By Will Kwiatkowski, Correspondent
What began as a simple idea among a Catholic Men’s Group at St. Francis Cathedral has extended into a diocesan-wide men's conference.
The Renewal of Hope Men’s Conference, taking place November 15 at Saint Francis Cathedral in Metuchen New Jersey, features three dynamic speakers – Dr. Ray Guarendi, Kevin Wells, and Father Kevin Kelly. This day is designed to reignite faith and bring hope to Catholic men across the diocese.
The idea for the conference emerged from conversations between Father Tim Christy, rector of St. Francis Cathedral, and members of the parish’s Men on Mission group, who wanted to bring a powerful event of faith formation closer to home.
“I had attended a couple of these conferences before, and I always thought it would be awesome if our parish or diocese hosted one,” said Tom Sharlow, a member of the St. Francis Cathedral Men on Mission group helping lead the effort. “So when Father Christy mentioned it, I knew it was something we could do. With the support of the group, we’ve been able to make it happen.”
The conference theme, Renewal of Hope, connects to the Church’s preparations for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Organizers emphasize that the day is open to all men, whether practicing Catholics, those returning to the Church, or anyone seeking to deepen their faith.
“You don’t know where someone is on their journey,” Sharlowsaid. “They could be a practicing Catholic, or maybe they’ve fallen away and haven’t been to church in a while. The conference is a chance to bring men together, to hear inspiring speakers, and to give the Holy Spirit room to move them. If you’re not happy with the world the way it is, and you want to make a change, it starts with each individual.”
The three keynote speakers bring compelling backgrounds and powerful personal stories.
Dr. Ray Guarendi is a clinical psychologist, father of ten, national radio and TV host, and author of more than 20 books on parenting, marriage, and Catholic life.
Known to audiences across the country through his call-in show “The Doctor Is In” and his long-running EWTN television series “Living Right,” Guarendi combines humor with practical wisdom.
“I’m going to give men a sense of standing strong against a culture that’s no longer on their side,” Guarendi said. “Good comedy has truth to it. It leaves people saying, ‘I can relate to that,’ and then I can drive home the message I want to leave with them.”
After covering major league baseball, Kevin Wells, a former sportswriter for the Tampa Tribune experienced a profound conversion that led him to Catholic evangelization.
Drawing from his personal experiences and encounters with people across the U.S. and abroad, Wells inspires men to deepen their faith and embrace hope in daily life.
“A lot of men forget about the theological virtue of hope,” Wells said. “Over and over in my travels, I meet parents who’ve lost their children to the faith. They feel hopeless. My goal is to tell stories that show how even on the darkest days – whether it’s a family crisis, personal struggles, or just the grind of life – God is always by our side. Hope is the anchor of the soul that never disappoints.”
Father Kevin Kelly, a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen, is also scheduled to speak. Known for his engaging preaching and young adult ministry, he has been described by parishioners as “a rock.” Sharlow said, “His energy and faith will really move people.”
The conference is open to men of all ages – high school students, young professionals, fathers, and grandfathers alike.
“We just want to spread the word,” Sharlow said. “This is about renewal, about hope, and about men coming together to be inspired and to make a difference in their families, their parishes, and their communities.”
The Men's Conference will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. To register, click the link below. Entrance fee is $65 up till the day of the Conference.
Register for the Conference: