Staff report

WARREN — The Catholic Men’s Fellowship for the Diocese of Youngstown will have free admission to its annual men’s conference at 8 a.m. March 25 at Warren John F. Kennedy High School, Central Parkway SE.

According to fellowship President Mark Violand, the group made it its goal to attract as many Catholic men from throughout the Diocese to the daylong event, which is a regular feature of Lent.

“In the world that we live in, our committee feels that the Catholic Men’s Fellowship Conference is needed more than ever. It’s a chance for us to escape the noise and business of our everyday routines and come together as Catholic men to focus on our relationship with God,” Violand said.

This year’s conference theme will be centered around the Eucharist and is titled “This is My Body,” Violand said.

Doors for the conference will open at 8 a.m., and the conference will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Although admission is free, registration is required.

Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. by Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar.

The featured speakers will include the Rev. Ryan Furlong, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Vienna; Dr. Ben Safranski, director of religious education at Christ Our Savior Parish in Struthers; and the Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Canfield.

“This Eucharistic revival is meant to awaken us and, in some cases, educate us to the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist,” he said.

“As men, we must take the lead in promoting the Eucharist. That is why we feel compelled to waive the admission price at this year’s conference. It’s just too important for money to stand in the way.”

Because of the expenses in putting on the event, Violand said the group is looking for sponsors to offset some of the costs.

Individual sponsorships begin at $25, while local Knights of Columbus councils can be a sponsor for $75. Main sponsorship opportunities are available for $200.

For registration and /or sponsorship information, log onto the group’s website at www.CMFDOY.org website.

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