Dr. Ray to keynote Men's Conference in Le Mars

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

Men of the Diocese of Sioux City will have a chance to build community with one another and learn ways to help them stand strong in the faith at the 2026 Men’s Conference slated for March 21 in Le Mars.

According to Delores Huemiller, one of three diocesan faith formation coordinators, the theme of this year’s conference is Standing Strong as a Man, Parent and Grandparent. It is open to all men in the diocese, including high school juniors and seniors.

“Men will be encouraged to be firm in their faith, be firm in their convictions and be strong, Catholic men in the church and the world that we need today,” she said.

Dr. Ray to keynote
Hosted by All Saints Parish at St. Joseph Church, this diocesan conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi, a Catholic father of 10 adopted children and psychologist. The professional speaker is also an author as well as national radio host of 
“The Dr. Is In” that can be heard on more than 440 stations and television host whose TV show, “Living Right With Dr. Ray,” can be viewed on EWTN.

“This will be a great opportunity hear Dr. Ray who is very popular and very well-liked,” said Huemiller.

The speaker will offer two keynotes, one titled Standing Strong as a Parent and Grandparent, upon which the conference theme was built and expanded.

The focus of Guarendi’s first talk, he said, “is to raise and guide children in a culture no longer on your side.”
His second talk, noted Guarendi, is titled The Logic of Being Catholic that is based on why reason and evidence brought him back to the Catholic Church.

“Both of these topics are pertinent today because obviously we are trying to guide kids through the treacherous waters of the culture and the other is that often we don’t understand how deeply logical our faith is,” said the speaker.

Along with the keynote talks, Huemiller said the conference will feature Mass celebrated by Bishop John E. Keehner, the option to attend two of four breakout sessions as well as a third breakout session offered by the bishop.

During the bishop’s breakout, Bishop Keehner said he plans to briefly talk about his Camino pilgrimage experience and segue into insights about “why allowing ourselves as men to face challenges is important.”

The four other breakout session presenters include Father Jake Rosenmeyer of Webster County Holy Trinity Parish, Father Ross Caniglia of Lake City Our Lady of the Plains Parish, Deacon Jorge Fernandez of Sioux City Cathedral Parish and Justin Derry, a Catholic therapist. Derry’s talk will focus on living a life of purpose and virtue tying in the concept that for every yes there is a no to something else.

Huemiller pointed out there will be a nice balance of enriching talks, the availability of the sacraments through Mass and confession, community prayer and fraternity.

“Community prayer is so important. We are all encouraged in our own faith lives when we experience prayer with others,” she said.

An opportunity for fellowship will be during lunch that features the grilled pork chops by the Plymouth County Pork Producers that will once again be served.

All Saints men’s group
While the Diocese of Sioux City is the main organizer of the conference, Huemiller commended the men’s group from All Saints Parish who have assisted with the event each year.

Matt Rosener, one of the main organizers with the parish men’s group, stated that this will be the 10^th men’s conference held at All Saints Parish.

“The first one began in 2013,” he said, noting that the parish initially organized the conference but later joined with diocesan efforts to expand the reach. “The conference did not happen because of Covid in the years 2020 and 2021.” The event was also cancelled in 2023 amid personnel transitions at the diocesan offices. Now, the conference is once again on a path of growth after reaching top attendance of more than 350 in 2018.

Along with helping to plan and organize the conference, he mentioned that the men’s group volunteers assist in various capacities on the day of the conference.

Building faith, knowledge and fraternity
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Ray Guarendi to our 2026 Diocesan Men’s Conference,” said Rosener, who noted among past speakers were Jesse Romero, Matthew Leonard, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers and Jon Leonetti. “I encourage all men in our diocese to come. It is a great opportunity to hear talks from our keynote speaker along with talks from our breakout speakers.”

Men listening to keynote at last year's conference.For men considering attending the conference, Rosener said the timing of the conference during Lent is a great way for men to spend a day of reflection and grow in their faith leading up to Easter.

“I hope all men will consider coming because I know they will not regret it,” he said.

Dr. Guarendi also underscored the value of gatherings such as men’s conferences.

“They will be with other men who think as they do and they won’t feel so alone in the way they see things,” he said. “They will realize there are clear thinking, faith-filled men ready to lead.”

Building up the faith in men is important, stressed the keynote speaker.

“All of the research says that when men are active in the faith and pursue the faith it is much more likely that their children remain so,” said Guarendi.

The day will start with a light breakfast and then morning prayer at 8:30 a.m., followed by Dr. Guarendi’s first keynote. Breakout sessions – men picking two out of four offerings – will be held at 10 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. with Mass at 11:40 a.m. After lunch, the second keynote and Bishop Keehner’s breakout will close out the conference, wrapping up at 3 p.m.

Registration for the conference is open online at https://scdiocese.org/mensconference. Cost of the event, including a light breakfast featuring cinnamon rolls by the local Knights of Columbus and lunch, is $30.

Sponsors for this diocesan event include Siouxland Catholic Radio, Iowa Catholic Radio, Knights of Columbus, Shrine of the Grotto of Redemption and Shrine of Trinity Heights Queen of Peace.

“We are looking for parish point people to help spread the word about the conference in their local parishes,” said Huemiller. If interested, contact her at [email protected].

Ministry programs offered by the diocese are sponsored in part by Together As One. 

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