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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20260227T145944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T145008Z
UID:10000024-1778612400-1778612400@myforge.org
SUMMARY:The Problem with Contraception
DESCRIPTION:Price: $10 \nDescription: For nearly two thousand years\, every Christian body—Catholic\, Orthodox\, and Protestant alike—rejected contraception as contrary to God’s design for marriage\, a consensus that only began to fracture in the 1930s. In this talk\, we will explore why the Catholic Church has remained steadfast\, and how the widespread embrace of contraception has contributed—just as the Church predicted—to sexual immorality\, increased abortion\, diminished respect for women\, a crisis of masculinity\, and the weakening of the family. Contraception promises freedom but often delivers isolation and fragmentation. In contrast\, a faithful embrace of natural family planning fosters marital unity\, deepens mutual self-gift\, strengthens masculine responsibility\, and cultivates a culture of reverence for women and new life. \nSpeaker: Dr. John Bishop is the Founder and Executive Director of Forge\, an apostolate dedicated to strengthening families through the formation of men. Founded in Des Moines in 2023\, Forge is now expanding into cities across the country. He holds a doctorate in theology from The Catholic University of America\, where his dissertation explored masculine holiness\, advancing the thought of Pope Saint John Paul II in dialogue with contemporary scientific research. With more than a decade of experience in men’s ministry—first on college campuses with FOCUS and now through Forge—Dr. Bishop works to equip men with a clear\, compelling vision of redeemed masculinity for the renewal of the Church and society. \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Tuesday\, May 12th. Doors open 7PM. Programming begins at 8PM. \nLocation: Twisted Vine Brewery\, 112 SE 4th St. Des Moines\, IA 50309 
URL:https://myforge.org/event/problem-with-contraception/
LOCATION:Twisted Vine Brewery\, 112 SE 4th St\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/May-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20260326T193705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T195039Z
UID:10000030-1776798000-1776798000@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Basilicas and Barbells
DESCRIPTION:Price: $20 \nDescription: Since 2000\, gym memberships in the U.S. have more than doubled (33 to 70 million). From protein shakes to CrossFit to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu\, our culture is gripped by a hunger for physical excellence. But what does the Catholic Church have to say about the gym? After all\, some of our greatest saints were… well\, not exactly lean. Does physical fitness have anything to do with spiritual fitness? If so\, what? And can things go wrong? This talk has answers.\nDr. Jared Zimmerer—former competitive bodybuilder and Senior Director of Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Institute\, now a humanities professor\, husband\, and father of six—will shed light on the topic. Human beings are a curious mix of mind\, matter\, and spirit. The one inevitably affects the other. Whether you’re hitting the squat rack twice a day or hitting the snack drawer every hour\, this talk has something practical for every guy. \nRegistration: Registration not required at this time. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will open 1 week after the previous event. Click the “PRE-REGISTER” button found at myforge.org/events-wichita. \nDate: Tuesday\, April 21st. Doors open 7PM. Programming begins at 8PM. \nLocation: Odd Fellow Hall \nListen to our guest speaker on:\nElliot Hulse Podcast (yo elliot!\, iykyk)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2wF6VbH8TgGood News Conference Talk – Beauty and the Moral Imaginationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBUfWXHMhloCatholic Film Club – Rewriting Gladiator IIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsIP2Q-VNs4
URL:https://myforge.org/event/basilicas-and-barbells-wichita/
LOCATION:Odd Fellow Hall\, 930 W Douglas Ave\, Suite I\, Wichita\, KS\, 67203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wichita-FN6-Jared-Zimmerer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260407T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260407T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20260105T211817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T134935Z
UID:10000020-1775588400-1775588400@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Loving God in the Major Leagues
DESCRIPTION:Price: $15 \nDescription: Mike Sweeney is a five-time MLB All Star and member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame. After enjoying a 16-year career in Major League Baseball\, Mike worked as an analyst on MLB Network. He currently works as a special assistant to the GM with the KC Royals. Mike is a highly acclaimed speaker who has taught\, challenged and inspired audiences around the world including a meeting with Pope Benedict in November of 2006. Mike\, his beautiful bride of 22 years\, Shara\, and their 6 children are daily mass attendees. \nIn this night’s talk\, Mike will give concrete advice to men looking to live their faith amid the pressures of the modern world. Men will leave both inspired and practically empowered to lead on both the homefront and in the professional world. \nSpeaker: Mike Sweeney \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Tuesday\, April 7th. Doors open 7PM. Programming begins at 8PM. \nLocation: Iowa Tap Room\, 215 E 3rd St. Des Moines\, IA 50309
