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Statewide men's conference: Fathers, sons
Event was more special because
'I spent the day with my dad'
by Rick Waligora and Stephen Waligora
Special to The Michigan Catholic
Published July 2, 2010
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Stephen Waligora, left, was at his first men's conference with his dad, Rick, who attended for the fifth time. |
Editor's note: The first-ever statewide men's conference was held Saturday, June 26, in Ypsilanti. We asked two fathers and their sons to share their experience.
Rick Waligora (father)
This was my fifth year attending the Catholic Men's Conference and they have all been special and faith-filled experiences. This year, however, was exceptional because I went with my son Steve. The Holy Spirit has been working in many different ways in my life these last five years, and this was an example of the Lord reaching out and showing me what the love of God can do in my life.
I was not sure if Steve would be willing or able to attend the conference because he has a very busy work schedule, but I knew God wanted me to ask him. As it worked out, Steve had the day off work and was excited and eager to attend. I was also joined by one of my brothers and three of my friends this year. I think my experience this year was enriched by the company I kept.
One idea that stayed with me after I left this year was the idea of starting a Mass journal. Matthew Kelly, international speaker and author, talked to us about the importance of recording and reflecting on the Scripture we hear at Mass so we can chronicle our growth through faith. A lot of Catholics feel they don't "get anything out of" going to Mass, but I think if we were to really listen and take note of the little things that feel like they're directed right at us, we can read back and see how far we've come on our journey of faith.
The entire day was a joyous event to hear my son praise the Lord in song with such enthusiasm. As my pastor, Fr. John Esper at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Madison Heights, has said many times, the Holy Spirit is the love of God. This year's Catholic Men's Conference was filled with God's Love.
Stephen Waligora (son)
This was my first year attending the Catholic Men's Conference. I arrived with no real expectations because I had never been to anything like it before. I was surprised to see just how many men were in attendance. It was exciting to see the stage area set up and everything prepared. Although I am still considered a "young" adult at the age of 27, I found it inspiring to see men younger still with their fathers and grandfathers at the conference. I thought it was great to see men from all over the state and even from Canada joined together in one place to celebrate and learn together. What made this event more special was that I spent the day with my dad. As father and son, we have been to a lot of different events together: baseball games, movies, and social activities, but we have never been to anything quite like this. It was truly memorable.
One thought that stayed with me the most is the act of confession. It never seemed important to me until I heard Matthew Kelly talk about it. He compared the reconciliation to washing a car, and being proud of it after the fact. I had never really thought of it like that before, and I realized that it is really important to us as men of faith. I was also inspired by the importance of men acting as leaders. We as Catholic men are not fulfilling our duties as men to continue to build, reinforce, and renew the Church.
It was also an honor for me to hear Cardinal Adam Maida, retired archbishop of Detroit, speak. I know he is a busy man and I am grateful to have heard his thoughts on men in the Church. Overall, I felt it was a great experience. I took something very personal away from each speaker, but most of all I left knowing that we as Catholic men need to rise up and become leaders through love.
Rick and Stephen Waligora
One thought that struck us both was from Curtis Martin, TV host and founder of Fellowship of Catholic University Students. In the end, when we are traveling to heaven or hell, the cars we drive and the materials we posses are of no importance. When we come to meet the Lord at the end of our lives, it's not about what we had; it's about what we've given of ourselves to others. As fathers and sons, and Catholic men, we are responsible for passing on our faith and raising each other up to become leaders. If we put our faith in the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we can grow into strong men, and lead with love. We can lead our sons, our daughters, and even strangers, to a loving relationship with Christ.
Rick Waligora is a member of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Madison Heights. Stephen Waligora attends National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish, Royal Oak.
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