Fellowship Meetings
It was great to be back after having to miss last month due to COVID concerns. We covered what we’d planned to discuss in January: With churches still hobbled by lockdown restrictions, how are you doing with your spiritual life? How are you growing closer to God? Do you have any goals to grow in your relationship with Him this year?
As always, it was wonderful to listen to what the men all had to share.
We enjoyed a very intimate gathering this morning, with only seven guys able to join us - but even with limited numbers we were blessed by the addition of a brand new young man named John David (thanks for the referral, Cody!).
Last year at our Advent meeting we invited the men to share stories of where they encountered Christ on a very real level at some point in their lives, and we were blown away at the stories that were shared. The Core Team decided last year that this was a wonderful topic to bring up for the December meeting every year, so we again invited guys to share - and once again, it was a wonderful experience to listen to the conversion stories of some of our brothers. Jesus meets us where we are, and is constantly tracking us down. As we continue into this Advent season, it’s a great time for us to be looking out for where God is present in our lives - even in these crazy times - and how He is working hard to pursue us and make us His.
Isaiah 43:1-7
“Miracle of Love” by Chris Tomlin (Music Video)
It was amazing that on a rainy morning in November, we actually had our highest turn-out yet since the shut-downs. We moved our meeting to the Chisholm garage to keep dry (leaving the doors open to keep air circulation going). This morning we focused on how as a country we have lost focus on how God is the one in charge - not our political leaders; and as such, it is God whom we should be focusing on with regards to the decisions we make, conversations we have, and where to take our concerns. It was wonderful to welcome back Matthew this morning, and so great that Chris was able to join us for the first time. To have three young men (Cody was there as well) participating in a group like ours brings graces that the young men aren’t even aware of.
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
“While You Were Sleeping” by Casting Crowns (Music Video)
These in-person gatherings have been such a blessing for the men who have been able to attend, and today was not exception. This morning we discussed what it means to discern God’s will. We talked about what God’s will even is, and then how to learn to listen to God’s voice when it comes to knowing what His plan might be for each of us individually.
Romans 12:1-8
“All Things New” by Steven Curtis Chapman (Music Video)
We enjoyed another wonderful gathering this morning. There were nine of us again, but we welcomed four different men back this time. It was so great to see everyone, and we had a really powerful conversation about the adversities we’re all facing, and the importance of keeping the faith in God - especially during our trials. We can’t wait to do this again next month.
Hebrews 12:1-11
“Praise You In This Storm” by Casting Crowns (Music Video)
It was amazing to be back with the guys, gathering once again for Faith, Food & Fellowship. A special note of appreciation to Jennifer Chisholm for opening her backyard to us this morning. There were nine who were able to join us, including two brand new men… Blake and Christopher. We were also especially grateful to have Deacon Al come bless our meeting space last night. Dale mentioned truly feeling a presence of the Holy Spirit around us, and I think we all felt the same. It was just great to be able to talk with fellow Catholic men, and discuss all that’s been going on for each other during the past few months. We looked at the challenges we’re all facing in these times, and talked about how to keep pushing through - by relying on and trusting in God and His divine plan.
Let’s do it again next month!
For those interested, here is a really great article written by Msgr. Charles Pope for the Catholic Register that talks about his views on all that is happening in our world today: "Do Not Be Afraid”
Job 38:1-13
“Who You Are To Me” by Chris Tomlin (Music Video)
This month the guys discussed the temptations faced by Jesus in the desert, and they enjoyed a video presentation by Bishop Robert Barron as he discussed these in greater detail. Please click the link below to view Bishop Barron’s discussion on Lent…
Luke 4:1-13
At the Cross (Love Ran Red) by Chris Tomlin (Music Video)
After what felt like two months, it was great to welcome guys back for our first Fellowship breakfast of 2020. As always, it was wonderful to see some faces we haven’t seen in several months. It was also very nice to have Fancisco Munoz join us and give a nice promotion for the upcoming Super Saturday Conference in March.