URL:https://myforge.org/event/loving-god-in-the-major-leagues/
LOCATION:KS
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/forge-presents-mike-sweeney.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260224T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260224T220000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20260209T190212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T220510Z
UID:10000021-1771959600-1771970400@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Holy Listening
DESCRIPTION:Price: $20 Cover at Check-in\, Open bar + great LOCAL speaker\, Open cigar box to wrap the night \nDescription:What if the key to spreading the Gospel faster\, following Christ more authentically\, and cultivating a marriage and a home that draws the entire family closer together was a single skill? Hostage negotiators know that active listening is a super power in building relationships and repairing trust. Catholic hostage negotiators know that Jesus is the model listener and that this example of “Holy Listening” is seen in the Old Testament\, New Testament\, and the Lives of the Saints. Come laugh\, reflect\, and learn about the sort of listening habits that can storm heaven and earth. Dan Oblinger is a retired Hostage Negotiation Commander and FBI-certified Hostage Negotiator. He is a former seminarian for the Catholic Church and Totus Tuus teacher. He is the father of six adopted children\, married to Myle\, his wife of 22 years\, and the author of three books on listening and negotiation. He is an international keynote speaker and corporate consultant in the areas of emotional communication\, active listening\, and relationship-based negotiation. \nSpeaker: Dan Oblinger \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Tuesday\, February 24th. Doors open and drinks served at 7PM. Talk starts at 8PM with cigars afterwards. \nLocation: Odd Fellow Hall (930 W Douglas Ave.)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/holy-listening/
LOCATION:KS
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FN5-Dan-Oblinger-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T210000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20260105T205251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T141304Z
UID:10000018-1769713200-1769720400@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Hard Topics Workshop
DESCRIPTION:This event is cosponsored by Serva Fidem. Men and Women welcome to attend the event. \nDescription: Pope Saint John Paul II famously taught that “the future of the Church and of the world passes by way of the family.” Yet today\, many Catholics feel ill-equipped to understand—or articulate—the Church’s teachings on marriage\, sexuality\, and family life amid a rapidly changing cultural landscape. \nIn this workshop\, John Bishop will equip participants to engage these sensitive and often controversial topics with clarity\, confidence\, and charity. Drawing from the Church’s rich theological tradition\, he will address questions surrounding same-sex attraction\, transgender ideology\, contraception\, and in-vitro fertilization\, while offering practical tools for persuasive and compassionate conversation. Participants will leave with a deeper grasp of the Church’s sacred vision for marriage and family\, and with renewed confidence to speak the truth in love—whether in personal conversations or within small-group settings. \nSpeaker: John Bishop\, Ph.D. \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Thursday\, January 29th. Doors open at 7:00PM. Presentation begins promptly at 7:30PM (followed by Q&A at 8:30PM). \nLocation: West Des Moines Marriott: 1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy\, West Des Moines\, IA 50266
URL:https://myforge.org/event/hard-topics-workshop/
LOCATION:West Des Moines Marriott\, 1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50266\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FORGE-PRESENTS-JOHN-BISHOP.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260120T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20260105T211325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T171103Z
UID:10000019-1768935600-1768935600@myforge.org
SUMMARY:God Made Men
DESCRIPTION:Price: $20 \nDescription: The Church teaches that humans bear within themselves the image and likeness of God.  This image is revealed in every facet of the human person\, including our sexuality.  For this reason\, masculinity and femininity point to a kind of theology: they show us the face of God.  Unfortunately\, many in today’s world have a distorted view of masculinity.  Men and boys are falling behind in nearly every relevant sociological metric including education\, job success\, and church involvement. Dr. Bishop will illuminate the crisis of men and what our Church can do about it. \nDr. John Bishop is the Founder and Executive Director of Forge. He holds a doctorate in Theology from the Catholic University of America. He is a frequent Catholic speaker and author whose first book\, New Adam\, will be released in February 2026. John lives in Des Moines\, IA\, with his wife and children. \nSpeaker: John Bishop\, Ph.D. \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Thursday\, January 29th. Doors open and drinks served at 7PM.  Talk starts at 8PM. \nLocation: Odd Fellow Hall (930 W Douglas Ave.)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/god-made-men/
