You knew it was coming. Last week I posted a blog about women in the Church in advance of the diocesan conference. Now it’s the men’s turn. Take a look at some resources and articles aimed at Catholic men:
ARTICLES:
- Pope to fathers: Teach your children well, always be by their side. The pope delivered the weekly audience March 19, which marked his first year of his formal inauguration as holy father, Father’s Day in Italy and the global feast of St. Joseph, patron saint of the universal church and Jesus’ earthly father.
- Becoming Men of Christ — This archived article from The Catholic World Report profiles seven men, including one who will speak at the diocesan men’s conference, who have dedicated themselves to challenging other men to grow in faith and holiness.
- ‘Energy, God’s presence permeate Catholic men’s gathering, say attendees’ reports on the March 15 men’s conference held in the Newark Archdiocese in Newark, N.J.
- ‘Fathers: Giving life, faith to others — or not‘ reflects on the wounds children try to heal from when a father is not present or is present, but harmfully so.
- Vocation to parenthood:
(article) Pope calls synod to discuss families, divorce and remarriage
(column) Thoughts on the greatest God-given blessing that are parents
- Vocation to religious life via:
- the diaconate
- military chaplaincy — 24 men from every branch of the military are discerning this weekend whether they’re called to be both priest and military chaplain. Full release.
- the rank of cardinal
- Faith isn’t ornamental, but means making tough choices, pope says. Article isn’t aimed at a particular gender, but revisiting the pope’s words from last August is worth a look.
RESOURCES:
- Catholic Men’s National Day of Prayer — technically it was March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, but as Catholic men in the Diocese of Phoenix and at least eight other dioceses gather this Lent for conferences, it’s a good page to keep in mind. As an FYI, Catholic men in Lexington, KY and Cleveland, OH have their conferences March 22 too.
- That Man is You — an interactive, multimedia men’s program focused upon the development of authentic male leadership. A three-year approach easily allows men to consider their relationship to God, to their spouse and to their children.
- Crossing the Goal — a Catholic men’s ministry devoted to equipping and serving men concerned about their spiritual well-being
- Catholic dads online — recommended by Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Phoenix. It’s a community building site to share stories, debate issues of the day, give advice, share the faith. “You know, guy stuff,” the teaser reads. You can even put their badge on your site. The insight into the logo is worth a read.
- Fathers for Good — a Knights of Columbus initiative. Be sure to check out the archived article of then Arizona’s State Deputy Knight Pat Schuller. The sections on “common challenges” and “model fathers” may also inspire.
