Summary

The website content is an invitation to a men's conference focused on fatherhood and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of men's roles in society and the Church.

Abstract

The "Father to Son: Accept the Challenge" event is a call to action for men of all ages, particularly those who are or aspire to be fathers or father figures. It aims to address the challenges faced by men in contemporary society by fostering spiritual growth, community building, and learning from nationally recognized leaders. The conference, to be held at the University of Michigan, includes meals, networking opportunities, religious services, and talks by speakers such as Father Larry Richards and Father Mathias Thelen. The event underscores the need for men to defend their faith and families, drawing on the wisdom of figures like Thomas Merton, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, and St. Clare of Assisi to inspire attendees to become better versions of themselves.

Opinions

The content suggests that there is a spiritual battle affecting families and children, and men are urged to engage in this struggle.
It posits that true success for men lies not in material provision but in their roles as protectors and defenders of their families and faith.
The article conveys that men can learn valuable lessons from one another, with the conference providing a platform for intergenerational knowledge sharing and mutual support.
The event is presented as an opportunity for personal and spiritual development, emphasizing that each attendee holds a piece of the puzzle in the quest for greater answers.
The text implies a critique of modern society's view of masculinity, advocating for a return to traditional Christian values and ethos.
It expresses optimism about the potential for the next generation of men to surpass the current one if equipped with the right lessons and spiritual guidance.

Father to Son: Accept the Challenge

Men are called to be fathers and “father figures” but where and how do we possibly learn to do this ourselves?

“When we are truly ourselves, we lose most of the futile self-consciousness that keeps us constantly comparing ourselves with others in order to see how big we are.” — Thomas Merton

“Men, do not hesitate to engage in the battle that is raging around you, the battle that is wounding our children and families, the battle that is distorting the dignity of both women and men. This battle is often hidden, but the battle is real. It is primarily spiritual, but it is progressively killing the remaining Christian ethos in our society and culture, and even in our own homes,” — Bishop Thomas Olmsted, “Manual for Men.”

A Letter to a Younger Man:

We’d like to invite you to something important. So please consider this special invitation for all men (high school age and up). If you are or might someday be a father or “a father figure’’ influencing others the call is even more urgent.

We realize we’ve all questioned and challenged fathers and father figures since Eden. Yet, we are all searching for better things. All generations look at our phones and electronic screens for shortcuts and new answers.

We all want to find that smarter, better way.

We seek success and warmth. We seek a better or easier way home, a shortcut that will save time, money and grief to get us where we need to go faster. We follow our phones. Why not follow our fellow men?

Why not follow someone “in the know?”

We hope you will consider joining us in Ann Arbor on Saturday, February 22. Please save the date on your calendar.

We will eat together — because all great endeavors (including the Church itself) began with a shared sacrifice and a great meal. But through this, we also learn and grow much. You will be eligible to win prizes.

We will also meet some great men. We will gather with guys your age as well as ours, all sorts of good guys who know many things we don’t. But together, we each hold a piece of the puzzle, clues to the bigger, greater answers.

We will gather on a Big Ten indoor football field.

As we learn from the speakers, we will sit at tables with other men like us from communities close to home and be able to share experiences, grow our networks and circles a bit.

Most importantly, we will realize we aren’t alone, that other men know what we are going through.

We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing.’’ — St. Clare of Assisi.

The world teaches us that we are merely providers measured by dollars and points we accumulate in the games of life. In reality, men are called to be protectors.

The motto on our state flag is “Tuebor,” meaning “I will Defend.” And so, we gather together as men to learn more about our roles as men and how our identitey leads to our callings and missions.

Can you join us Saturday, February 22 at the University of Michigan?

We will be gathering more than 1,000 men and young men from high school age on up.

We will meet nationally recognized leaders like Father Larry Richards, author of “Be a Man,” and Father Mathias Thelen, co-founder of Encounter Ministries.

We will east great food, attend Mass together, we will hear great music and be able to go to Confession and participate in Eucharistic Adoration. We will meet at 1202 S. State St., Ann Arbor on the athletic campus that shaped other great men.

Throughout time, men have learned from other men believing “Iron sharpens Iron,” and that the next generation, armed with the right lessons, can always be greater than the last.

We are all called to become better versions of ourselves and I smile knowing all you are capable of.

Will you Accept the Challenge?

“The world is under attack by Satan, as our Lord said it would be (cf. 1 Pt 5: 8 — 14). This battle is occurring in the Church herself, and the devastation is all too evident,” — Bishop Olmsted.