News

Men's conference in Appleton set for March 24

By Joanne Flemming
Compass Correspondent

Esto Vir, formerly known as the Vineyard, will hold its second annual conference for men March 24 at St. Pius X Church, Appleton.

George Meiners of De Pere, conference committee chairperson, said 650-700 men are expected to attend - double last year's attendance. Dr. Ray Guarendi, Colorado clinical psychologist, will be the keynote speaker.

Meiners said the organization changed its name to Esto Vir - Latin for "be a man" - after it learned that The Vineyard was the trademark of a non-Catholic church group.

Guarendi, who has a daily program on Relevant Radio, will give two morning talks: "Why Be Catholic?" and "Catholic Men Aren't Wimps."

Meiners said Guarendi is known for his work with pre-school and school programs. He has appeared on such television shows as Oprah, Joan Rivers, CBS This Morning and The 700 Club.

Guarendi worked his way through college as a stand-up comic, Meiners said. "He's an amazing speaker, very easy and entertaining but packs a punch."

Afternoon speakers are Fr. Thomas Loya and Fr. Frank Hoffman, both of Chicago. Fr. Loya will talk about "manhood from a spiritual standpoint and as it relates to Pope John Paul II's theology of the body." Fr. Hoffman will speak about the Eucharist.

The conference will close with Mass celebrated by Bp. David Zubik.

Drew Mariani, Relevant Radio host, will be master of ceremonies for the conference.

Registration will continue up to the day of the conference, which will begin at 7 a.m. on March 24. The rosary will follow at 7:30 a.m.

The event is open to men only, from early teens on up, Meiners said. The cost is $25. If an adult male brings a youth under 19, the price is an additional $5.

Priests, parish administrators and deacons can attend free. Meiners said 15-20 priests will be available to hear confessions.

Registration forms can be printed off the Esto Vir Website at www.esto-vir.org. They can be mailed to Nicolet Bank, fbo Esto Vir, PO Box 23910, Green Bay, WI 54305-3910 or e-mail estovir@new.rr.com.