Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Thirty-three men gathered on September 13 and 14 at The Oaks, a 100-acre property east of Lincoln, for the second Forged in Faith X experience. This event provided attendees an opportunity to spend time outdoors and deepen their faith and fellowship.

On Friday evening, participants arrived, set up their tents, and settled in. Josh Fink, one of the founders and a member of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln, prepared burgers and hot dogs for dinner. Following the meal and a talk, Eucharistic adoration was held among the trees. The evening concluded with reflection and conversation around the campfire.

Saturday began early with breakfast consisting of biscuits and gravy, eggs, and coffee. Deacon Matthew Hecker from St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln delivered a talk on what it means to be a man. After some time for reflection, attendees engaged in activities such as forging metal, shooting firearms, and smoking ribs for lunch.

Michael Donlan, an instructor of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) from St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln, led a Q&A session after lunch. There was also time for Mass and a closing activity.

The Forged in Faith Experience is Catholic-oriented with Mass, confessions, and Adoration offered when a priest is available. However, participation is open to non-Catholics as well. One attendee from Rwanda learned about the retreat through Spirit Catholic Radio.

“He was really embraced by everybody. He was so loved,” said Mike Czyz, another founder and member of St. Joseph Parish.

Andrew Munger, the third co-founder from Ss. Leo and Martin Parish in Palmyra and Douglas, shared that many participants expressed how impactful the retreat was for them.

He noted that many felt surprised by “this bond we’ve built with these men who were strangers yesterday.”

Czyz mentioned that there are already inquiries about expanding the retreat to other locations such as Grand Island.

The idea for Forged in Faith X originated from a Friday morning coffee group started by Mark Bohaty of St. Joseph Parish before his passing this spring.

“I think we’d all agree that it’s kind of the highlight of our week… just the idea that there’s a lot of men that don’t have that opportunity to bond with other good Christian men,” Czyz said.

Fink added that they initially considered hosting a father/son retreat but decided to focus first on organizing a men's retreat where participants could engage in activities like shooting guns and forging metal while having deep conversations.

Munger emphasized how working with their hands became symbolic: “I feel like I’ve been in the fire this year... But in the end, you come out of the process somebody better.”

The name "Forged in Faith X" reflects this parallel between faith formation and crafting metalwork.

Although Bohaty passed away before witnessing the first event's success, his initial efforts were crucial to its inception. Munger credited Bohaty's ongoing spiritual support for its continuation.

“I think we’re really letting the Holy Spirit try to lead this,” Czyz said. “I think our hope for it would be that this really reaches out and touches a lot of men.”

Each experience accommodates 24 men only due to capacity limits; however previous attendees have shown interest in assisting future events. Participation is free though donations are welcomed via their website forgedinfaithx.com.

The next experience is scheduled for November with updates available on their website or social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram under forgedinfaithx.