Christian Love

We had about 11 men in attendance this month, a lighter turnout than usual as several regulars had other commitments. Dale led the meeting with the theme of Love—a topic, as he humorously noted, that Christian men’s groups don’t often choose to discuss! Yet, as Dale reminded us, love is central to our faith because God is love and Jesus modeled “love thy neighbor as thyself” throughout His ministry, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross for each of us—not just for the “good Christians.”

Dale guided the conversation with several Scripture readings on love, each proclaimed by one of the men. The reflections offered unique perspectives and led to a rich discussion about loving those who seem unlovable or who treat us poorly. The song Everyday God by Bernadette Farrell, a simple and powerful litany, encouraged everyone to sing along. Toward the end, Father John joined us to invite the men to serve as “Companions” for parents in the parish’s Pathways program for first graders, and to attend next weekend’s conference on spiritual warfare. Mike also reminded everyone about our annual men’s retreat at Mater Dolorosa next March.

Featured Scripture

1 John 4:7-21 & 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Featured Song

“Everyday God” by Bernadette Farrell (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Chuck, Dale, Deacon Al, Gil, Julian, Jack, Jose, Larry Chu, Larry Church, & Mike. Cameo appearance Fr John

(DA)

Recognizing the Poor

This morning’s CMF Breakfast centered on the Gospel passage from Luke in which Jesus tells the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Chuck proclaimed the Scripture and Deacon Al led us in a wide-ranging discussion. Together we reflected on themes of Heaven and Hell, the fate of the unnamed rich man versus righteous Lazarus, and how the story relates to today’s reality of homelessness. The conversation was lively and thoughtful, with many men contributing their insights.

We were blessed with close to 20 men in attendance, including two newcomers, Randy and Mark, who introduced themselves and joined in the discussion. Overall, it was a morning of fellowship, prayer, and meaningful reflection on God’s Word.

Featured Scripture

Luke 16:19-31

Featured Song

“Sacred Silence” by Tim Booth (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Anthony, Bob, Chris A, Chris C, Chuck, Dale, David, Deacon Al, Gil, Greg, Joe, Julian, Larry Chu, Larry Church, Mark, Mike, Randy, Ray

The Miracle Hour

This meeting was unlike previous ones. This month, the men spent an hour in prayer led by Chris. This guided prayer experience was based on the book “Miracle Hour” by Linda Schubert. The “Miracle Hour” is an hour of prayer that is broken down into the twelve different five-minute topics, such as praise, spiritual warfare, release of the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, thanksgiving, etc. This prayer process is designed to clear out potential spiritual obstacles, plant seeds for future growth, and draw participants into a closer relationship with the Lord.

The usual song and Scripture were embedded in the process as well. The Scripture was from Mattew and the passage emphasizes how Jesus works miracles out of the compassion in His heart, like He did when He looked with pity upon the condition of the blind men.“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it” (Phil 1:6)

Handout

Featured Scripture

Matthew 20:29-34

Featured Song

“Our God” by Chris Tomlin (Music Video)

In Attendance:
Andrew, Anthony, Bob, Chris A, Chris C, Dale, David, Deacon Al, Frank, Gil, Greg, Joe, Jose, Julian, Larry, Mike, Roger, Sarge, Tony

Holy Spirit - The Forgotten God

This morning Jack led a discussion on the Holy Spirit, focusing on His nature and His role in our lives. We looked at the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation, discussed His gifts and manifestations, and reviewed how He works in our lives and the life of the Church.

Scriptures featuring the Holy Spirit

John 3:6, 7:37-39, 14:15-20, 14:25-36, 15:26, 16:7-13
Romans 8:9-11, 8:26-27
2 Thessalonians 2:3-7
Ephesians 1:13-14
1 Corinthians 6:19-26
Matthew 28:19-20

Featured Song

“Father, Son, Spirit” by Jason Upton (Music Video)

In attendance:

Anthony, Bob, Chris A, Chris C, Dale, David, Deacon Al, Don, Gil, Greg, Jack, Joe, Julian, L Chu, L Church, Michael, Mike, Ray, Roger

(JR)

Ave Maria

It was wonderful to be back with the men this morning, and we had a very nice turn-out. We were pleased to have Andrew and Greg return after some time away, and we were especially pleased to welcome Gil’s brother-in-law, Max, for the first time. On a sad note, Tom joined us for the last time as he will be moving to Mesa, AZ. We sent him off with some beautiful prayers.

