One of the things that we try to do with the CTFCM is to differentiate ourselves from past efforts. You see, men’s ministries have been around for a long time. Many parishes have some sort of a men’s club, the K of C are a devoted fixture in many parishes and there are men all over the country that volunteer countless hours helping their parishes by maintaining the grounds, fundraising, putting on the parish celebrations and don’t forget the Lenten fish fry’s. (Click title to read more)

The first reference to farmers and shepherds is in Genesis. Adams son’s Cain and Able were the first farmers and shepherds. And of course Jesus often spoke in terms that farmers and shepherds would understand. Vine growers, sowers and reapers of wheat, laborers of the field, and of course the imagery of Himself as the Good Shepherd. I look at my own faith journey and I realize how there have been men that planted the seed of my faith, and have cultivated my faith by sharing knowledge and experience. There have been others who have served as shepherd. The shepherds have been those that have corrected my behavior, or who have coaxed me along a spiritual pathway.

Whether we realize it or not, men are natural leaders. It probably goes back to the survival of our prehistoric ancestors. The family units that survived and thrived were able to do so because families organized and worked together just to survive. It’s even apparent in Genesis. Adam was given the task to maintain and protect the Garden and his sons become the first farmers and shepherds. (Click title to read more)

As I travel from parish to parish, it is always interesting to hear the same feedback. “We could use more guys” or “It’s always the same people working” or “I wish more guys would pitch in.” It doesn’t really matter how big the parish is, or how many resources, or how old it is … it seems that the numbers and the feedback is pretty consistent. (Click title to read more)

For me, the hardest part of prayer has always been turning my mind off and listening to what God has to say. But it seems that no matter how hard it is, if I just shut up and listen something always comes to mind. This week, I was really struggling in my prayer time because something kept popping into my head. (click title for more)

I've been thinking a lot about these three guys over the past couple of weeks. And how each of them reflect who we are as the CTFCM. First Adam. Yeah we all know Adams story. Adam talked directly with God, but he failed to do his job. He didn't protect his family from the evil One, he decided to go against God's will, and he eventually blamed all of the errors on Eve. But did you ever notice ... Adam was a loner. It was just him and Eve. No one to cover his back. .... (click title for more)

We all know the parable of the talents. How each servant was granted certain talents from their master and how the master reacted to each servant based upon the number of talents that each servant returned. I've always thought about that parable by the definition of gifts or skills that the Lord has granted me. I've thought about the parable from a point of "Have I used the gifts wisely? or "Have I returned those gifts to the Lord by using them fruitfully for His purpose?" .... (click title for more)