Bishop Robert Carlson

Catholic Men’s Conference Speakers - March 1, 2008 at Bay City St. Hyacinth - Bishop Robert Carlson - Ordained Bishop in 1984 and appointed by John Paul II as the Bishop of the Saginaw Diocese in 2005, Bishop Robert J. Carlson joins us again this year at the Catholic men’s Conference. Bishop Carlson is a very active member of the USCCB and is a national leader in the areas of Youth Ministry, Vocations and Prolife issues. Bishop Carlson is also an innovator and strong supporter of Catholic education. He has spoken at many conferences and retreats for various religious and lay organizations which focus on prayer and ongoing conversion. An ardent advocate for participation in the liturgy and celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop Carlson will be our chief celebrant and homilist at Holy Mass.

Captain Guy Gruters (USAF, Retired)

Catholic Men’s Conference Speakers… March 1, 2008 at Bay City St. Hyacinth - Captain Guy Gruters, (retired), a graduate of the Air Force Academy, flew over 400 combat missions in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller (FAC), one of the most dangerous flight assignments of the war. Shot down twice, and captured the second time in 1967, he then spent over five years in POW camps. He was released along with most American POW’s in 1973. His time as a prisoner forced him to reconnect and draw deeply on his faith in order to survive.

Captain Gruters received two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, one Bronze Star for Valor, two Purple Hearts and over 20 air medals. Some of his experiences have been put into print by other veterans (see Misty, stories of the F-100 FAC’s, by Maj, Gen. Don Shepperd) Captain Gruters is married to Sandy, his wife of 40 years and they have 7 children and numerous grandchildren.

Deacon Denis Heames

Catholic Men’s Conference Speakers - March 1, 2008 at Bay City St. Hyacinth - Deacon Denis Heames - In his 4th year of Theology at Sacred heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Transitional Deacon Denis Heames is scheduled for Ordination to the Priesthood May 16th in Saginaw. Deacon Denis comes from a military family, which means he has lived ‘all over’ the country. He spent nine years with several Madonna House Chapters (a religious community committed to prayer and service of the poor) in Canada. A ‘from the heart’ preacher, he will be speaking to the men about the importance of confession. Deacon Heames has a passion for the growing men’s fellowships, vocations and renewal of the priesthood in the Catholic Church.

Deacon Alex Jones

Catholic Men’s Conference Speakers… March 1, 2008 at Bay City St. Hyacinth - Deacon Alex Jones was an “on-fire’ Pentecostal starting as a teenager and then a minister in inner-city Detroit through the tumultuous 60’s and into the 1990’s, when he began to long for more spiritual sustenance which led him investigate the teachings of the ancient church fathers.

Alex Jones and his wife Donna entered the Catholic Church in 2001, along with 54 members of his former congregation. Since his ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, Deacon Jones has traveled and preached widely in many settings here at home and abroad. A powerful and popular speaker who uses his gifts to expound the scriptures and bring enthusiasm to his listeners, Deacon Alex Jones is sure to challenge you to grow in your own faith and to follow where Christ leads you.

2008 Catholic Men's Conference Conference

2008 Catholic Men's Conference Conference

Join with men of the Saginaw Diocese as they gather for prayer and fellowship. Participate in Holy Mass with Bishop Robert Carlson. Speakers include Captain Guy Gruters, Vietnam veteran and POW, and Deacon Alex Jones from the Archdiocese of Detroit. Come and enjoy a prayerful, spirit-filled experience with powerful, dynamic speakers.

Saginaw Diocesan Newsletter, January and February Editions To be posted under “For Your Parish Bulletin”
2008 Catholic Men's Conference "When the Going gets Tough - Men of Faith in Hard Times."

The 2008 Saginaw Catholic Men's Conference will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at St. Hyacinth Parish in Bay City. Participate in Holy Mass with Bishop Robert Carlson. Speakers include Captain Guy Gruters, Vietnam veteran and POW, and Deacon Alex Jones from the Archdiocese of Detroit. Come and enjoy a prayerful, spirit-filled experience with powerful, dynamic speakers. For more information, go to www.thecatholicmen.net and click on the "Latest News" Page, or email: Saginaw.Mens.Conference@gmail.com or call (989) 399-2254.

Conference Information Details

Name: When the Going Gets Tough; Men of Faith in Hard Times
Date: March 1, 2008
Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sponsors: Catholic Men’s Fellowship of the Saginaw Diocese
Location: St. Hyacinth Church, 1515 Cass Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708
Cost: Cost is only $15.00 and youth under age 21 are free.

Contact Info: Go to website www.thecatholicmen.net or the Saginaw diocesan website www.saginaw.org Email to Saginaw.Mens.Conference@gmail.com or call (989) 399-2254. Leave your name, number, and question on the voicemail.