Michael led today’s discussion and he shared about his personal experience going through a Marian consecration (a topic that seemed appropriate as May is the month of Mary). Michael shared some highlights of the book he used for his consecration (“True Devotion to Mary” by St. Louis de Montfort), and the men seemed to be really engaged in the conversation. While Mary is loved as the Mother of Jesus, many Catholics struggle with how to relate to her, and this book helped provide some light to this.

Featured Scripture

Acts 8:26-35

Featured Song

“Ave Maria” by Connie Salazar

In Attendance:

Andrew, Chris, Chuck, Dale, Don, Gil, Greg, Jack, Larry, Larry, Max, Michael, Ray, Tom, Tony

(MC)

A Father's Love

This morning we enjoyed an off-site gathering at Dale’s house, and it was enjoyed by all who attended. As we head into Holy Week, Dale led a discussion on the love of God, and how we receive it. All the men spoke up with some wonderful stories and insights.

Featured Scripture

John 17

Featured Song

“O What A Father You Are” by Gary Szymik (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Chris, Chuck, Dale, Deacon Al, Julian, Michael, Ray, Roger

(DA)

Traveling With The Magi

After a Christmas break, it was wonderful to be back with the men this morning. It was especially great to see Cody again before he heads back to Mississippi, and also to see Ray R after a very long time away.

Today Chris led a discussion focused on the journey of the Magi, and how our own personal faith journeys can relate. The journey of the Wise Men was long…challenging…required faith and perseverance…very much like our personal journeys to heaven. The men seemed to really enjoy the discussion.

Featured Scripture

Matthew 2:1-12

Featured Song

“We Three Kings” by Tenth Avenue North (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Anthony, Bob, Chris, Cody, David, Deacon Al, Don, Dr. Ray, Gilbert, Joe, Julian, Larry Chu, Larry Church, Michael, Ray Roger, Ruben, Sarge, Tom, Tony

(CA)

Faith of Job

Once again we had a wonderful turn-out of men joining us for our monthly meeting. It was inspiring to welcome back Sarge, and great to have Jacob show up for the first time - even if he couldn’t stay.

This morning Michael led a two-part discussion. The first part introduced the Multiple Intelligence Profile. Don’t let that scare you - it is merely a tool that helps us understand how we each learn; and that then helps us to learn what prayer methods might be best suited for each of us. (Due to copyright concerns, we will not be posting the test on this page, but a copy will be sent in the email blast to all the men).

The second part of Michael’s discussion focused on Job…his incredible faith…and how do we get there ourselves? “Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” This is a very powerful place of faith, and it’s that strength of faith that we should all be striving for.

Featured Scripture

Job 2:2-10

Featured Song

“Here for a Reason” by Ashes Remain

In attendance:

Anthony, Chris A, Chris C, Chuck, Dale, David, Gil, Greg, Julian, L Chu, L Church, Michael, Mike, Ray, Roger, Sarge, Tom

(MC)

Humility

Once again, we enjoyed a wonderful gathering with our brothers. It was amazing to be able to welcome Oscar back after a very long time of recovery from a horrible accident. It was also nice to debut our brand new table cloths - paid for with the funds collected from our cash box.

Chris led us in a discussion on Humility, ending with a reflection on the Litany of Humility. The men loved the topic and were very responsive with their own thoughts and stories.

Featured Scripture

Philippians 2:1-11

Other Reflections:
”God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
”…the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 4:11)
”…the humble of spirit acquire honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)
”Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find mercy in the sight of God.” (Sirach 3:17-18)
”And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Featured Song

“Litany of Humility” by Danielle Rose

In Attendance:

Anthony, Bob, Chris A, Chris C, Chuck, Dale, David, Deacon Al, Frank, Greg, Jack, Joe, Julian, Larry, Michael, Mike, Oscar, Ruben

Love Your Enemies

This wasn’t our intended topic for this session, but after reading the Scripture reflection, the conversation just grew and grew into what it means when Jesus asks us to love our enemies. As is always the case when the Holy Spirit takes over a meeting, the men really enjoyed the discussion and many contributed their independent thoughts.

Special prayers were offered for our brother Gil who was flying with his family to Mexico, and also for our brother Chris who recently lost his father. And special thanks to Ray for covering waffle duty this month!

