THE GOOD NEWS
ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN

February 3, 2008

The Good News...

 ...Calling All Men

Catholic men of Oklahoma, I am extending a personal invitation to every one of you to the 12th annual Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference.  This conference will be held at Bishop McGuinness High School on Saturday, Feb. 16. It will be an exciting day leading us to a better understanding of our Catholic faith. Those of you who wisely accept my invitation and do participate in this conference have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

The great Saint Augustine exclaimed, “O Lord, our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.”  Like Saint Augustine, every one of us has restless hearts because we are pilgrims here on this earth. This is the time of spiritual growth and transition. God made us to be united with Him forever. In order to receive God’s gift of eternal life in heaven, we must grow in faith, hope and love. The length of our life on this earth is limited. During this short time, we must prepare “to meet the Lord.”  Like Saint Augustine, we must realize the truth that our hearts are indeed restless until we find rest in God!

Currently we live in a world that is basically secular. Many people do not believe in God.  Consequently, God is banned from the “marketplace.” He is excluded from our schools, our workplaces and even many times from our daily lives. Yet we, as Catholic people, proclaim a belief in a good and gracious God. This God revealed Himself to us as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God, came to our world.  He was born as a little child. He lived, suffered and died for us. Before His death, He began to form His Church. After His death and Ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide, guard and lead the Church. Each of us, therefore, as members of the Church are given countless opportunities to come to know, love and serve God. This Oklahoma Catholic Men’s Conference is one of those opportunities. I invite all men of Oklahoma to come and participate in this conference.

Last week the Catholic women of Oklahoma also held a conference, one that was geared to women. It was the second year for this conference. What a tremendous success it was! I’m told they had over 900 women. I am confident there were more than 1,000  in attendance. Catholic men — you have a goal!

Again, I extend an invitation to all Catholic men of Oklahoma — come, join in, participate with your brothers in the conference “In the Father’s Footsteps,” Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, Bishop McGuinness High School, Oklahoma City.

I urge you, I call you, I invite you to come. I will be waiting for you and the Lord will bless you.