This month’s topic was on prayer, and we looked at what prayer means to all the guys; discussed a little of the challenges we all face trying to find time to pray - or how to pray; and then we looked at some tools for strengthening our personal prayer lives. Here are some additional resources for discovering our own unused prayer potential from Fr. Mike Schmitz of Ascension Presents…
Matthew 6:5-13
“When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson (Music Video)
The meeting was a week later this time, and was the first Saturday of the month instead of the last, but it was still nicely attended considering all of that. Today we opened the floor to all of the men so that we could hear personal stories/testimonies from the guys. The stories that were shared were amazing. It’s always incredible to see where God has operated in the lives of those around us. It was a beautiful way to kick off this Advent season.
We also gave a shout-out to our devoted brother, Greg Conner. Not only has Greg not missed a single meeting in over two years, but he also provides eggs for us every month. We’re blessed to have Greg in our group.
Chris found this conversion story, and he wanted to share it with everyone. It’s the story of Roy Schoeman, a former Professor at Harvard Business School, as he speaks about his acceptance of atheism when he went to university and how it dragged him into a pit of hopelessness. He shares how God personally intervened in his life in a miraculous way. Now working as a Catholic speaker and inspiring thousands of believers and nonbelievers with his story, he has found the true meaning of life and the overflowing ocean of God's Love… Conversion Story
Romans 13:11-14
“Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant (Music Video)
Today we continued our discussion about the lies we encounter, and how to defeat them. Our scripture kicked things off nicely for us as we saw how walking in the Light of Christ is where the truth is, and we also discussed the value each one of us has as candle-bearers for that Light of Christ. It is our responsibility to walk-the-walk and stand out if we are to truly call ourselves “Brothers of Christ” - regardless of how crazy the rest of the world looks at us.
1 John 1:5-7
“Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns (Music Video)
Gil Alderete, the new President for CMF California, joined us this morning for what was another very well-attended Fellowship Breakfast. Due to the Single & Parenting class happening in Room A, we were moved to rooms B & C, which is always a nice change for us due to the larger size of the space. Our Scripture verse got us started well for our topic of looking at the lies we all face as Catholics, and there was a lot of sharing from the men. One of the best things about the St. Denis CMF group is the diversity in the ages of men. Luis joined us this morning as another college-aged young man, and it’s always great to hear from him (and Cody & Anthony) for us to better understand what is making the younger generation tick. But then it’s also wonderful to hear the wisdom of some of the older gents, like Chuck and Bill, to be able to learn from them as well. This group truly is a “hidden jewel” within our Parish.
Genesis 3:1-7
“Jesus Loves You” by Sanctus Real (Music Video)
For a Labor Day weekend, we had a surprisingly nice turnout of men attend this morning’s meeting. It was wonderful to have Fr. Dennis hang around for our song and opening prayer, and we were very happy to welcome first-timer Chuck to our Fellowship. Our Scripture reading seemed to really resonate with the men this morning, as we spent quite a long time reflecting on it. Jack had very limited time remaining to get into the topic discussion he had prepared, but he did have the men read a Brother’s Creed that he brought along, and the men even signed it at the end. It’s always great to gather with these Brothers in Christ!
Matthew 23:1-12, 23-26
“Litany of Humility” by Danielle Rose (Music Video)
This was another well-attended and wonderful gathering. Chris presented some insightful scriptures and thoughts regarding the importance of sharing our lives with our Brothers in Christ, instead of trying to do things on our own (95% of men claim they do not have a “Best Friend” they share their struggles/pain with). The guys seemed to really respond to the topic. It was also great to have the support of our priests… Fr. Dennis made his rounds greeting everyone at the beginning, and Fr. John arrived just in time for the topic presentation.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Well Done” by The Afters (Music Video)
I Need A Friend (helpful video link)
We had a wonderful and well-attended gathering this morning. It was great to see some brand new faces, as well as some faces we haven’t seen in a while. The morning started off on a very special note as we welcomed Fr. Dennis back to St. Denis, and then we were blessed to be able to wish our brother Bill White a Happy 87th Birthday!
Finding happiness in your work begins with finding God in your work - remembering that our jobs are a gift from Him, and that He wants us to be doing the jobs He has led us to. A wonderful way to help get into the practice of bringing God into your work - which leads to you finding happiness in your work - is by praying at the top of your work day. The Prayer Before Work is one beautiful way to do this.