FEATURED SCRIPTURE

Luke 6:27-36

FEATURED SONG

“What I Need” by Collin Ray (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Bob, Chris, Dale, Don, Gil, Greg, Jack, Joe, Julian, L Chu, L Church, Michael A, Michael C, Mike, Ray, Roger, Ruben, Tom

Praying Boldly

The breakfast went very well this morning. Dale did a terrific job leading the men in prayer and in discussing prayer in Scripture and how (and why) to pray “boldly.” He also prayed over our brother David, and led us in song with that selection from Don Potter, “Show Me Your Face”. We also closed with a Divine Mercy Chaplet.

We had a good turnout, including a couple of guys we haven’t seen in a while; and we also welcomed Michael A for the very first time.

Featured Song

“Show Me Your Face” by Don Porter (Music Video)

Divine Mercy

Today was a day full of blessings. Not only did we have an inspired discussion on Divine Mercy led by Deacon Al, but we also had four different men bring their sons with them, and Frank performed some beautiful worship music on his guitar during breakfast.

Deacon Al had previously done a 3-night session on Divine Mercy for the parish, and he was able to condense it beautifully down to an hour for us. The men found his teaching enlightening and powerful. Here is a copy of the PowerPoint presentation Deacon Al put together for us:

Divine Mercy

Gil Rivera joined us for the first time in forever, and was one of the dads who brought his son with him. Luke Rivera gave a quick testimonial on the NET Ministry he’s involved with, and it was wonderful to hear so much of the Spirit coming out of one of our young men. If any of you might be interested in hosting a group of college-age kids while they are participating in this ministry, please use the Contact Us page of the website to let us know, and we’ll get you in touch with Gil for more details.

Featured Song

“As The Dear Longs” (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Andrew, Chris (and his son, Christopher), Dale, David (and his son, Anthony), Deacon Al, Don, Frank (and his sons…minors, so leaving names out), Gil G, Gil R (and his son, Luke), Jack, Joe, Julian, Michael, Mike, Ruben, Tom, Tony

AG

Knowing God

We enjoyed another wonderful meeting, and were excited to welcome some brand new men to the group. It’s amazing to watch the Holy Spirit use this ministry to reach so many different men. And it’s also amazing to feel His presence as He works through the men during our gatherings.

Featured Scripture

Psalm 46:10 (46:11 in NAB versions)

Featured Song

“Know (Be Still)” by Jeremy Riddle (Music Video)

JR (18)

Feasting On The Word of God

Today was a lot of fun. In lieu of a Featured Scripture, Chris turned our entire topic into a “Bible Potluck”. Each man offered a favorite or meaningful Scripture into a hat. As we pulled the different Scriptures out, the brother shared why that Scripture is meaningful to him, and then we did a quick dive into each Scripture. It was a wonderful way to learn about all kinds of different Scriptures, while also getting to learn more about each other. Here is the full list of Scriptures that were offered up (in alphabetical order):

Colossians 3:23-24
Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 5:1-2
Hebrews 4:12
Isaiah 54:10
John 1:12
John 3:5
John 6:44
Joshua 1:9
Luke 1:45
Matthew 5:13-15
Matthew 5:9
Philippians 2:12-15
Philippians 4;13
Psalm 43:4
Romans 7:14-20
Sirach 2:1

For those interested, here is the worksheet Chris put together:
FeastingOnTheWordOfGod

fEATURED SONG

“Thy Word” by Amy Grant (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Chris, Chuck, Dale, Don, Greg, Jack, Julian, L Chu, L Church, Michael, Mike, Ray, Sarge, Tom, Tony

(CA)

Seismic Shifts for Better Prayer

Our attendance keeps growing…we’re finally back to our pre-COVID numbers! Today it was wonderful to welcome back Andrew and Oscar, as well as to have Michel join us for the first time.

Today Michael presented a topic inspired by a chapter from Matthew Kelly’s book, “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory.” This comes from Chapter 6 of the book, where Matthew presents six shifts in his prayer life that he considered “seismic” for bettering his time in prayer. Please check out the attached file to learn more about those six items: Seismic Shifts

Featured Scripture

John 14:1-4, 25-27

Featured Song

“Be Kind to Yourself” by Andrew Peterson (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Andrew P, Andrew S, Chris A, Chris C, Chuck, Dale, Deacon Al, Don, Gilbert, Greg, Jack, Larry Chu, Larry Church, Michael, Michel, Mike, Oscar, Ray, Tony

(MC)

Diverse Devotions - Ways to Pray Every Day

This was one of our best-attended meetings in a while. It was so great to welcome back some old-timers like Sarge and Joe, and was also great to welcome Juan for the very first time. We also had a special visit from Fr John as he requested support for a new parish initiative involving a Vocations Ministry.

