THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 28 | MARCH 1, 2024
MEN AT WORK
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Braden Johnson, a young Catholic presenter who travels the country speaking to youth groups and high schools, discusses why young Catholics struggle with the Catholic faith and how fathers can help support their children.
Men’s event draws over 1000 to learn about promoting faith By Jack Figge Special to The Leaven
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VERLAND PARK — Carlos Torres invited his son Enrique to come along with him to Men Under Construction, but the St. Paul, Olathe, parishioner did not want to make it just a family affair. So he asked his daughter’s boyfriend Alex and Robert Polinelick, an OCIA candidate he is sponsoring, to join him at the annual men’s conference. Though these men differ in age and background, each walked away from the daylong conference inspired to live out their masculinity through the faith. “There is a variation of ages in the guys I brought from mid-30s to a teenager,” said Torres. “God talks to us in different ways and Men Under Construction is a great opportunity for these men to hear God’s voice and what he wants them to do through all of the talks and the opportunities for the sacraments.” These four men joined other men at
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Men from all demographics attended the 27th annual Men Under Construction conference on Feb. 17 at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park on Feb. 17 for the 27th annual Men Under Construction. Every year, the conference seeks to help men learn
to live out the faith in their daily lives by hosting renowned speakers, providing an opportunity to receive the sacraments and serving as a place attendees
can meet other men passionate about living the faith. Russ Engel, the president of Men Under Construction, has been volunteering at the conference for the past 10 years, leading it for the past five. This year, he said, the organizers sought to center the day’s talks on how men can help promote the faith within their families and communities through prayer and the Eucharist. “There are so many studies out there that show if a father is engaged in the family and in faith, that family stays together much more strongly and has a much more long-lasting faith life,” said Engel. “However, if the father is not engaged in his faith, that family tends to have a greater chance of moving away from the church.” This year, the conference drew over 1100 attendees, the second largest conference ever. Engel said that so many men are drawn to the conference because they seek Christ. “We all have a void in our hearts, a >> See “YOUNG” on page 7