#cmcsmen blog

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On Being Authentic

By Frank J Casella, CMCS Director

In today's culture, being authentic is undeniably important. Authenticity, which aligns with truth and thus garners trust, reliability, and belief, is critical. Therefore, I believe it is essential for us, as Catholic men, to have a genuine voice—one that stands out and is easily recognized by others.

Case in point, for the past month as you know, I've been sharing through our email list some blog posts from the archive. To my surprise the response from emails and texts was above that from the original posts, and more then I've seen in the past year. What do I attribute this to?  An authentic voice. 

You see, over the years I've had the great fortune to have been mentored by Bishop Joseph Perry on writing my blog posts. He would not so much tell me what to say, rather how to better say it. But then once he retired I tried out the AI tool provided by the mailing list service, which seem to 'flower up' my words and which I and the team thought was a better read.

I would pull things from the Internet that might take an extra hour or two for me to find and sift through. So then, when I switched back this past month to my authentic voice many of you saw the difference and said so. 

"We hear a lot these days about “intentional discipleship” from preachers, motivational speakers and writers about what it takes to be real Christians in these times.  These speakers highlight for us the increasing secularism of American life, namely, that the modern mind-set is intent on pushing away a religious tone to life as evident in state and federal legislation that advances freedoms beyond that which the scriptures would countenance, or the lifestyles of people we know and love, matched with decreasing numbers attending church or synagogue or mosque.  We Americans believe in God to large percentage even though our actions may not always clearly represent that belief.

... Indeed, nothing is worthwhile unless we do it intentionally and with fervor as upright Christians.  This is the manner in which Jesus lived and died for us.  It is the only way his disciples can live authentically his legacy."

Bishop Joseph N. Perry - Taking Life Seriously 

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The latest blog entry for (Chicago) Catholic men: Marriage Ethics by Bishop Joseph Perry

The latest blog entry for (Chicago) Catholic men: Marriage ethics by Bishop Joseph Perry

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Weekly Catholic Man Spirituality Message: Belonging to the Truth

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November 24, 2024

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Topic: Belonging to the Truth

Gospel Jn 18:33b-37 Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?" Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.

In the passage from John 18:33-37, we see a profound exchange between Pilate and Jesus regarding the nature of kingship. Jesus reveals that while he is indeed a king, His kingdom transcends earthly realms. This serves as a reminder that Christ's mission was not to ensure our temporal happiness or earthly prosperity, but to pave the way for our eternal joy in heaven. As Catholic men committed to the truth, it is essential for us to reflect on this divine purpose. Our lives should be oriented towards this higher calling, recognizing that all other pursuits are secondary to our spiritual journey. Let gratitude for Christ's sacrifice inspire us to fulfill our roles in the world, living out our faith with purpose and dedication.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe is celebrated on November 24, 2024, emphasizing Christ's royalty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.

The readings for this day, including Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 1:5-8, and John 18:33-37, highlight Christ's kingship, his triumph over sin and death, and his role as the Messiah who suffered for mankind.

This feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to counter secularism and remind people of Christ's dominion over all creation.

The liturgy for this feast day portrays Christ as a radiant, majestic, and divine King, reflecting the classic liturgy's perspective.

The readings encourage gratitude to Christ for his humiliations and sufferings endured on our behalf, and loyalty to him as our King and Savior.

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A Father’s Love is Never Time Wasted

Families, as called the domestic church, have the opportunity to make the family meal a time of prayerful encounter with one another and with Jesus. At a family meal we share our experiences of the day and connect them with the experiences of others in the family.

We can also enjoy the meal as an opportunity to reflect upon our family life in light of the Scriptures, that connects us to Jesus too.

Choose a family meal each week to share each of our experiences of the week. Perhaps take turns as family members to plan and prepare the meal together. Begin the meal by reading the Gospel for the day. As you eat, talk together about how these events speak to our lives in the light of Scripture.

Next, each family member can share the things that are going on in his or her life. Consider what Jesus might say to each person if he were sitting at your dinner table. Conclude with a special prayer after your dinner.

Dad’s, as the priest of your family the domestic church, pray a prayer of blessing for each family member, asking that Jesus continue to be present in each person’s life, helping each one to be a better follower of Jesus. Conclude with a Sign of Peace.

