The seventh annual Diocesan Men’s Conference, Saturday, March 23, at St. Bede Parish in Williamsburg, which had both an English-language and a Spanish track, drew 300 people to learn about a myriad of topics on the Catholic faith. Monsignor Walter Barrett Jr., a pastor in the Richmond Diocese, covered such topics as fatherhood, racism and his personal faith journey that led to priesthood. Colorado theologian, author and speaker Scott Powell, addressed how a loving God calls us to be in a deeper relationship with him; and in his homily at an opening Mass, Bishop Barry C. Knestout spoke about the application of the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.

E. Martin Labat, right, a parishioner at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk, shares information about the Knights of Peter Claver with Paul Fletcher, a parishioner at St. Mary of the Presentation, Suffolk. (Photo/Jennifer Neville)

Monsignor Walter Barrett Jr., one of the keynote speakers, speaks about fatherhood, racism and his personal faith journey at the Diocesan Men’s Conference, Saturday, March 23. (Photo/E. Martin Labat, Labat Photography)