The Step Up Men's Conference will give men the tools needed to grow in holiness in their everyday lives.  

Saturday, August 9, 2025
St. Edward the Confessor Church, Clifton Park

Schedule of Events for 2025 Conference:

8:15 to 9 AM – Check-in / Registration / Reconciliation 

                Coffee / Tea / Water

9 AM – Welcome / Mass

10 AM – 10:20 AM – Break with snacks

10:20 AM – 11:10 AM - First Morning Presentation

Topic:  A Light in the Darkness: Seeing Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

This presentation will explore the nature and reality of sin, examine why it is so destructive to a man’s relationship with God, and recognize the need for conversion and reconciliation by looking at how the Sacrament of Confession restores, deepens, and strengthens men’s relationship with our Heavenly Father.

11:10 AM – 11:30 AM – Break

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM – Second Morning Presentation

Topic:  Are you sleepwalking through life? – Fr. James Walsh 

Life is short….it’s time for men to engage.  We'll reflect on three topics: 1. When was the last time you reflected on your purpose in life? 2. Men need other men to grow in faith. 3. Dynamic parishes need men involved in ministries.

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch (Box Lunch & Water Included) 

• Reconciliation 
• Small Group Connections

1:15 to 2 PM – Afternoon Presentation

Topic:   Putting on the Armor of God: Preparing for Spiritual Combat – Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

In this presentation the Catholic Speaker and Evangelist, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, will examine Satan’s strategy for destroying a man’s relationship with God. He will develop a battle plan to combat the effects of sin in the hearts and lives of men and their families and provide the tools men need to be spiritual leaders in the family and society.

2 PM to 2:20 PM – Break

2:20 PM – 3:20 PM – Adoration / Rosary / Sacrament of Reconciliation

3:30 PM:  Closing Comments & Departure

Keynote Speakers

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers:

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers – known around the world as the “Dynamic Deacon” – is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today. He is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher, whose no-nonsense approach to living and proclaiming the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire those who hear him. He is an internationally renowned speaker, author, and preacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Theological Studies Degree from the University of Dallas. 

He is the host of Beacon of Truth on EWTN Radio, has appeared in the major motion picture Power in My Hands, and his video reflections on the Mass readings are featured by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Deacon Harold, a Benedictine Oblate, is the author of six books, including Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality, Our Life of Service: The Handbook for Catholic Deacons, and the acclaimed new book Building a Civilization of Love: A Catholic Response to Racism. He is a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars and the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy.

Fr. James Walsh:

Fr. James Walsh is the Pastor of St. Pius X Church and School in Loudonville, and Sacred Heart of Jesus in Albany’s North End.  He has a great heart for Evangelization at his parishes, with initiatives focused on learning about our loving God, living out a life of service and developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Fr. Walsh is a native of Cambridge, NY.  He graduated from Clarkson University with a Bachelor of Science & Masters of Science degree in Civil Engineering.  Fr. Walsh followed his call to the priesthood and left his corporate job to enter the seminary. He received his Masters in Divinity from Immaculate Conception Seminary (Seton Hall University) and was Ordained a Priest in the Diocese of Albany in 1993.  He previously served for six years as Associate Pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar and worked in the Diocesan Vocation Office for fourteen years.

Early Registration: $45 per person until July 31.

Regular Registration: $50 per person from August 1 to 8.

Day of Registration: $55 per person on-site.

College age and younger men are FREE, but need to register.

To register for the conference, click here 

Questions? Contact: Tom Cronin at Thomas.Cronin@rcda.org