Men's Ministry

"Friendship is not just a meeting of the minds. It is a union of hearts" Augustine's Letter 258,1

Men are at their strongest when they come together, bound by a common goal, yet so many refuse to take the initiative, especially when it relates to the

spiritual life.

I don't believe that all men's groups are created the same, as each one has its

own personality and purpose. Some are socially based and others are spiritually based. Both aspects are important, so it's important to have a proper balance;

to have place that allows you to be "one of the guys", but men should also be seeking a group that challenges them to be better men, husbands, and fathers.

The Men's Groups that I participate in periodically:

St Jude Men's Ministry

New Lenox, IL.

"As iron sharpens iron,

so one man sharpens another."

Prov 27:17 nasb

This vibrant men's ministry is in itself ecumenical in nature, but the men have also created a network among the men's ministries in neighboring area churches, regardless of religious denomination.

The ministry is currently working with Men's Fraternity, a three year proccess for men created by Dr. Robert Lewis,

a Pastor in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The group completed the first series:

"The Quest for Authentic Manhood" This is a 24-part series which invites

men to look courageously at their

past and move bravely toward their future as men grounded in a biblical

definition and foundation of manhood.

In October 2007, Part II of the series:

"Winning at Home and at Work" began. This series focues on the two main aspects of a man's life; career and

family.

Part III of the series will begin in fall

of 2008, "The Great Adventure".

The men have also hosted a 6 part

series designed for fathers and sons:

"Raising a Modern Day Knight"

St Christina

Holy Name Society

I am also a member of the Holy Name Society in my parish, which gathers on the second Friday of each month. The Holy Name Society is also a vibrant group of men who are primarily social

in nature and assist at the Parish level,

yet are part of a larger vision called the Chicago Association of Holy Name Societies.

In June of every year, the men of all the Societies within the Archdiocese gather for an Annual Spiritual Assembly, hosted by a new parish every year.

The St. Christina Holy Name Society hosted this city-wide event in the

year 2004.

Website of the National Association of Holy Name Societies

Documents from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on Men's Ministry

Introductory Report 1999

Progress Report 2002

Robert Carter

http://www.rcarter.org