Special to The Texas Catholic
Nearly 975 men from 109 parishes across North Texas gathered Feb. 28 for the 15th annual North Texas Catholic Men’s Conference at Prince of Peace Catholic Parish in Plano, a day focused on prayer, fraternity and spiritual renewal.
The conference presented by the Catholic Brothers for Christ ministry featured Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns and three out-of-state speakers who addressed themes of spiritual warfare, repentance, and redemption. Participants spent time in eucharistic adoration, prayed the rosary together, and received the sacrament of reconciliation, with 32 priests converting Catholic school classrooms into temporary confessionals.
Joining Bishop Burns were film and television producer Jim Wahlberg, author of “The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid’s Story of Addiction and Redemption;” Sister Mary Michael Fox, OP, a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville for more than 30 years; and Father Dan Reehil, a former corporate executive who now serves as a priest for the Diocese of Nashville.
Though their backgrounds varied, each speaker emphasized the power of God’s mercy and the renewal that comes through acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness.
Midway through the conference, Bishop Burns reflected on his early priesthood in Pittsburgh, where he ministered to men in prison. He recalled learning that many inmates desired to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation — a request that initially gave the warden pause but ultimately became a sign of hope.
Bishop Burns reminded attendees that spiritual life involves real struggle. In daily life, he said, Satan seeks to ensnare men through rage, anger, pornography, and other sins.
“Sin enslaves us,” Bishop Burns said, urging men to allow the “chains of our sinfulness fall by the wayside.”
When he said men are “just one confession away from freedom,” the purpose of the gathering became clear.
Bishop Burns emphasized that Lent calls for more than self-improvement.
“Lent is more than self-improvement. It’s a time of self-surrender,” he said, encouraging men to approach prayer with sincerity and humility.
Throughout the day, attendees were reminded that their “yes” to Jesus Christ matters — not only personally, but for the wider Church. Men were encouraged to stand firm together and to support one another as brothers in faith.
Speaking about family life, Bishop Burns noted that when the name of Jesus Christ is spoken in the home, children and spouses experience a greater sense of peace and safety. He also urged men to remain devoted to the rosary and to seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother Mary.
Near the conclusion of his remarks, Bishop Burns offered a final message of hope: “There’s nothing we’ve done that’s not forgiven by God. Keep your gaze focused and lives focused on Jesus Christ who wants men and disciples who will give their hearts to him.”
The conference concluded with a renewed call for men to live faithfully, persevere in spiritual discipline, and give glory to God in all aspects of their lives.