LOCATION:Odd Fellow Hall\, 930 W Douglas Ave\, Suite I\, Wichita\, KS\, 67203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FORGE-PRESENTS-JOHN-BISHOP.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250821T203556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T174310Z
UID:10000015-1762974000-1762974000@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Men in the Spirit
DESCRIPTION:Price: $20\, includes: open bar and cigars to wrap the evening. \nDescription: Pete Burak is the vice president of Renewal Ministries\, which is dedicated to Catholic renewal and evangelization around the world. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and has a master’s degree in theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit\, Michigan. Pete is an internationally known speaker. He and his wife\, Cate\, live in Ann Arbor with their five children. \nTrue masculinity is not toxic\, quite the opposite. Authentic masculinity is a blessing that the world sorely needs. The best way to learn how to become the man that you are created to be is through a deeper engagement with the Holy Spirit. Come learn from Pete Burak on how to live a masculine faith that engages the Holy Spirit! \nThe event entree fee is $20/person at the door\, which includes: \n• open bar\, great speaker\, and *shhh* maybe a cigar to wrap the evening \nSpeaker: Pete Burak \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Wednesday\, November 12th (drinks served at 7PM\, talk starts at 8PM)  \nLocation: Odd Fellow Hall (930 W Douglas Ave\, Suite I\, Wichita\, KS\, Enter Off of Wall Street Entrance)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/men-in-the-spirit/
LOCATION:KS
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pete-burak-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251015T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251015T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250821T202937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T192654Z
UID:10000014-1760554800-1760554800@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Porn Star To Pastor
DESCRIPTION:Price: $20 includes: an open bar and cigars to wrap the evening. \nDescription: Joshua Broome was one of the most successful adult film stars in the world. He obtained fame\, wealth\, and traveled the world only to find out that none of those things would satisfy him. \nJoshua experienced a profound conversion to Christianity\, then left the industry. He now speaks out against the bad effects of pornography\, the toxic nature of the business\, and how people can break sex addictions. \nThe event entree fee is $20/person at the door\, which includes: \n• an open bar\, a great speaker\, and *shhh* maybe some cigars to wrap the evening properly \nSpeaker: Joshua Broome \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event. \nDate: Tuesday\, October 15th (drinks served at 7PM\, talk starts at 8PM) \nLocation: Odd Fellow Hall (930 W Douglas Ave\, Suite I\, Wichita\, KS\, Enter Off of Wall Street Entrance)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/porn-star-to-pastor/
LOCATION:Odd Fellow Hall\, 930 W Douglas Ave\, Suite I\, Wichita\, KS\, 67203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Joshua-Broome-Event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250915T182750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T172645Z
UID:10000016-1760295600-1760295600@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Men and Work
DESCRIPTION:Description: The Church teaches that human work is not merely a necessity but a sacred vocation—the very arena where men and women are called to become saints. Yet most men do not experience it that way. In the churn of corporate America\, the rise of artificial intelligence\, and an age of economic uncertainty\, many feel reduced to little more than cogs in a machine. What guidance does the Church offer today’s worker? How can men discover meaning and mission in the modern workplace? And what does sanctity look like at the office\, in the shop\, or on the job site? That is what this talk is all about. \nSpeaker: Andreas Widmer is an entrepreneur\, professor\, Swiss Guard\, consultant\, business coach\, popular speaker\, and author\, with 30 years’ business experience in international business strategy\, economic development\, and entrepreneurship. After a series of encounters with Pope Saint John Paul II\, Andreas Widmer had a profound conversion and dedicated his life to building up the Church.  He has worked extensively in the U.S.\, Europe\, Asia\, Africa\, and Latin America and has launched more than 100 technology products. Andreas has taught entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business & Entrepreneurship since 2012. He founded and is the Director of the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship. \nPrice: $10 \nDate: Sunday\, October 12th (Doors open and drinks served 6:30PM. Talk starts at 7PM) \nImportant Note: All attendees of this event will receive a complimentary login to Forge’s brand new 6-part small group series\, “Men and Work”. \nLocation: West Des Moines Marriott\n1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy\nWest Des Moines\, IA 50266 \n 
