Anthony Keiser, director of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita Office of Faith Formation, recalls a memorable encounter at a past Catholic Men’s Conference. A grandfather had brought his sons and grandsons to share their first real faith experience together. This family returned the following year, illustrating the event's impact.

Jake Samour, director of the diocese’s Office of Marriage and Family Life, finds encouragement in witnessing men gather for prayer and song at St. Catherine of Siena. “Seeing and networking with them and sharing that joyful day reminds me that we are not alone. It fortifies me as a man,” he said.

Keiser and Samour are key organizers for this year's conference, which promises to be worthwhile for attendees.

The 2025 "Man Fully Alive" Catholic Men’s Conference will feature speakers Jim Wahlberg and Fr. Matthew Pawlikowski on February 1 at Church of the Magdalen from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wahlberg is known for his work in film production and as executive director of The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. His movie “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist” was released in theaters nationwide in 2024.

Fr. Pawlikowski has served as senior chaplain at West Point and is now a civilian chaplain there. He is also recognized as a senior parachutist, bronze star recipient, and army ranger with devotion to Chaplain Emil Kapaun from Kansas.

Fr. Pawlikowski will emphasize Fr. Kapaun during his presentation, including a one-act play about Fr. Kapaun's time in a North Korean prisoner-of-war camp. Keiser noted that other presentations would also highlight Fr. Kapaun’s legacy.

The conference theme is “Go and do likewise,” inspired by Christ’s words in the Gospel of Luke after telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Wahlberg will discuss his return to faith after neglecting it for some time, offering attendees an opportunity to hear his story live.

Samour appreciates how many men from the Diocese have contributed to organizing these conferences over the years, initially spearheaded by Knights of Columbus at St. Francis of Assisi Parish but now involving various groups.

Keiser praised St. Catherine's men for their efficient handling when hosting previous conferences: “They really took ownership... They were so helpful that setup, teardown, and running was a well-oiled machine.”

The conference will begin with Mass followed by breakfast before keynote speeches interspersed with breaks throughout morning sessions featuring Eucharistic adoration opportunities along with confession services available later on; lunch provides ample chance mingling meeting speakers too!

Organizers are enthusiastic about launching an inaugural Catholic Women’s Conference within diocesan community efforts toward inclusive engagement initiatives across gender lines! Keiser expressed excitement while offering advice based upon lessons learned through past experiences ensuring successful execution planning stages ahead leading up until event day itself arrives finally culminating anticipated gathering faithful participants alike eager attend partake spiritually enriching occasion overall shared purpose unity fellowship amongst believers everywhere present represented diverse backgrounds perspectives united common cause mission statement vision goals objectives outlined clearly communicated transparently effectively efficiently manner possible given constraints limitations imposed externally internally alike respectively accordingly ultimately achieving desired outcomes expectations set forth initially outset outset outset outset outset outset outset outset outset outset outset outset

To register or learn more about "Man Fully Alive," visit catholicmensconference.com.