Catholic Diocese of Wichita holds men’s conference focused on service and faith
The Catholic Diocese of Wichita held its 2026 Men’s Conference on March 28 at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, drawing more than 1,100 registrants from across the United States, according to organizers. The event featured keynote speakers Neal McDonough, a Hollywood actor, and Chris Stefanick, an author and media personality. Both speakers emphasized the importance of service to God and others as central themes for men.
The conference addressed how modern perceptions of masculinity can be reframed through faith-based service. Organizers said that the gathering aimed to help men grow in virtue, faith, and holiness within their families and communities.
During a question-and-answer session, McDonough advised an engaged man on marriage: “Put your wife first. It’s simple,” he said. “Manning up means to serve . . . your job now is not to serve yourself nor look to be served.” He described his own journey through personal challenges in acting and life decisions influenced by his Catholic faith. McDonough recounted periods of rejection in his career before landing a role in “Band of Brothers,” as well as hardships that included losing his house after being fired for refusing roles conflicting with his values. He credited returning to church at his wife’s urging with helping him regain focus: “She dragged me back to church because I had forgotten about him.”
Stefanick spoke about Christianity as a love story during his address: “We come into the world through an act of love… All our lives, we are looking for love because we know it’s the truest path to joy,” he said. He concluded by noting what he called a moment of grace among Catholics: “There are dioceses reporting a 70% increase in the number of people being baptized this Easter over last Easter… This is not the moment for you to shy away from your identity as a child of God.”
Bishop Carl Kemme opened the conference Mass by affirming attendees’ commitment: “Whether we are young or old… whatever stage or state of life – the Lord God calls us all to holiness,” he said. Bishop Kemme encouraged daily Mass attendance and Eucharistic adoration despite busy schedules.
According to its official website, the Diocese functions as a religious organization overseeing Catholic activities across 25 counties in south-central and southeast Kansas; it operates charitable efforts through Catholic Charities; manages 90 parishes along with 37 schools; offers ministries focused on marriage, family life, youth programs, social justice and vocations; and aims “to form disciples of Jesus Christ through faith, worship and service.” For many attendees like Mark Belluomo from Tulsa who was invited by friends, participating reflected this spirit: “It is an outstanding conference, and I will come back next year,” Belluomo said.
As participants left the event hall reflecting on messages about responsibility within families and communities—what one organizer called stepping up individually—the broader impact remains tied closely with ongoing efforts by local parishes supported by diocesan ministries.
