Hope is the central message of this Jubilee Year, and hope will also be the central message of the seventh annual ManUp South Jersey Men's Spirituality Conference scheduled for Nov. 8. The theme will be "Men of Faith, Messengers of Hope."

Creating the event is a year-long process, and the first step is always the development of a theme around which all planning decisions are made. Referencing the theme and its significance, Joe DiFilippo, one of the founding ManUp South Jersey team members, explains that "our purpose will be to send each man home filled with a new spirit of hope. Each speaker will encourage that message and give men the resources to be true messengers of hope."

Anthony Scafidi, also a member of the planning team, adds, "We do our best to build our speaker selection and messaging around our theme. One of our goals is to elicit a 'call to action' where men finish the day feeling emboldened to spread the hope of the Gospel to others through their words and actions."

For men, the Jubilee Year serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing relationships within the family. Men can strengthen their marital bond by dedicating time for their spouse, engaging in open communication, and participating in activities that foster mutual respect and love. As fathers, they can deepen their connections with their children through active involvement in their lives, whether through shared interests, mentorship or simply spending quality time together.

Deacon Charles Schiapelli, assistant director of diaconate formation for the Diocese of Camden, explains that "the theme, 'Men of Faith, Messengers of Hope,' holds deep meaning for me, and I think for other fathers like me who have come to faith later in life. It represents both our personal transformation and our calling to share the hope we have found with our families. The theme acknowledges the value of a father's faith journey, no matter where it begins."

In the months leading up to the November conference, the ManUp South Jersey team is planning events and publishing weekly email messages that are built around the pillars that mark the Jubilee Year within our Diocese. By engaging in pilgrimages, daily prayer, participation in the sacraments, acts of service, bearing witness to the Gospel, and fostering strong family bonds, men can lead themselves and their families on a path of spiritual growth and renewal. Embracing this Jubilee Year with an open heart and a commitment to faith can transform lives and create a lasting legacy of hope and devotion.

This special year is filled with hope for all who take the opportunity to travel along a new road that leads to a special encounter with Jesus, the one who loves us beyond all understanding. As we open ourselves to that encounter, may we take to heart the inspiring words of Bishop Dennis Sullivan as he opened the 2025 Jubilee Year by urging us "to follow the example of the three wanderers and take whatever road you need to find Jesus."