Enkindle the Fire: Forming Spirit-driven apostles at the 2026 Regnum Christi Men’s Conference in Atlanta, Georgia
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love! Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth!”
This January, over 250 men from across the United States and Canada gathered in Georgia for the 2026 Regnum Christi Men’s Conference. Animated by the theme “Enkindle the Fire,” the weekend was one of camaraderie, formation, and growth, encouraging participants to become Spirit-driven apostles in an increasingly secularized world desperately in need of Christ.
The conference was held from January 16 to 19 at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, Georgia, and featured inspiring speakers who emboldened participants’ love for Christ, deepened their connection to the Regnum Christi movement, and ignited a renewed enthusiasm for apostolate. More than 20 Legionaries of Christ were present throughout the weekend, accompanying attendees in formation, fellowship, and prayer, and offering Mass, confession, and Eucharistic adoration. Evenings concluded with social gatherings complete with games, prizes, and beverages, including a spirited and highly competitive cornhole tournament!
“The conference begins at the altar.”
The conference began on Friday evening with Mass presided by Fr. Scott Reilly, LC. In his homily, he presented the men with a challenge: God is searching for a specific kind of heart—one that burns with a faith capable of moving mountains and breaking through roofs (cf. Lk 5:17-39). “He’s looking for men who have faith—an ardent faith, a burning faith!”
That evening, Dave O’Shea, director of advancement at Pinecrest Academy, gave the keynote address, inviting the men to have boldness, courage, and zeal in their apostolic mission, particularly in their own homes.
“As fathers and leaders, we must evangelize the next generation, It saves them, and it strengthens us.”
On Saturday, Jeff Showalter and Oscar Tanaka opened the day’s talks with practical advice on building an Encounter team that is not just another casual gathering or weekly meeting, but a life-changing brotherhood. The men also had the opportunity to explore an apostolic showcase with booths and information from over 23 apostolates from all over the North American Territory, dedicated to family, marriage, education, poverty relief, adoration, vocations, and more.
“One of the best things about Regnum Christi is that forming apostles and apostolates is part of our foundation,”
“We refuse to be merely spectators—when an RC member sees a problem, he will work to find a solution! The attendees were very eager to learn about the apostolates and take those ideas back home to their localities!”
“We cannot stay in the Upper Room.”
“We have witnessed the Holy Spirit erupting among us. But like the Apostles at Pentecost, we cannot stay in the Upper Room. The doors are open—we are being unleashed!”
Lyndon Penner from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, was especially grateful to attend this year’s convention—last year, his group was turned back on their way to the convention in Louisiana when a severe winter storm cancelled most flights into the area. This year, he attended with three fellow RC team members and was able to experience a renewed sense of belonging to the larger spiritual family of Regnum Christi, lived with joy, enthusiasm, brotherhood, and purpose.
“I gained hope for my own spiritual journey and grew ever more motivated to participate fully in the richness Regnum Christi has to offer our local community. That spirit of community is something we look forward to sharing with other team members at home, knowing that our local brotherhood is closely connected to the larger RC family. Considering our increasingly secular society, I see parallels between the community of communities that is Regnum Christi and the communities of the early Church, connected by a love for Christ and the Church, Christian charity, and a shared apostolic mission. In this, I find great hope!”
Texas 2027
Next year’s RC Men’s Convention is already taking shape! Team Houston stands ready to extend a warm welcome, showcase the best of Texas hospitality and BBQ, and lead the men in reflecting on the powerful theme—Christ Our King! They have also issued a bold invitation to all: a challenge to double the 2026 attendance and continue building on the grace and momentum of this year’s convention. Stay tuned for more details on Texas 2027!
You can hear many of the talks presented at the 2026 RC Men’s Convention on Spotify.
Fr. John Bartunek was ordained in 2003. He has taught moral theology at various ecclesiastical institutions at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and has authored many books, including the Gospel companion, The Better Part, and Inside the Passion, the only authorized behind-the-scenes look at the film, for which he provided on-set spiritual support. His online retreat guides are available in multiple formats at RCSpirituality.org. Fr. John currently resides in Atlanta, where he is serving as territorial vicar for the Legionaries of Christ.
