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.

All of these are excellent men’s ministries and they tap into the very root of a man- LET’S GO DO SOMETHING!  They speak to that part of a man that is action-oriented and each and every one of them play an important part to keep a parish going.

But, the CTFCM and ministry to men is totally different.  We are about ministering to the man himself.  What does a man need to know to become a man of faith?  How can a man deal with the stresses and strains of his life? What does it mean for a man to be a leader for his family and in society?  How can a man fully live as a true Disciple of Christ?

A man learns to be a man from other men. If a man is to be a man of faith, he must spend time with other men of faith, focusing on his faith.  Ministry to men is about enabling men of faith to share their time with other men of faith. Men learn from each other through fellowship what it means to be a man in God’s own image.

There is a stunning example in scripture of what ministry to men is all about.  It is the story of two women, Mary and Martha.  Jesus came to visit and Martha scurried about on tasks and on the mechanics of the visit, while Mary sat and listened to the Lord.  When Martha complained that Mary wasn’t helping, Jesus calmly replied, “Mary has chosen what is better.”

All too often men are scurrying about as Martha, focusing on the tasks, but spending little time listening and focusing on their faith.

Sometimes we need to stop being Martha and take a lesson from Mary.  Sometimes our men need to know that in spite of work, pressure, activities, tasks and commitments, sometimes it is better to stop and listen to our Lord. 

In today's busy world, we need to slow down and listen to how we can become better husbands, fathers, co-workers and bosses.  We need to slow down and listen to become a true disciple of Christ.  Christ didn’t say go make ushers, lawnmowers, bar-b-quers and fish fryers.  He said, “Go Make Disciples.”

The CTFCM wants to help men become better Disciples, and when there are more disciples there will be more than enough hands to get the work done.

If you want to learn more about our ministry to men, check out our website www.centexcatholic.com.