St. Joseph’s in Greenfield Center

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Here are my top takeaways from the day: 

• Men and women being different doesn’t mean they are opposites. Men being strong does not imply women are weak. I loved the personal example of birth (with an epidural gone horribly wrong!).

• Both the passivity model and the overly aggressive overreaction to it are equally bad ways to think about what it means to be a Christian man. God’s truth lies at neither extreme.

• The infamous quote from Saint Paul about the subordination of women to men in Ephesians says in marriage and nowhere does it say that all women must be submissive to all men at all times. I never thought of this before.

— Matthew Szydagis, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Niskayuna

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This retreat was very well planned and executed.

The focus on “Stop being so tough on yourself, and reflect on God’s love for you” was very timely. I wish more people could have attended. As an example, a former supervisor texted me that morning saying that he did not believe he was worthy of heaven. Based on the presentations (especially the Bishop’s), I shared what I believe was an appropriate response. He was very appreciative and thankful for the insights.

Thank you for allowing me to help him.

— Trip Gagnon, St. Clement’s Parish in Saratoga Springs

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“Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

At the RCDA Diocesan Step-up 2024 Men’s Conference of Aug. 10, I was inspired to reflect on the Mass prayer “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.” 

I hope the Holy Spirit is the source of this inspiration, not me. The speakers at the conference gave powerful personal stories of their journeys in today’s world as a life challenge for men to step-up as active leaders in family, church and society. I got the message: Catholic men are falling short of the mission. Jesus Christ is calling both men and women to actively share our stories and invite all to a personal relationship with the loving God. Yes, I am guilty of silent indifference toward my neighbor. In the Mass prayer mentioned above, we believe sins are taken away, I ask what does that mean? I went to confession that day, asking forgiveness for my sins; Jesus forgave and took my sins. Perhaps Jesus takes my sin with him to the cross to ambush the devil. The devil receives Jesus as just another human sinner, not God, into the abode of the dead. At that moment the divinity of Jesus is revealed, the gates of hell are opened and my sin is no more.  

Only God can open hell’s gate and He has chosen that His Son had to die on the cross as His method for my (our) salvation. I conclude the effects of the sin committed by Adam and Eve are really, really BAD. Perhaps the devil has tricked the world into believing that there is no BAD news so the GOOD is not needed. I pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can all expose the lies of the devil in a loving way, converting ourselves and neighbors into the children of God we are created to be.

— Tom Threlkeld, Our Lady of Grace in Ballston Lake

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