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)

Seven Principles - Part II

This morning Mike finished his talk on the 7 Principles for CMF…

Principles 5-7:

  • “Be a man of prayer and responsibility” - We encourage one another to be men of prayer. we pray daily for others. we give God praise and thanksgiving as we prayerfully seek to discern God’s will for our lives.

  • “Be a man of humility and love” - we reach out beyond all racial, cultural and denominational barriers, to men and women of all ages and walks of life, demonstrating the power of unity in Christ and the Church.

  • “Be a man on a mission” - We commit ourselves to changing the world by proclaiming the Gospel through a lifestyle and public witness that embodies Jesus; we build up the ‘Body of Christ’”

Featured Scripture

Philippians 4:4-9

Featured Song

“Whom Shall I Fear” by Chris Tomlin (Music Video)

The Eucharist

For coming off a back-to-back situation from having the Into The Breach conference last week, we were surprised at how many men joined us this morning. And we welcomed six guys who joined us for the first time: Thomas, Robert, Kenny, Steve, John and Michael. It was great to have all of you there!

Chris led us in a discussion on the importance of the Eucharist, and the challenge Catholics face with our belief in the True Presence of Christ. Kenny gave a great analogy about how we receive the Eucharist. He reminded us that when we eat a juicy steak, that meal will either become muscle or fat within us - depending on how well we take care of our bodies. Likewise, we need to take proper care of ourselves when we receive the Eucharist - treating our bodies as the temple God intended - so that Jesus can affect amazing change within us.

For additional material on the Eucharist, please check out the links below…

How The Eucharist Changed My Life (Fr Mike)
The Disciples Doubted the Eucharist - Do You? (Fr Mike)
What Do You Get Out of Mass?
Jesus, and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist
The Eucharist in Scripture
The Importance of Mass and the Eucharist

Featured Scripture

John 6:26-66

Featured Song

“Come to the Table” by Sidewalk Prophets (Music Video)

In Attendance:
Anthony, Chris, Chuck, Dale, David, Don, Frank, Greg, Joe, John, Julian, Kenny, Larry, Michael A, Michael C, Richard, Robert, Roger, Steve, Thomas, Tony

(CA)

Seven Principles

As always, we enjoyed another wonderful breakfast this morning, and it was a pleasant surprise to be joined by CMF President, Gil Alderete. This month was led by Mike, and we discussed the Seven Principles of CMF. We got through the first three:

  • Be A Man For Jesus

  • Be A Man For Others

  • Be A Man Of Integrity

There was a lot of feedback from the men, and it was a really great discussion. For a review of the full list, please refer to this page: Seven Principles

Featured Scripture

Romans 7:14-20

Featured Song

“Be Still & Know” by Jordan Smith (Music Video)

In Attendance
Anthony, Chris, Chuck, Dale, David, Don, Gil, Julien, Larry, Michael, Mike, Ray, Roger, Sarge, Tony

(MK)

Lenten Reflections

Smaller gathering this morning, but the men who attended still seemed to get a lot out of the meeting. We first spent some time discussing the Scripture reading from Esther - noting in particular the Jewish use of fasting as part of their regular prayer life. We then spent time discussing how we’re doing so far with this Lent, and how Lent serves not as a temporary period of trying to do good things (pray/fast/give alms), but this is more of a starting-off point for the rest of our year (if we’re not already doing those things regularly).

Featured Scripture

Esther 4:12-17

Featured Song

“Here I Am” by John Angotti (Music Video)

In Attendance:
Chris, Cody, Dale, Gabriel, L Chu, L Church, Michael, Mike, Roger, Ruben, Sarge

(11)