Pennsylvania priest and former college football starter to speak on evangelization at conference

Father Joseph M. Freedy, senior parochial vicar at Divine Grace Parish in Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and former Division 1 starting quarterback for the University of Buffalo, will present a talk titled, “Return: Drawing your Loved Ones Back to the Church” at the 25th annual Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference March 21 at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester.  
Father Freedy will share about his journey in collegiate football to his vocation as a priest, as it relates to the theme of evangelization, and seeing our loved ones return to the Church.  
“This 6’6” former college athlete turned priest, who’s an incredible speaker, will really capture the men’s attention,” said Shawn Shields of the conference planning committee. “No man is a prophet in his own land, so it’s always great to have a visitor come in and share his perspectives with us,” Mr. Shields said.  
Father Freedy was ordained a priest in 2008 and previously served as the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s vocation director and assistant evangelization director. He is also the spiritual director for Dry Bones Ministry based out of Pennsylvania.
In addition to Fr. Freedy, this year’s conference will also feature well-known Catholic thought leader John Martignoni, author and former host of EWTN radio’s “Open Line,” who will present his talk titled, “Does God Want Everyone to be Catholic?”; radio icon Kevin Matthews, whose life story is being told in the recently released motion picture “Broken Mary”;  Father Peter Jae Choi, from Toronto, Canada, will present his deeply personal and inspiring talk, “All I Ever Wanted from My Father was his Love”; and Father Fred Fraini, pastor of North American Martyrs Parish in Auburn, will prepare attendees for reconciliation with “The Greatest Gift We Shall Ever Receive, is the One We Don’t Deserve.”  
“All five speakers will reach into the depths of men’s souls, reconnecting them with their faith, sending them home stronger Catholic men,” said Mr. Shields.
Jim Polito, from iHeartRadio, will be the master of ceremonies on the day, which will include an all-day adoration chapel, the rosary, reconciliation with more than 60 priests scheduled to be available midday, Catholic music and more than 50 Catholic vendors will also be present.
The day will end with 4 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop McManus.