A Family Prayer Before Meals © Bishop Joseph N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Chicago.

O God and Father, we acknowledge you as the Provider for this family. Bless each one of us. Protect our comings and goings. We beg your mercy upon each of us. Preserve us in your love. Guide us that every thing we say to each other and do for each other may take place under your inspiration. May our family imitate the family you provided for your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, his mother the ever Blessed Virgin Mary, and his Foster Father, Saint Joseph. And for the food you have provided for us at this table (composed by Bishop Joseph N. Perry): Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

A father’s love for his own child is only a glimpse of A Father’s Love from the Lord Jesus. Just like how Jesus says ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’, when you feel distant from God, who moved?

In other words, does your relationship with your children example A Father’s Love that you have with the Lord. If not, what has stopped that from happening?

Our first job as a Dad is to get our family to Heaven. Each child is different in making the connection and developing the relationship. It is never time wasted because, as a Father, the impact you have on your family can go three generations deep.

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Weekly Catholic Man Spirituality Message: Pray While You Are Doing Well

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November 17, 2024 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today's reflection on the Gospel of Mark 13:24-32, we encounter some obscurities, yet the essential message remains clear. We are reminded to always be prepared to face our judgment, as we do not know the exact day or hour of our departure from this life. While the specifics of when or how the world will end may not significantly concern us, what truly matters is the state of our consciences at the moment we leave this world. This teaching encourages us to live with intention and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of our eternal destiny.

A very practical way to assess our relationship with God and the world around us is to ask ourselves the urgent question: "How would I fare if I were called to render an account of stewardship tonight?" This reflection, inspired by today’s readings, invites us to evaluate our lives and our actions. If we find areas that require correction, it’s crucial to act swiftly and make the necessary changes. We may receive further opportunities to amend our ways, but there's no guarantee. If we truly value our eternal happiness, we must heed this call to reflection and strive to align our lives with God's will, seeking peace with both God and our neighbors, and relying on His grace to guide us towards righteousness.

Gospel Mk 13:24-32 Jesus said to his disciples: "In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

"And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

"Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111724.cfm

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Catholic Man Moment: The Greater the Sacrifice, the Greater the Reward

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The Greater the Sacrifice, the Greater the Reward.

November 10, 2024

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Gospel reading encourages followers of Christ to emulate his humility and to be ready to help others in need, even if it requires personal sacrifice.

Gospel Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44 In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

In St. Mark 12:38-44, we encounter a critical issue illustrated by our Lord's sharp condemnation of the Scribes, whose inflated sense of self-importance undermined the very religion they claimed to uphold. This serves as a potent reminder for all believers: the pursuit of admiration and respect from others when performing good deeds can lead us astray. Instead, we are called to seek God's approval, focusing on eternal reward rather than fleeting earthly praise. The contrast is further exemplified by the widow, whose humble offering stands in stark opposition to the arrogance of the Scribes. Her detachment from material wealth and reliance on God highlight the path to true blessedness. The solution lies in embracing a spirit of humility, understanding that genuine faith is marked not by public recognition but by sincere devotion to God’s will.

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Intro Video with Fr. Tim Berryhill for Catholic Men's Online Men's Forum

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Very Reverend Sullivan's Fall Online Chicago Catholic Men's Forum - With Fr. Timothy Berryhill -

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 7pm to 8:30pm Central Time

Topic: Prayer for the Life of the Family

This is a free event with optional free-will offering.

Watch this short video on the registration page to learn more about what will be shared and why you as a Catholic man should participate.

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Take Care Of Your Soul

"Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow." --- Saint Augustine

“If you don't behave as you believe, you will end by believing as you behave.” ― Fulton J. Sheen

Statistics say that many of us spend our idle time scrolling social media or reading news headlines, being addicted to politics or our favorite sports team. But few of us spend time growing in holiness and prayer. Silence is the best way to know God's will for our lives. Distractions, it is said, tell us something about what is more important to us than God.

The best way to live out your mission as a Catholic man is to eat and breathe, and sleep what it means to be a Catholic man. Transform your good intentions into right action to Foster a holy church, and a holy domestic Church which is our home as a catechism caused it.

This means, to name a few, to live the fundamentals of the faith, and to spend time with things that Inspire you to fill your soul.

