The Great Lakes Catholic Men's Conference
Building Faith, Brotherhood, and Purpose
Our conference unites Catholic men to deepen their faith and strengthen community bonds. We focus on spiritual growth, leadership, and living out Catholic values in everyday life.
2026 Conference Details Coming Soon!
Countdown to the 2026 Great Lakes Catholic Men's Conference
CONFERENCE DAY IS HERE!
SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, November 21
Tickets for the 31st Annual Great Lakes Catholic Men's Conference will be available soon! Mark your calendar and tell your brothers, sons, uncles, dads, and friends that this is your day to share together this year!
2026 Spiritual Theme:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Saturday,
November 21st
We know it seems a long way off, but the 31st Annual Great Lakes Catholic Men's Conference will be here before we know it. So mark your calendar and tell your brothers, sons, uncles, dads, and friends that this is your day to share together this year!
2026 Spiritual Theme:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Our Mission and Vision
Building Stronger Men, Stronger Communities
To bring men, at all levels of their faith journey, together to learn, praise, pray, and join in the celebration of the Mass. Through this gathering, help men encounter Christ so that they may renew and start a new life under His Lordship. That this new life will bear fruit through relationships with family and friends, in the workplace and other environments. That these men will go back to their parishes with increased vigor and passion, using Jesus Christ as their example of service.
2025 SPEAKERS
Steve Ray
Steve & Janet, his wife, are converts to the Catholic Church from the Baptist Tradition. They are the writers, hosts, and producers of the Catholic DVD series The Footprints of God: The Story of Salvation from Abraham to the Apostolic Fathers. Steve is the best-selling author of numerous books including Crossing the Tiber, the story of his conversion to the Catholic Church.
Rev. Francis J. Hoffman (Fr. Rocky)
Fr. Rocky is Executive Director of Relevant Radio. Ordained as a priest for Opus Dei in 1992, he holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, and a BA in History from Northwestern University.
Tim Gray
Dr. Gray is the President of the Augustine Institute, a Catholic speaker and author. Under Dr. Gray’s leadership, the Augustine Institute has become the largest Catholic graduate school of theology in the United States, a leading purveyor of premium Catholic content, and now a locus for Catholic conferences and retreats.
Doug
Hinderer
Doug Hinderer is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He sees couples and individuals, and frequently speaks on a variety of marriage-related topics. He also hosts his own show, “Marriage Unhindered,” on Relevant Radio. Doug recently published his first book, Rekindled Hearts: A Spiritual Journey to Marital Healing. Doug and his wife, Shirley, have been married for 46 years and have 9 children and 12 grandchildren.
Bishop
Dennis Spies
Bishop Dennis Edward Spies was born in Clifton, Illinois. His previous assignments include parochial vicar at St. Walter in Roselle, pastor at St. Liborius in Steger, and director of the pre-theology and parish internship program at Mundelein Seminary. Since 2024, he has served as vicar for clergy for the Diocese of Joliet and currently serves as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Joliet.
Dr. Matthew Breuninger
Dr. Matthew Breuninger is a licensed psychologist, Catholic speaker & author. After 9 years at Franciscan Univ. of Steubenville, he founded Wellspring Counseling & Coaching, a Catholic-rooted practice. He speaks internationally on psychology & faith and is author of Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life's Hurts. He lives with his wife and six children on a family homestead.
2025 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
“Great speakers and great range of topics. Powerful. Challenging.”
Dave
"Always a great conference to attend, always uplifting to me."
Chris
"I was in spiritual/family crisis. Confession, Mass, and speakers helped to lift me out of heavy darkness."
Michael
Become a Sponsor
Support Our Sponsors
To keep the Conference affordable for all men, ticket prices are kept low, and no one has ever been turned away for inability to pay. Sponsorships help to ensure that this wonderful Conference can continue and remain accessible to any man who wants to attend. Please
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS and prayerfully consider being a sponsor and advertising with us!
*If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the Men's Conference, please click on the link for the Sponsorship Form.
Get Involved: Support the Conference
Join Our Volunteer Team
Contributing your time and talents helps strengthen our community and advance the conference’s mission. Volunteers assist with event setup, guest support, and outreach efforts. Whether you can offer a few hours or a larger commitment, your involvement makes a meaningful difference.
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