Ephesians 2:8-10
“Here for a Reason” by Ashes Remain (Music Video)
Very well attended meeting this month. We had to move to Rooms B & C due to the Padre Pio event happening in the Hall, but this made for a nice change because of how much room it gave us. The topic was very well received, as we looked at the ways we can find Christ - Spirituality - in our every-day lives. Sarge shared a beautiful story of how a person he had arrested in the past approached him years later and thanked him for the kindness he showed the man during his arrest. David also shared a powerful story of witnessing Christ to a young woman at his clinic who was about to make a very bad decision with her life…and then David had to defend his actions to the girl’s mother - bringing Christ to both women in the process. It’s these every-day moments when we let Christ shine through us that we can make a difference in this world.
Luke 5:1-11
“Sovereign Over Us” by Michael W. Smith (Music Video)
It was great to be back together with the guys after skipping the meeting in March due to all the other CMF events happening. We had a wonderful morning of catching-up, and our Scripture (the resurrection of Lazarus) sparked a terrific conversation. It’s always cool when a room of guys can hear the same Scripture words, but come out with entirely different individual messages.
John 11:21-27, 38-44
“Is He Worthy?” by Chris Tomlin (Music Video)
“The dignity of every woman is the task of every man.”
That wonderful quote from our beloved Pope was introduced at last week’s Into The Breach conference, and we used it as a springboard for today’s topic discussion.
Today we were blessed to have Fr. Joe join us again, and Deacon Phil was also there. It was also wonderful to have our newest Knight, Brock, join us. Brock led many of his friends to the ITB meeting last week, so it was great to have him join us this morning.
The dignity of every woman truly is the task of every man. This goes beyond just not looking at women with lustful eyes. It means looking at women through the eyes of Christ, and treating them all the way Christ would treat them. Jesus restored the dignity of the woman caught in adultery, in the midst of an angry crowd that was ready to stone her. Deacon Phil shared a powerful story of how he stood up for the wives of his co-workers by removing pornography from his former workplace and changing the culture of the environment at his work. We are all called to stand up for our sisters and defend/restore their dignity.
John 8:2-11
“Priceless” by For King & Country (Music Video)
It was so great to welcome back our brother, Dale, after being away for a while. He was truly missed, and it was so wonderful to have him join us again this morning. It was also great to welcome our new Core Team member, Chris, who got this year started off with a bang thanks to his wonderful presentation about forgiveness. Fr. Joe, who also joined us this morning, brought up a great visual image of the two-sided coin: with Forgiveness on one side, and Love on the other…and how we all need both to be true Christian men.
Matthew 18:21-35
“Forgiveness” by Matthew West (Music Video)
After not meeting in November, it was great to be back together with the guys. Today we shared some beautiful reflections of how our lives were impacted in a positive way during the Christmas season (past or present). It was also nice to be able to share this day with Bill H as he celebrated his birthday. Today we also recognized Bill W and Greg C for having not missed a single meeting (Greg hasn’t missed in two years, and Bill has only missed one - back in 2017). Both men were presented with CMF T-shirts as a show of appreciation for their dedication to our ministry.
Isaiah 9:1-7
“No Matter What” by Ryan Stevenson (Music Video)
Last month we looked at how not to look at women (through lustful eyes), and this month our focus was on how we should look at women. Jesus taught us, and Joseph modeled for us how we should value women, honor women, and help the women in our lives to thrive.
Be more than the man who is faithful to his wife; be the man who values the lives of women and helps them thrive
Be more than the man who talks about deplorable behavior of sexual predators; be the man who confronts them
Be more than the man who teaches his son to respect his mother; be the man who honors his wife
Be more than the man who doesn’t sexually harass women at work; be the man who creates a culture at his workplace for women to thrive because they feel safe
Reference Material: Christian Men: Be Different - Be More
Michael’s Discussion Outline: Mary Through the Eyes of Joseph
Ephesians 5:21, 25-33
“Lead Me” by Sanctus Real (Music Video)