One of the initiatives of cmcs is to help you with this, so if you have not seen it already, we have a feed of inspirational content that relates to Catholic manhood. We update it a few times a week, so you can either bookmark it or download the app to get notifications of each new post.

There are no algorithms, and to learn more how you use it click here.

It's called Chicago Catholic man, check it out at the link below and let us know what you think!

Visit the blog feed at - https://chicagocatholicman.tumblr.com/

“You are what you are and you are where you are because of what has gone into your mind. You change what you are and you change where you are by changing what goes into your mind.” ― Zig Ziglar

The greatest legacy any one of us can pass down to future generations is not money or power, but a legacy of character and faith.

-- Zig Ziglar

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Weekly Catholic Man Spirituality Video: You Are Not Far from the Kingdom of God

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November 3, 2024 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Mark 12:28b-34: Love the Lord your God. Love your neighbor.

"You are not far from the kingdom of God."

"One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these (Mk 12:28-31)."

"You are not far from the kingdom of God." The Gospel reading comes from Mark 12:28-34. A clear lesson that resonates with every sincere Christian in today's gospel is that the bedrock of our Christian faith is love for God and our neighbors. How can we embody this as Catholic men? By adhering to these two commandments, we are "fulfilling the whole law and the prophets," demonstrating our service to God and expressing our gratitude for His many blessings. A Catholic man who follows Christ with love is actively participating in the earthly kingdom of God while journeying safely toward God's eternal realm of peace and happiness.

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Life with Conflicting Opposites

Autumn Trail Under The Blue Sky-Copyright 2021 Frank J Casella-frankjcasella.pixels.com

By Deacon John Rangel, CMCS Co-founder, and Director of Mission.

PRAYER What we would like to do is change the world—

Make it a little simpler for people

To feed, clothe and shelter themselves

As God intended them to do…

We can to a certain extent change the world;

We can work for the oasis,

The little cell of joy and peace in a harried world.

We can throw our pebble in the pond

And be confident that its ever widening circle

Will reach around the world…

There is nothing that we can do but love,

And dear God—please enlarge our hearts

To love each other, to love our neighbor,

To love our enemy as well as our friend.

I happened to read on a Catholic web site by Fr. Mark Suslenko. His thoughts and words about Life with Conflicting Opposites spoke directly to my heart.

I will share Fr. Mark’s reflection now for your prayerful consideration.

Life with Conflicting Opposites One of the graced blessings of Christianity is learning how to develop and sharpen the gift of discernment in the face of opposites. As believers we are asked to internalize the Gospel message, allowing it to enlighten our minds and inform our actions.

A simple authentic and honest encounter with another human being can reveal hidden truths, allow enemies to embrace, and mutual respect to flourish. It is necessary to journey into the heart of a person in order for walls, prejudices, and antiquated barriers to be removed. Inclusivity has been one of the hallmarks of God’s agenda from the beginning of time. His house is intended to be “a house of prayer for all peoples” where human dignity is safeguarded regardless of who we are, where we come from, and what we believe.

It sometimes requires that we take a radical stance in order to catch people’s attention and reveal the smallness and ego-centeredness of their thinking—whether this be a religious community of nuns deciding to construct a new outdoor chapel in order to protect the sacredness of their ground from the path of an intended pipeline; a bride-to-be who calls off her wedding and invites the homeless to her reception; two known enemies sitting down and finding resolution to a common issue; restructuring our priorities to give more service to the poor and vulnerable; learning how to offer the hand of forgiveness and mercy rather than anger, resentment, hatred and bitterness; or embracing the agony and suffering of crucifixion on the cross.

We live with seemingly conflicting opposites all of the time. Jesus’ message offers us a way to bring two distinct realities together and discover a central, healing, and harmonious meeting place. We are people of the “already and the not yet” who are called to live in this tension regardless of the cost. We are asked to love as God loves as we live in the broken, the contradictory, the mundane, the silly, and even evil.

It is not our task to get everyone on the same page, to create some uniform and consistent way of thinking, or become robotic in our approach to life. It is, however, our call to be open to God’s surprises, to be vehicles of healing, to discern what God has in mind for our world and for us, to challenge conventional and outdated ways of thinking and being, and becoming risk-takers whose thoughts and actions catch people’s attention and cause them to think.

