Kurt Fasen of St. Henry in Monticello is looking forward to a valuable four-hour chunk of time he will spend at the University of St. Thomas Field House in March.

He’s got the date marked on his calendar — Saturday, March 16. That’s when the annual Archdiocesan Men’s Conference will take place, from 8 a.m. to noon. Another person who’s got that date circled is Archbishop John Nienstedt, who will be one of the featured speakers.

“Going to an event like this is like spiritual fitness,” Fasen said. “Just like you need to exercise to be physically fit, you have to take opportunities like these to remain spiritually fit.”

A year ago, Fasen came to the event, which was his first men’s conference. He brought his oldest son, Joe, who is now 18 and a senior in high school. This year, he is hoping to take Joe and his second-oldest son, Ray, 12.

“I was skeptical of going last year,” Kurt said. “I didn’t know if it was going to be worth my time, I didn’t know what to expect. I was encouraged by a few friends to attend, and I didn’t regret it. It was probably one of the best morning sessions I’ve attended in a long time — a very long time. It was great to see the archdiocese take the time to put this on.”

Football coach to speak

Beginning at 7 a.m., there will be eucharistic adoration, reconciliation and registration. The conference officially begins with Mass at 8, followed by the speakers.

One of them will be University of St. Thomas head football coach Glenn Caruso. His team advanced to the NCAA?Division III championship game last month, falling to Mount Union 28-10 in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl Dec. 14. It was the first-ever appearance in the title game for the Tommies.

For those who think they may not have the time to come to the conference, Fasen has an answer.

“Everyone today leads busy lives, and it’s easy to say, ‘I’m too busy,’” he said. “But, I encourage men to take part of a day and allow yourself the chance to get closer to God.”

The conference is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for students. Register online  or call (651) 291-4488. Registration is also available the day of the conference.