Final preparations for the 2021 Australian Catholic Men’s Gathering are being made, with more than 400 participants registered for the event, which launches nationally on July 31.

A collaborative initiative of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry and the Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement, the event follows the first national Catholic Men’s Gathering held in August 2020.

Established to meet new COVID-19 norms, the initiative promotes small, local hosting sites or online gatherings, avoiding travel or large events. Utilising the online resources provided, gatherings will take place between July and October, or even later in the year, as COVID-19 requirements permit.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse, chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, said there was great anticipation building for the event.

“Whether you are a husband, father, brother, son, uncle, grandfather or friend, this event seeks to encourage all men in the faith and in their prayer life,” he said.

“There has been strong interest in the event from right across the country, and I’m looking forward to joining with a group of men in my own archdiocese in fellowship and prayer as we participate in the gathering.”

The event features an introductory video session, three keynote presentations and a commissioning and conclusion. The keynote presentations will be delivered by Tomasz Juszczak (Man of God), Tim Davis (Man of Service) and Shayne Bennett (Man of Character).

Mr Juszczak, who is the director of evangelisation for the Diocese of Broken Bay, said the presentations build upon the Year of St Joseph and its focus on forming men of faith.

“As a man forced to flee his home, a man who faced questions about his place in the world, a man who toiled diligently in his work life and above all a man who trusted in God, St Joseph provides us with a wonderful model for our own lives,” he said.

“The Year of St Joseph is the perfect time for all men to participate in this event, which I believe will inspire them to a deeper faith and help them to grow in Christian character.”

A range of materials to assist in preparing for the event are available online, including promotional resources, a novena and a hosting guide with several suggested programs for hosting sites to use.

For more information about the event and to register, visit https://nce.catholic.org.au/catholicmen