It requires that we drop the exaggerated concern we have with ourselves and the impressions people may have of us and risk looking silly as we find our way through this often silly but graced world.

As our relationship with God unfolds and we begin to celebrate the love relationship we have with our Creator, we will lose our preoccupation with trying to score points for heaven or achieving some personal satisfaction and learn how to love and embrace all things and people as God does. We will understand that the primary task of discipleship is learning how to discern and cooperate with God’s life-giving, loving, and all unifying plan of salvation. Only a contemplative heart can love those most difficult to love and do what is most challenging and risky to do. O God, let all the nations praise you! Rev. Mark Suslenko

Brothers and sisters the events today [of our present culture] should be troubling and disturbing to all God’s people. As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to be witnesses of love and forgiveness, to oppose hatred and bigotry and other evils against humanity whenever and wherever it occurs, to stand with all our marginalized brothers and sisters.

We need the persistence of the Canaanite woman. We should talk to people about the sinful nature of hatred, bigotry, and anger and its destructive power and explain to them how we can overcome it.

Let that Canaanite woman be our example and let us be quick with our arguments and have answers ready for those who dismiss our faith and belittle our beliefs.

Christ was a bit off-hand with that woman as a way of getting her to express her faith. Let us be like her and be fearless in explaining to others those things that bring true meaning and purpose to our lives.

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Weekly Catholic Man Spirituality Video: The Healing Power of Jesus

Click here to watch on the CMCS Video Channel.

October 27th, 2024 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 10:35-45: The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many.

Weekly Catholic Man Spirituality Video: The Healing Power of Jesus

Gospel Mk 10:46-52 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you." He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102724.cfm

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading from Mark 10:46-52, we encounter the profound story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who, despite his physical limitations, demonstrates unwavering faith and determination. As Jesus passes through the streets of Jericho, Bartimaeus cries out for mercy, highlighting a common problem many face—feeling overlooked or marginalized. His plea reaches Jesus, who stops and responds not only with compassion but with action, ultimately curing Bartimaeus of his blindness. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that even in our moments of weakness or desperation, reaching out for help can lead to transformative solutions. By recognizing our struggles and expressing our needs, we open the door to healing and restoration, just as Bartimaeus did.

"Faith is a path of illumination; it starts from the humility of acknowledging one's need of salvation and arrives at the personal encounter with Christ, who calls [one] to follow him on the way of love. On this model the itineraries of Christian initiation have been established in the Church, which prepare for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist." —Angelus Address, Pope Benedict XVI, October 29, 2006

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The Gateway to Our Hearts

The Door of our Hearts - Copyright Frank J Casella - frankjcasella.pixels.com

"No man has ever risen to the real stature of spiritual manhood until he has found that it is finer to serve somebody else than it is to serve himself." -- Woodrow Wilson

Many secure their homes with locked doors, but do we, as Catholic men, do the same with our hearts?

When we aren't open and inviting, we risk sliding into legalism and judgment, among other pitfalls.

The essence of leadership, whether at work or home, lies in understanding how to serve those we lead.

By embracing humble tasks, we enhance our leadership abilities and discover more about ourselves in the process.

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Weekly Catholic Man Spirituality Video: It's Not About The Win, It's About The Team.

Click here to watch on the CMCS Video Podcast Channel.

In Mark 10:42-44, Jesus teaches that the path to heavenly glory is through sacrifice. Just as James and John were ready to follow Him on the path to Calvary, let us also express our readiness to drink the cup of sufferings He drank and endure the sorrows He endured. He did this for our sake, and we do it for our own growth. Our cross is light compared to His, and His help makes our daily trials bearable. As Christians, how could we grow weary when we have Christ supporting us? Our goal is to preach the Gospel. Great leaders embody servant leadership, where giving of oneself leads to greater gain. Humility is a key characteristic of great leadership, as it's not about the leader, but about the team. Remember, God may use you, but He doesn't need you.

