Man to Man Catholic Conferences 2026
Forming Strong Catholic Men for Faith, Family, and Mission
About
Man to Man Catholic Conference
Father J. Patrick Hough
Father J. Patrick Hough, SJ, originally from Lancashire, England, graduated from.
Stonyhurst College, a Jesuit High School. He spent a year in Sydney, Australia teaching at the Jesuit school there before earning a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Leeds University. Having entered religious life, he received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, a Master of Arts in Medieval Studies from Fordham University, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) with a concentration in Liturgical Studies from Santa Clara University.
Ordained to the priesthood in 2011, Fr. Hough has served in diverse educational and pastoral roles including assignments at Jesuit institutions in El Paso, Dallas, Tampa, and New York City. He also served as the Executive Director of Advancement for the Jesuit Central and Southern Province in St. Louis, MO.
He is currently the Executive Director of Grand Coteau Retreats, a full-service retreat center located in historic Grand Coteau, Louisiana. There he has been instrumental in revitalizing the Jesuit retreat ministry, guiding the development of a new high-capacity facility that continues the Jesuit mission in Grand Coteau, ongoing since 1837. The center offers both silent and preached retreats for men, women, couples, and religious, and it also welcomes Catholic outside groups.
About
Man to Man Catholic Conference
FR BILL CASEY, CPM
Father Bill Casey is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a 1979 graduate of Temple University. After graduating from college, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army. Upon leaving the Army, he entered the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy. He studied Philosophy at Christendom College and Theology at Holy Apostles Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 1991. From 1997-2009, Fr. Casey served as the Superior General of the Congregation. Father attributes his call to the priesthood to the Mercy of God, his love for the study of Sacred Scripture, and his strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Father Casey is a nationally renowned speaker and a frequent guest on EWTN
About
Man to Man Catholic Conference
Chad Judice
Chad Judice is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, an award-winning author, and former teacher in the Theology departments of two Catholic High schools in Lafayette, Louisiana for seventeen years.
He is the author of three inspiring pro-life, pro-faith books whose central character is his second son, who was born with spina bifida. The books are Waiting for Eli, A Father’s Journey from Fear to Faith; Eli’s Reach: On the Value of Human Life and the Power of Prayer; and Growing with Eli: Our Journey into Life and Light. Eli’s Reach was named the best book by a small publisher in 2013 and Growing with Eli received honorable mention in the category of Family life in 2019 by the Catholic Press Association.
His articles have been published in the New York Post, The National Catholic Register, and The Word Among Us. He’s been a guest on national TV and radio shows, including EWTN’s The World Over Live, Catholic TV’s Seize the Day and Catholic Answers Live.
Chad has earned certificates in Theology, Apologetics, Philosophy, Church History, Old and New Testament Studies, and the History of the Roman Rite from the New St. Thomas Institute. He has an Advanced Catechist and DRE certification from the Franciscan Catechetical Institute in Steubenville, Ohio. Chad is currently the Director of the Office of Catechesis for the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, where he assists Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel in handing on the Deposit of Faith Jesus Christ revealed to the Apostles and provides catechetical resources and oversight to 122 Church parishes and 30 Diocesan schools.
In the last 10 years he has given presentations to more than 100 audiences in 17 states, addressing Man to Man conferences, Respect Life gatherings, leading retreats, and conducting parish Lenten and Advent missions.
About
Man to Man Catholic Conference
FR ANDREW SCHUMACHER
Our speaker was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lafayette in 2018 and has spent his priesthood walking closely with men, families, and young people in the real struggles of faith and life. In July 2025, Fr. Andrew Schumacher became pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church, while also serving as chaplain at St. Thomas More Catholic High School.
Before coming to Holy Cross, Fr. Schumacher served as pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Mermentau and St. Margaret of Scotland in Estherwood, and as Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Across every assignment, he has been known for preaching with clarity and conviction—calling people not just to believe, but to live the Gospel with courage.
Fr. Schumacher has a deep love for the Sacraments and a passion for helping men encounter Christ in a way that actually changes how they live, lead, and love. He speaks honestly about discipline, trust in God’s mercy, and what it means to show up—at home, in the Church, and in the world.
When he’s not at the parish or school, you’ll usually find him outside—traveling to holy sights, playing pickleball, or grounding himself in God’s creation.
2026 catholic conference theme
Manhood Through Mary
Living as Sons of Mary
“All, according to their state, should strive to bring alive the wondrous virtues of our heavenly Queen and most loving Mother through constant effort of mind and manner. Thus will it come about that all Christians, in honoring and imitating their sublime Queen and Mother, will realize they are truly brothers, and with all envy and avarice thrust aside, will promote love among classes, respect the rights of the weak, cherish peace. No one should think himself a son of Mary, worthy of being received under her powerful protection, unless, like her, he is just, gentle and pure, and shows a sincere desire for true brotherhood, not harming or injuring but rather helping and comforting others.
—Ad Caeli Reginam, Proclaiming the Queenship of Mary, Pope Pius XII – 1954
Mary’s Crown: Honor, Role, and Intercession
The Church celebrates the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 22nd. The feast day was established by Pope Pius XII in 1954. Closely connected to the Assumption, which is celebrated on August 15, it emphasizes that Mary, who was taken up body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life, was crowned as the Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Mary’s queenship has its roots in biblical tradition, particularly in the idea that the king’s mother held a place of honor. This is illustrated in 1 Kings 2:19, where Solomon places his mother, Bathsheba, at his right hand. As the Mother of Jesus, the King of Kings, Mary has a unique role in salvation history. Her crown signifies not only her honor but also her intercessory power before her Son.
Although this devotion to Mary as Queen was officially declared in the 20th century, it has existed for centuries, as reflected in numerous prayers and works of art. This feast serves as a reminder to the faithful that the humble are exalted in God’s kingdom and that, through Mary’s queenship, all are invited to share in the royal dignity of Christ.
Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.
MAN TO MAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
AUGUST 22, 2026
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
2026 Man to Man Catholic Conference
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Conference Information
Date:
August 22, 2026
Time:
8:00AM – 2:35PM
Address:
Our Lady of Fatima Church
2319 Johnston St. Lafayette, LA 70503 United States
Quick Information
Registration: Knight Hall
Coffee & Donuts: Knight Hall
Lunch: Fatima School Cafeteria
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