URL:https://myforge.org/event/men-and-work/
LOCATION:Ironside Axe Club\, 2700 University Ave #100\, West Des Moines\, 50266\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/andreas-widmer-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250917T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250228T085524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T201540Z
UID:10000011-1758135600-1758135600@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Catholicism and Homosexuality
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Ryan T. Anderson\, Ph.D.  \nDescription: Why does the Catholic Church insist that marriage is between one man and one woman? Does the Church hate people who experience same-sex attraction? This talk is on the Church’s teaching about marriage with a specific eye towards the issue of homosexuality. Come and gain perspective on why the Church teaches what she teaches.   \nRyan T. Anderson\, Ph.D.\, is the President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.He is the author or co-author of five books\, including the just-released Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing. Previous books include When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment\, and What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense. Anderson has made appearances on ABC\, CNN\, CNBC\, MSNBC\, and Fox News. His work has been published by the New York Times\, the Washington Post\, the Wall Street Journal\, Oxford University Press\, Cambridge University Press\, the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy\, the Harvard Health Policy Review\, the Georgetown Journal of Law and Public Policy\, First Things\, the Claremont Review of Books\, and National Review. \nPrice: $20 (paid at door) \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Wednesday\, September 17th (drinks served at 7PM\, talk starts at 8PM)  \nLocation: The Tea Room (713 Walnut St\, Unit 600\, Des Moines\, IA 50309) \n 
URL:https://myforge.org/event/catholicism-and-homosexuality/
LOCATION:The Tea Room\, 713 Walnut St\, Unit 600\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/forge-event-catholicism-and-homosexuality-ryan-anderson.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250909T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250909T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250820T135243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T192550Z
UID:10000013-1757444400-1757444400@myforge.org
SUMMARY:St. Joseph Matters
DESCRIPTION:Price:$20 includes: an open bar and cigars to wrap the evening. \nDescription: Most Catholics understand that Mary\, the Mother of God\, is a big deal. But what about Joseph? Is he important? Does he matter? Next to the person of Jesus\, Saint Joseph is perhaps THE best example of true masculinity that we have in all of human history. Want to be a better man? \nLook to Saint Joseph. In this talk\, we will hear from nationally renowned speaker\, author\, and leader\, Devin Schadt. \nDevin Schadt is the Executive Director of the Fathers of St. Joseph\, an apostolate that labors for the restoration\, redemption\, and revitalization of fatherhood. He has written many books including\, Custos: Total Consecration Through Saint Joseph. \nThe event entree fee is $20/person at the door\, which includes:open bar\, a great speaker\, and *shhh* maybe some cigars to wrap the evening \nSpeaker: Devin Schadt \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Tuesday\, September 9th (drinks served at 7PM\, talk starts at 8PM)  \nLocation: Odd Fellow Hall (930 W Douglas Ave\, Suite I\, Wichita\, KS\, Enter Off of Wall Street Entrance)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/st-joseph-matters/
LOCATION:Odd Fellow Hall\, 930 W Douglas Ave\, Suite I\, Wichita\, KS\, 67203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Forge-Event-St-Peter-Matters.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250723T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250723T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250228T082220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T185735Z
UID:10000010-1753297200-1753297200@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Saint Joseph Matters
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Devin Schadt \nMost Catholics understand that Mary\, the Mother of God\, is a big deal. But what about Joseph? Is he important? Does he matter? Next to the person of Jesus\, Saint Joseph is perhaps THE best example of true masculinity that we have in all of human history. Want to be a better man? Look to Saint Joseph. In this talk\, we will hear from nationally renowned speaker\, author\, and leader\, Devin Schadt. Devin Schadt is the Executive Director of the Fathers of St. Joseph\, an apostolate that labors for the restoration\, redemption\, and revitalization of fatherhood. He has written many books including\, Custos: Total Consecration Through Saint Joseph.  \nPrice: $15 (paid at door) \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Wednesday\, July 23rd (drinks served at 7PM\, talk starts at 8PM) \nLocation: The Hall (111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA 50265)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/saint-joseph-matters/