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GOSPEL

Jesus summoned the twelve and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102024.cfm

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Understanding the Authority of Jesus in Your Life

Weather Illuminated Clouds above the Trees. As I rise up to each passing new day, I’m not only thankful for the gift of the beauty of this world, but also thankful to God the giver of this gift. Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella - frankjcasella.pixels.com

Jesus stated, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

As followers of Jesus, our lives are a gift from God. How we choose to use our lives is our gift back to Him. I’ve come to understand this through my experiences. Here are some reflections and the lessons they taught me…

As a business owner, how often do you focus on closing a sale rather than on providing real benefit and value?

When you encounter someone in pain, do you reach out to help and pray for them, or do you turn away?

When you enter a room, does your love leave an impression on those present?

As a man, how frequently do you engage with a woman, viewing her as an ‘object’ rather than as a fellow human being—a daughter of someone else and a child of God?

As Catholics, we are called to give of ourselves without expecting anything in return. When we act with a pure heart, we acknowledge the authority of Jesus, and God will reward us in ways aligned with His divine plan.

“Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” – Luke 6:38

You cannot outgive God. Don’t even attempt it. Give from a place of purity, and it will be returned to you many times over, often in unexpected ways that will meet your true needs

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Weekly Catholic Man Spirituality Video: Possessing The Right Possessions

Gospel

Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother."  He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."  At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"  The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."  They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.  All things are possible for God."  Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you."  Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."

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The Why Of Your Legacy As A Catholic Man

Legacy - How do you want to be remembered - Color Nature Photograph Copyright 2019 Frank J Casella - frankjcasella.pixels.com

Legacy. How do you wish to be remembered?

These words crossed my screen this week and have been on my mind ever since.

I believe many of us navigate through life without fully appreciating the brief time we have to leave our mark. While some create significant legacies, most of us, I think, carry on our family's traditions for the next generation.

My life’s legacy mission is to spread hope and God’s love throughout the world, especially with those around me. While that may not seem particularly profound at first glance, it’s crucial in a time when many live without hope and are unaware of God’s hand in their lives. People need tangible examples of goodness and hope.

It would be remarkable for many of us to leave behind a skyscraper, a masterpiece, a groundbreaking cure, or, like Thomas Edison, the light bulb. However, a more noble legacy is guiding others, especially our family, toward Heaven. This impact can resonate for three generations!

After our passing, there may be deeds we accomplished in this life that are remembered, but I believe what truly matters is the lives we touch and inspire through our actions. Our names may not be on those achievements, but they will undoubtedly be recorded in God’s book of Christian service.

Understanding your legacy as a Catholic man is essential for guiding your life's purpose. If you recognize the significance of your legacy, you can uncover your "why"—the driving force behind your actions and decisions. This deeper understanding empowers you to define your "what," the tangible pursuits and values that shape your daily life. Ultimately, your legacy is not just about what you leave behind but how you live it out every day. By aligning your actions with your faith and values, you can ensure that your legacy reflects the person you aspire to be, providing clarity, direction, and fulfillment in your journey.

Trials are an inherent part of life, and for Catholic men, they serve as crucial faith builders that strengthen your legacy. When faced with challenges, these trials provide opportunities for growth, reflection, and deeper connection to your faith. Embracing them allows you to emerge with resilience and wisdom, paving the way for a legacy that inspires others. Picture a towering oak tree; its strength is rooted in the storms it has weathered. By viewing trials as stepping stones rather than obstacles, you can foster a mindset that not only helps you navigate difficulties but also equips you to share your experiences of faith and perseverance with those around you. This transformative approach ensures that your legacy resonates with authenticity and purpose, ultimately influencing future generations in their spiritual journeys.

 “We hear a lot these days about “intentional discipleship” from preachers, motivational speakers and writers about what it takes to be real Christians in these times.  These speakers highlight for us the increasing secularism of American life, namely, that the modern mind-set is intent on pushing away a religious tone to life as evident in state and federal legislation that advances freedoms beyond that which the scriptures would countenance, or the lifestyles of people we know and love, matched with decreasing numbers attending church or synagogue or mosque.  We Americans believe in God to large percentage even though our actions may not always clearly represent that belief. ….

  …. Indeed, nothing is worthwhile unless we do it intentionally and with fervor as upright Christians.  This is the manner in which Jesus lived and died for us.  It is the only way his disciples can live authentically his legacy.”

 Bishop Joseph N. Perry  - Taking Life Seriously  

Enjoy your day, you won't get it back,

Frank