How does a family form us? How do we experience God’s grace at home? Home should be a safe haven, but sometimes it is the most difficult place to be. So, how do we encounter God in the midst of that? These questions set the context for the second workshop of the afternoon, presented by Fr. Chris Martin.

Continue reading

For the first afternoon workshop, David Calavitta had a clear message – we are all part of the family of God. Each and every one of us was made by God, and we are therefore God’s children. As God’s children, we have intrinsic value and worth. We didn’t do anything to earn it. There is nothing we could ever do that would rid us of that value. God is the Creator and Father of all.

Continue reading

What is masculinity? What does it mean to be a man? These are questions that David Calavitta helped the men at the conference explore during his talk this afternoon. When we dig into the etymology of the word masculinity, we discover it refers to something that is worthy of a man. The word itself points to the way in which men were created to exist; it tells us there is a worthy life that can be lived – one that aligns with the way a man was created.

“Your masculinity, as designed by God, given to you by God, is not bad. It is nothing you ever need to apologize for. It is a gift that God has given you and given the world through you.”

Continue reading

Tonight, keynote speaker David Calavitta began by reminding the 3,500-plus members of Generation Z gathered here that each person is created fearless: made for love and from love. David shared with the teens that each of us is a miracle.

During the good times, we receive that simple, loving message easily. But, in more difficult times, the message of God’s unconditional love gets drowned out by lies from the Enemy. When we fail to live up to a certain standard of performance, behavior, expectation, status, or popularity, we might be tempted to run and hide from our loving Father. Shame drives us to hide instead of allowing us to run freely into His arms. There we would find the love and peace we seek.

Continue reading