LOCATION:The Hall\, 111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/forge-event-saint-joseph-matters-devin-schadt.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250228T080513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T164732Z
UID:10000009-1750273200-1750273200@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Basilicas and Barbells
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Jared Zimmerer\, Ph.D. \nSince 2000\, gym memberships in the U.S. have more than doubled (33 to 70 million). From protein shakes to CrossFit to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu\, our culture is gripped by a hunger for physical excellence. But what does the Catholic Church have to say about the gym? After all\, some of our greatest saints were… well\, not exactly lean. Does physical fitness have anything to do with spiritual fitness? If so\, what? And can things go wrong? This talk has answers. \nDr. Jared Zimmerer—former competitive bodybuilder and Senior Director of Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Institute\, now a humanities professor\, husband\, and father of six—will shed light on the topic. Human beings are a curious mix of mind\, matter\, and spirit. The one inevitably affects the other. Whether you’re hitting the squat rack twice a day or hitting the snack drawer every hour\, this talk has something practical for every guy. \nPrice: $10 (paid at door) \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event.  \nDate: Wednesday\, June 18th (drinks served at 7PM\, talk starts at 8PM) \nLocation: The Hall (111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA 50265)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/basilicas-and-barbells/
LOCATION:The Hall\, 111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/forge-event-basilicas-and-barbells-jared-zimmerer.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250508T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250508T090000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250426T033350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T140918Z
UID:10000012-1746687600-1746694800@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Breakfast with Ricky Stanzi
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Ricki Stanzi \nRicky Stanzi is the University of Iowa’s all-time winningest quarterback\, with a 26–9 record during his time playing for the Hawkeyes. Today\, he is a husband and a father of four\, and his Catholic faith plays an instrumental role in guiding his life. Come to the Hall for coffee\, breakfast\, and a testimonial talk with Ricky Stanzi. This is a great opportunity to see faith lived in action\, build brotherhood with other men\, and get your day off on the right foot! \nJoin Jon Leonetti and FORGE at the Hall on the morning of May 8 for strong coffee\, a simple breakfast\, and fellowship\, and be encouraged by Ricky Stanzi’s testimony! \nPrice: $20 (paid at door) \nRegistration: Reservations are required by May 6th at midnight. Reserve your spot today! \nDate: Thursday\, May 8th Doors open and coffee and simple breakfast served: 7AM. Talk at 7:30AM \nLocation:  The Hall @ The Foundry (111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA 50265)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/breakfast-with-ricky-stanzi/
LOCATION:The Hall\, 111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/forge-event-breakfast-with-ricky-stanzi-and-john-leonetti-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20250228T064108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250402T234242Z
UID:10000008-1745434800-1745434800@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Drinking Like a Saint
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Michael Foley\, Ph.D.  \nWhat does Catholicism have to do with a good cocktail? Catholics have always had a bit of a reputation for fine wine and spirits. But why? In this talk\, Michael will speak on three things. First\, why and how the Catholic Church has always embraced the beauty of a good cocktail. Second\, the reason behind the Church’s teaching on sobriety. And finally\, for those with children\, a few notes on how to communicate both items to your kids. Michael Foley is a Catholic theologian\, a Professor of Patristics at Baylor University\, and the author of over 500 articles and seventeen books\, including the Politically Incorrect Guide to Christianity\, Drinking with the Saints\, and Dining with the Saints. Michael and has wife Alexandra have six children\, two chickens\, one dog\, and 30\,000 bees. \nPrice: $15 (paid at door) \nRegistration: Registration not required. For those who wish to reserve a spot\, pre-registration will start 30 days prior to the event. \nDate: Wednesday\, April 23rd (event begins at 7PM\, talk starts at 8PM) \nLocation: The Hall (111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA 50265)
URL:https://myforge.org/event/drinking-like-a-saint/
LOCATION:The Hall\, 111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/forge-event-drinking-like-a-saint-michael-foley-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20250108T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20250108T220000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20241206T222933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241231T182003Z
UID:10000006-1736362800-1736373600@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Why Be Catholic?
