12th Annual Columbus
Catholic Men’s Conference

Held Saturday, March 7, 2009
St. Joan of Arc Parish - Powell, Ohio

Televised worldwide by the Eternal Word Television Network!

About "Crossing the Goal"

Former NFL all-pro wide receiver and coach Danny Abramowicz has created a television show which uses a sports show format to encourage men to get themselves into spiritual shape.

The show, called "Crossing the Goal," was created in conjunction with the EWTN Global Catholic Network. Segments include "The Kickoff," where the problem of the day is presented; "The Game Plan," where two hosts examine the facts relevant to the topic; "The Red Zone," where the hosts talk about how they’ve dealt with the problem in their own life; and "The End Zone," where each host gives the audience something to think about for the week in hopes of providing real solutions to the spiritual challenges men face.

"We talk to men about the things that are happening in their lives right now and we challenge them to do something about it," said Abramowicz. "Guys respond to a challenge. The Lord will help them, but they have to admit that something is not right in their life."

Abramowicz is joined on "Crossing the Goal" by co-hosts Peter Herbeck, who is vice-president of Renewal Ministries, the founder of Fellowship of Catholic University Students Curtis Martin and professional broadcaster Brian Patrick.

"The economy is tough," Abramowicz said. "Men don't think of the Lord when things are rockin' and rollin'. When things start turning bad, that's when we need to be available to the men."

"Crossing the Goal" airs on Sundays at 6:30 pm Eastern Time and re-airs on Friday nights and Monday mornings. Watch it on EWTN and St. Gabriel Catholic Radio 1580 AM, Columbus.

About The Crossing the Goal Team

Danny Abramowicz
Danny is presently involved in full-time work with Danny Abramowicz Ministry, which is an outreach to Catholic men nationally. Also, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Donum Dei Foundation, which was formerly the Joseph C. and Sue Ellen M. Canizaro Family Foundation. Mr. Abramowicz had a long history with the NFL as a player, coach and broadcaster.

Danny was born July 13, 1945 in Steubenville, Ohio. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1967. Xavier University has presented Danny with the two most prestigious awards bestowed on a student athlete – Legion of Honor and Hall of Fame. In 1967, Danny was drafted in the 17th and last round by the New Orleans Saints. Danny’s NFL career spanned eight seasons. Some of his accomplishments include the NFL’s leading receiver and All-Pro in 1969. Danny was voted to the Saints Silver Anniversary Team. Danny is a member of the following Halls of Fame: Louisiana, Saints, Sugar Bowl and National Polish.

Danny’s community activities in the past included Independent Isle (Handicap Playground), Boy’s Hope, C.A.D.A. and Louisiana Special Olympics. Currently, Danny is active serving on various boards, such as Board of Trustees EWTN, Board of Directors of Catholic Foundation, Executive Committee for Archbishops Annual Community Appeal, National Catholic Men’s Fellowship, President’s Council at St. Joseph’s Seminary College and the Director of the John Paul II Culture Center. He is the author of a book published by Our Sunday Visitor titled Spiritual Workout of a Former Saint.

Listen to Danny's talk during the 10th Annual Columbus Catholic Men's Conference

Brian Patrick
As host of the Son Rise Morning Show on Cincinnati’s Sacred Heart Catholic Radio, Brian Patrick shares weekday mornings with Greater Cincinnati’s Catholic Christians in prayer, reflection, and thoughtful discussion about our journey of faith and Church traditions. The show is now being offered for national syndication. A broadcast veteran of television and radio for more than 30 years, Brian is also an active volunteer. He mentors young men who struggle with addiction, speaking openly of his own recovery and conversion. He served a three-year term on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Communications Committee and has been involved with Christ Renews His Parish and the Cursillo community, serving on several formation teams. Brian has produced videos for his home parish in Covington, Kentucky as well as the Diocese of Covington, helping to promote the Diocesan Annual Appeal. He is the founder of GNN, The Good News Network, a not-for-profit media ministry spreading the Word of God through the electronic media of television, radio and the Internet.

Curtis Martin
Curtis Martin is the President and Founder of FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, one of the fastest growing movements in the Catholic Church. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver stated, “No one does a more dynamic job of reaching college students for Christ than FOCUS.” FOCUS was founded in 1998 as a national outreach to college campuses, both to secular and Catholic schools. Through small group Bible studies, large group leadership training, and one-on-one discipleship, FOCUS brings the fullness of life and truth in the Catholic Church to college students, and equips them with the tools to help them share this good news with their friends. FOCUS is working to play a vital role in the “New Evangelization” called for by Pope John Paul II. In 2008-2009, FOCUS missionaries serve on 39 campuses in 21 states, with plans to reach 100 campuses in the next ten years.

Peter Herbeck
Peter Herbeck is the Vice President and Director of Missions for Renewal Ministries. He has been actively involved in evangelization and Catholic renewal throughout the U.S., Canada, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe for the past twenty five years. Peter is a co-host on The Choices We Face, a member of the new television program Crossing the Goal, the author of two recent books, When the Spirit Comes in Power, and, When the Spirit Speaks, a Board Member of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men, a frequent conference speaker and author of other books and cd’s on various aspects of discipleship, evangelization and the spiritual journey. Peter and his wife Debbie have four children, they live in Ann Arbor, Michigan and are members of Christ the King Parish.

Are You Looking For The 2007 and/or 2008 Catholic Men's Conference Audio MP3 Files?

Just click on the MP3 link to the right and select the audio tape of the speakers you would like to listen to. Or, go to St. Gabriel Radio to request a CD.

"Comfort in tribulation can be secured only on the sure ground of faith holding as true the words of Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church."

-St. Thomas More