FORGE men’s conference a success

March 28, 2025

Two men talking at the 2025 FORGE Men's Conference

Nearly 900 men filled the Embassy Suites on March 1 in what was the largest Catholic men’s conference in Des Moines in recent memory.

Men heard from Father Boniface Hicks, Matt Birk, John Bishop, Ph.D., Dr. Leonard Sax, Damon Owens, Jon Leonetti, and Pete Burak. Bishop William Joensen celebrated the opening Mass, and hundreds of men received the sacrament of confession.

“I’m grateful to Bishop Joensen for his support. In what was certainly a busy Catholic weekend around town, I’m thrilled that we packed the room ,” said Bishop, who is the executive director at FORGE.

“We know of men away from the Church for decades who went to confession. What is perhaps most inspiring is that the conference has spawned dozens of new FORGE small groups throughout Des Moines and central Iowa. Thank you to all who attended!” he said.

Small groups are formed year round, and men can still sign up to join a small group at myforge.org.

The next FORGE conference is already on the books for Feb. 28, 2026. Confirmed speakers include Edward Sri, Ph.D., Jason Evert, Paul J. Kim, and Dr. Matthew Breuninger.

For those who couldn’t make the conference, you can watch John Bishop’s closing keynote on YouTube.