This morning, Mike led us in a discussion on how there are so many different ways to pray - it’s not one-size-fits-all. Prayer comes in the form of reciting prayers like the Our Father or Hail Mary, but it is also present through song, scriptural reflection, and throughout the Mass. Prayer, at its core, is a conversation between you and God, and you know best how you are individually able to have those conversations with Him.

For those interested in digging a little deeper into the different ways we can pray, check out the book, “Pray Deep“ by Kathryn Shirey. (This is the book that inspired Mike for today’s presentation.) And for those interested in what Mike was showing us with “Prayer Doodling”, you’re welcome to check out this website: Prayer Doodles

Featured Scripture

Mark 2:1-12

Featured Song

“Panis Angelicus” Prayer by St Francis, Music by Cesar Franck (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Bob, Chris A, Chris C, Dale, David, Deacon Al, Gilbert, Greg, Jack, Joe, Juan, Julian, Larry, Michael, Mike, Ray, Roger, Sarge, Tony

(MK)

Dare to Hope * Dare to Believe * Dare to Take a Risk

Once again, another wonderful morning of Faith, Food & Fellowship. It was great to welcome Gilbert for the first time. It was also very special to be able to celebrate Chuck’s 80th birthday with him.

Chris led today’s discussion, and it was a good one. Jumping off from the Gospel of Matthew, and the story of the Canaanite woman who begged Jesus to heal her daughter, we then explored the places in our own lives where we dare to Hope, dare to Believe, and dare to Take a Risk. There are so many inspiring stories from the New Testament where non-Jews showed extreme faith in Jesus, and would not be stopped from asking Him for help. They knew He was the only one that could help, and with singular focus, they made their way to Him to ask (the Canaanite woman, the woman with the hemorrhage, the faithful Centurion, just to name a few). Where in YOUR own life can you dare to hope, dare to believe, and dare to take a risk?

Featured scripture

Matthew 15:21-28

Additional Scripture Selections: Scriptures

Featured Song

“The Great Adventure” by Steven Curtis Chapman (Music Video)

Suggested Videos

You Are More Than A Conqueror

Trust

Frame Your Mind with Faith

In Attendance:

Anthony, Chris A, Chris C, Chuck, David, Deacon Al, Gilbert, Greg, Jack, Julian, Michael, Mike, Richard, Roger

(CA)

Gifts of the Spirit

This morning Dale led us on an exploration of the Gifts that God intends for all of us, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus urges us to “strive for the spiritual gifts”, and yet so many of us don’t even think to ask. It was particularly powerful this morning as we prayed over each brother individually, asking the Holy Spirit to help make each man aware - or at least open to the awareness - of the Gifts God has in store.

And in a bit of Divine Providence, this same day our brother Julian received the Sacrament of Confirmation - bestowing on him the true gifts of the Spirit. Mike was Julian’s sponsor, and it was nice to see a few of the CMF brothers in attendance.

Also… special shout-out and thank you to Tony for covering the waffle-making in the absence of David. Chef Anthony did a wonderful job!

Featured scripture

1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 28-31, 14:1-5
2 Timothy 1:6-7

Featured Songs

“You’re Gonna Need The Lord” by Will McFarland (Music Video)
“I Need Thee Every Hour” by Don Moen (Music Video)

In Attendance:

Chris A, Chris C, Chuck, Dale, Deacon Al, Don, Greg, Jack, Julian, Larry Chu, Larry Church, Michael, Mike, Ray, Richard, Tony

(DA)

Attitude of Gratitude

At this morning’s meeting we surveyed the attitude of gratitude in our lives. Many were struck by the lack of gratitude the 9 of 10 lepers had toward their miraculous healings. Next, a powerful video by Catholic evangelist Chris Stefanik explored five upsides of gratitude. This was followed by a lively group discussion as many pondered there level of gratitude in light of the abundant blessing God has given us. 

“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thes 5:18)

Featured Scripture

Luke 17:11-19

Featured Song

“Wonderful Merciful Savior” by Selah (Music Video)

Links to Explore

Living Joy: Gratitude

The Absolute Necessity of Saying, “Thank You”

Giving Thanks is Necessary

In Attendance:

Chris A, Chris (welcome to Greg’s cousin!), Chuck, Dale, David, Deacon Al, Frank, Greg, Jack, Julian, Larry, Mike, Tony

(CA)