DESCRIPTION:Why be Catholic? What difference does it make? In a culture which seems to tell people that all religions are the same\, does it matter which Church you attend on Sunday? Come hear Keith Nester speak on his journey to the Catholic Church. Keith is a former pastor\, serving in various roles in the United Methodist\, Assemblies of God\, and Evangelical Free Churches. In 2017\, after a 20-year-long discernment process\, Keith resigned from his full-time ministry position and joined the Catholic Church. Come and hear Keith talk about his decision to join the Church and why he finds Catholicism especially fulfilling to the masculine heart. With his unique background\, Keith has a lot of unique insight to offer all men. So\, whether you’ve been going to mass for decades or just dipping your toes in the water\, this talk is for you! \nThis event is for men only. Cover charge is $12/person paid at door. \nBar opens and drinks are served at 7PM. Talk starts at 8PM.
URL:https://myforge.org/event/why-be-catholic/
LOCATION:The Foundry\, 111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Why-Be-Catholic-Keith-Nester.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20241120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20241120T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20241024T231404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T134102Z
UID:10000005-1732129200-1732129200@myforge.org
SUMMARY:Men and Mass
DESCRIPTION:What is the mass? Why does it matter? \nThis talk is for any man who wants to learn more or get more out of going to mass. The Church teaches that the Eucharist is both the source and the summit of Catholic life. One of Jesus’ last acts before death was to celebrate the first mass. Many a martyr has died to defend the Eucharist. Nevertheless\, statistics show that your average Catholic Sunday mass is short on male participation. For some reason\, some men have trouble finding connection\, meaning\, and value in the Church. If you’re one of those men\, or you know one of those men\, this talk is for you! \nThis month’s speaker is the first CEO of the National Eucharistic Congress. In July 2024\, Tim Glemkowski spearheaded an effort to gather 60\,000 Catholics for a 5-Day congress to worship the Lord in the Eucharist. Tim is an author\, nationally renowned speaker\, and father of 5 children. He is excited to show how the mass is critically important for any father\, future father\, or grandfather. \nThis event is $12/person\, paid at the door. \nThis event is for men only. \nBar opens and drinks served at 7PM. \nTalk starts at 8PM. \n 
URL:https://myforge.org/event/men-and-mass/
LOCATION:The Foundry\, 111 S 11th St.\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/forge-event-men-and-mass-the-foundry.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241008T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241008T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T195242
CREATED:20240823T215246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241002T023559Z
UID:10000004-1728414000-1728414000@myforge.org
SUMMARY:GOLD MEDAL FAMILIES
DESCRIPTION:Want to have a strong family? Whether you’re leading a family now or hope to do so in the future\, this talk is for you! In this talk\, internationally renowned speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi presents the results of a three-year\, national search for strong families. It reveals those characteristics most common to strong families as well as the struggles and difficulties most families face. The results will reinforce some traditional ideas about family life while offering some reassuring surprises. Want to be a better father or future father? Come to this talk! Dr. Ray Guarendi is a Catholic father of ten adopted children\, a clinical psychologist\, author\, professional speaker\, and national radio and television host. His radio show\, “The Dr. Is In” can be heard on over 440 stations and Sirius XM channel 130. His TV show\, “Living Right With Dr. Ray” can be seen on EWTN Global Catholic Network and is aired in 140 countries. \nTo offset speaker and travel costs\, this event is $10/person. \nDoors and bar open at 7PM. Talk begins at 8PM. \nThis event is for men only. \n  \nCo-sponsored with: \n \nSign Up Here
URL:https://myforge.org/event/gold-medal-families/
LOCATION:713 Walnut St\, Unit 600\, Des Moines\, IA 50309\, 713 Walnut St Unit 600\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309\, United States
CATEGORIES:Seminar or Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://myforge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/guarendi-event.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR