I recently returned from my first ever retreat, sponsored by a group called Real Catholic Men.  The retreat consisted of 40 men, looking to grow and become energized in their faith.  The highlights of this retreat were the presentations by the dynamic evangelizing force, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.  We are blessed to have this New Jersey native close to home for events like this.  Deacon Harold is internationally known, having made several appearances on Catholic Radio and EWTN.

We talked about the confession, adoration, sin, the Eucharist, but mostly we discussed what it meant to be a real Catholic man.  It was a truly powerful experience to stand in line for confession, go to Mass, pray the Stations of the Cross, and build true friendships with 40 other men.  I’ll go back next year, and I’m anxiously awaiting the third annual Real Catholic Men Conference in Vancouver, WA this June!