2026 Breakout Speakers
2026 Breakout Sessions
Explore a variety of engaging breakout sessions designed to challenge, inspire, and equip you on your journey of faith.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your personal relationship with God, build meaningful connections with others, or find purpose in your unique stage of life, these sessions offer something for everyone. Led by dynamic Catholic speakers, each session provides practical insights and spiritual encouragement to help you live your faith boldly and fully. Choose the topics that resonate most with you and take the next step in becoming the man God calls you to be.
JJ Niekro - Pro Panel Discussion
A moderated discussion featuring professional athletes who share insights from their careers, training, and experiences, followed by an audience Q&A session.
Mark Sappington - Pro Panel Discussion
A moderated discussion featuring professional athletes who share insights from their careers, training, and experiences, followed by an audience Q&A session.
Chad Pirotte - How to read the Bible for all it's worth
In this session, Chad Pirotte, a former Presbyterian Pastor, now Catholic, will give a very practical overview of the Bible and how to understand it. Themes discussed will be the differences of Old and New Testaments, the big picture story that weaves through both, insight into how to use the Bible to pray and become a better man of faith, finished with Q and A.
Dan Kelly - Connecting With Your Kids
“Connecting With Your Kids” explores how fathers can build meaningful, faith-centered relationships with their children through intentional presence, communication, and spiritual leadership in the home.
Nick Redd - The Porn Pandemic
The Porn Pandemic cuts through shame and gets honest about why so many men feel stuck: early exposure, emotional wounds, isolation, and using sexuality as a coping mechanism. This talk unpacks the neuroscience behind porn, the cultural forces escalating the crisis, and the deeper questions every man must answer to heal.
Ed Van Buskirk - Are You Prepared for Battle?
Today’s culture is a battlefield, and every man needs a plan and a strategy to avoid the landmines. In this breakout, we’ll unpack God’s field manual — the Ten Commandments — not as ancient rules, but as a powerful plan for becoming the man you were created to be. Strong. Steady. Ready. For your family, your mission, and your eternal purpose.
Sebastion D'Amico - Dad as Spiritual Leader
Fatherhood is more than providing and protecting—it’s about leading your family closer to Christ. In this session, we’ll explore the practical and spiritual dimensions of being the spiritual head of your household. Discover how to cultivate a home centered on prayer, model authentic faith for your children, and confidently guide your family in the sacraments and Scripture. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your role, you’ll leave with concrete steps to strengthen your family’s faith and fulfill your calling as a Catholic father.
Canon Stein
This talk offers practical guidance on preparing for Lent by understanding mortification as a tool for growth, not punishment. You’ll learn how to choose realistic, meaningful sacrifices, connect them to prayer and charity, and avoid common pitfalls that make Lent discouraging or performative. The goal is simple: small, intentional practices that actually change your heart and carry into daily life.
Chuck Jansen - Forgiveness Education Works!
Course Description: You want me to do what?? Are you struggling with forgiving someone who has really hurt you? You are not alone! Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing the abuse. Come join an interesting time of stories, videos, scripture, Q&A, and a short prayer service led by Chuck Jansen, founder of Forgiveness Institute KC, Inc. There really are predictable “common denominators” in the challenging process to forgive. To date, no one has fallen asleep in this workshop! Check out www.yeabut.org for more information on this ministry.
Russ Engel - How to Develop a Deeper Prayer Life
“How to Develop a Deeper Prayer Life” guides men in cultivating a more intimate relationship with God through practical disciplines, contemplative practices, and making consistent time for prayer amid the demands of daily life.
Phil Hernandez - Fatherhood
Learn God’s plan for yourself as a man. What is the path to happiness? How to be in relationship with your wife and children. Identity the source of your weaknesses. What are your God given needs and those of your family? Where Are you?; do you hear God calling? Why is life so hard sometimes? How do you trust in the Sacrements? Are you a spiritual father? What does God want of Me? Purpose? All men suffer, few sacrifice. What is it about Fatherhood you have a question about? Is it just about authority or leniency? Are you who your family needs you to be? In this question and answer breakout we will try to answer as many of your specific questions in 40 mins. and help point you in the right direction: God’s will for you.
