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February 25, 2014BISMARCK – Cardinal Francis George, OMI has been slated as the keynote presenter for “THIRST 2014: A Men’s Conference” sponsored by the Diocese of Bismarck and hosted at the University of Mary.
The one-day event will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at the University of Mary’s Leach Fieldhouse. Other featured presenters include Tom Peterson, president of CatholicsComeHome.org, and Fr. Russ Kovash, pastor of the Churches of St. Joseph (Williston), St. John the Baptist (Trenton) and St. Boniface (Grenora).
Cardinal George was installed as archbishop of Chicago in May 1997 and served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2007 to 2010. He was created a cardinal by Blessed John Paul II in 1998 and celebrated 50 years of priesthood in 2013. As a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, he bears the initials OMI after his name.
“Cardinal Francis George has been a friend and mentor to me as a priest and as a bishop,” said Bismarck Bishop David Kagan. “He is an excellent pastor of souls and teacher of our Catholic faith who can both instruct and challenge us to live and deepen our relationship with Jesus. I look forward to him spending time with the Catholic men of our diocese and helping us all better live our vocations.”
Fr. Brian Gross, pastor of the Churches of Epiphany (Watford City) and Our Lady of Consolation (Alexander), is coordinating the Men’s Conference with other staff members from the Bismarck Diocese and University of Mary.
"Catholic men in the Diocese of Bismarck and beyond need to be a holy presence in a culture that is becoming increasingly hostile to faith and prayer,” he said. “Building off the momentum of the THIRST 2013 Conference and under the leadership of Bishop Kagan, it is exciting to prepare for the first diocesan men's conference. Events like this help ensure that Jesus continues to be the most powerful presence in the hearts of all our good men."
“We are truly honored to partner with the Diocese of Bismarck to host this gathering of faithful men who are coming together to deepen their love for Christ and reaffirm their fidelity to their families and their communities,” said Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary. “This time of fellowship and prayer with one another will be a source of strength and encouragement to the men who attend, as they go forward to be ‘a light to the world.’”
THIRST 2014 is open to men of all faith denominations. Watch for more information in future issues of the DCA.