Above: Nearly 600 men braved the spring snowstorm to attend last year’s IGNITE conference.
Conference invites attendees to ‘Know the Lord’
By Eileen Jevis, Staff writer
The 16th annual IGNITE Men’s Catholic Conference will take place on Saturday, March 29 at Bishop Ludden Junio/Senior High School in Syracuse. Registration for the event is open until March 11. The doors open at 8 a.m. Bishop Lucia will start the day with Holy Mass at 9 a.m. Men, aged 16 years and older are welcome to attend.
This year’s speakers will be:
Bear Woznick
Bear Woznick is the author of the bestselling books “12 Rules for Manliness — Where Have All the Cowboys Gone,” “Deep in the Wave — A Surfing Guide to the Soul” and “Deep Adventure — The Way of Heroic Virtue.” Woznick is a two-time World Tandem Surfing Champ and Legends Stand Up Paddle Surfing Champ — Sailing Captain, among many other skills and adventures. He is the host of EWTN’s award-winning motorcycle TV show “Long Ride Home with Bear Woznick” (also seen on Prime Video, the host of EWTN’s “The Bear Woznick Adventure Radio Show,” heard by millions each week worldwide.
Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck
Father Chase Hilgenbrinck is a native of the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois area where he grew up serving as an altar boy at Holy Trinity Parish. He was also a very gifted athlete. He made the United States Under 17 National Soccer Team and was named a high school All-American before moving on to play at Clemson University. While at Clemson, he was a four-year starter, helping the Tigers to the 2001 ACC Championship and four NCAA Tournament berths including two Elite Eight appearances.
After graduating from Clemson, he signed with the Chilean first-team division soccer league. On a second-division club in 2006, he helped the team achieve promotion to Chile’s top-flight while winning the league title. He played the 2007 season in the first division while completing his fourth and final year in the Chilean league. He was selected as the league’s most valuable player twice at the left full-back position. He also spent time with the Colorado Rapids and played for the New England Revolution in the United States Major League Soccer.
Fr. Hilgenbrinck left this successful career as a professional athlete behind to become a Catholic priest — putting his love for God ahead of his love of soccer.
Ben Steele
Ben Steele is a former tight end and current coach in the National Football League (NFL), currently serving as the tight end coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Steele’s journey in the NFL has been marked by perseverance, dedication, and a deep commitment to his faith. Steele’s determination and skill allowed him to make his mark and develop a deep understanding of the game that has helped him transition from player to coach.
Beyond his professional achievements, Steele is also deeply committed to his Catholic faith, particularly through the practice and promotion of the Rosary. By making and distributing steel-beaded Rosaries, Steele emphasizes the strength and significance of this spiritual practice. In the high-pressure environment of professional sports, he has found solace, focus and resilience through the Rosary. His mission to promote this devotion among men is not only a testament to his personal faith but also an inspiring call for others to embrace the power of prayer.
Registration fee is $65 until March 11 and $75 until March 28. Registration at the door is $80. Registration includes a morning break, full lunch and afternoon break. Register online at ignitecatholicmen.org or contact your parish captain.
Contact Ed Kirk at [email protected] or 315-560-9170 with any questions.
