David is a member of All Saints Church in El Sereno where he is a core team member along with Sal Miranda.  He is the father of three children and has been married for over 20 years.  David has been involved in Cursillo and other Church ministries for some time. We are pleased that David has been accepted into the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ deaconate program which he will begin in September. David is a devoted man of Christ and with a strong desire to serve the Lord.

Brothers, please send a warm welcome, along with your prayers, to our newest Ambassador David Gonzales.

Together on the Journey,
Tom Greeley| President of Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California

“The People Who Walked in Darkness have Seen a Great Light.”

There is a great line up of speakers including:

• Mike Pritchard is a retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant having served in Viet Nam and Desert Storm. Mike knows from personal experience the challenges men face.
• Jesse Romero is a Catholic lay evangelist, speaker and writer. He is a former L. A. County deputy sheriff. He has been World Police Boxing Champion and Middleweight USA Kick Boxing Champion.
• Dr. Ross Porter, director of Stillpoint Family Resources and the father of four, will talk on the issues men have in their families.
• Our M. C. will be Chief Steve Ruda of the Los Angeles City Fire Dept. Steve has been active in men’s ministry for many years. In 2005 he was named Fireman of the Year for the L. A. Fire Dept.

We are pleased to have as our worship leaders: Servium, the same group that CMF is fortunate to have each year at its summer retreat.

We begin the day at 9:00 am with a light breakfast. At the conference there will be time for confession, prayer and fellowship and the celebration of Holy Mass. Lunch will be provided. The conference ends at 5 pm. The price for the day is only $35.00.  Financial assistance is available.

Please help spread the word to men in your group. This will be an exciting, fast paced day. Faith will be strengthened and men will be blessed!

The Lord’s best to you and your family,
Tom Greeley | President of Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California

“As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another.” – Proverbs 27:17

This month’s guest speaker: Jeff Perkins from St. Lawrence O’Toole
Jeff shares his life’s spiritual journey from the Pentecostal Church to his entry into the RCIA program and full communion in the Catholic Church. Jeff now serves as a teacher in the RICA program. Jeff loves to share the Gospel to others and to bring men into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeff just recently started a CMF chapter in his parish which is in Oakland.

Location: Bronco’s Billy Pizza
Address: 41200 Blacow Rd., Fremont, CA 94538

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Cost for Breakfast Buffet: $10.00
Cost Under 18: $8.00

Need More Information? Please contact one of our group leaders below:

John Martinez
510-755-1921
Atkoinonia@aol.com

Mike Dorsey
510-861-0734

Deacon Steve Budnik
510-657-4043
nevets_dubkin@hotmail.com

Gerry Vera
510-651-5334
gvera61@gmail.com

Fr. John Prochaska
510-657-4043
Johnpro@pacbell.net

Event Date: February 25, 2012 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
» REGISTER ONLINE

Throughout history Man has been called to be Holy. Now more than ever the man of God is being called to a life of Holiness to confront the attack on himself, his family and the culture. He must begin this journey now, not later. He must make a commitment now, not later. This is not a struggle for just one man, this is a struggle that all must bear. He can’t do it alone, he needs other men of God beside him to help him in this Journey. On Feb 25th, he begins that journey . . .

Fr. Richard Perozich

Prior to becoming a Priest, Fr. Richard Perozich practiced Physical Therapy at the Sports medicine Training & Rehabilitation Center in San Diego. In 1987 God had different plans as he entered the Seminary in preparation for the Priesthood. In 1992 Father was ordained a Priest for the Diocese of San Diego. He has been the Spiritual Director for Courage, Encourage and Legion of Mary. Fr. Rich is well known for his great Homilies and is currently the Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Escondido CA.

Dcn. Ken and Marie Finn

Married for over 50 years with 3 grown children and 11 grandchildren, Ken Finn was ordained a Deacon in 1978. He is the co-founder, with his wife, of St. Dismas Guild, whose partial mission is to go out and search for the broken, the lost, the lonely, the hurting, the addict, and the sick and bring them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the founder and Spiritual Director for a the highly successful Catholic Mens Group Benedictus.

Featured Celebrant: Fr. Patrick Crowley, CC.SS.

Fr. Patrick Crowley , CC.SS., MAS, is a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary in the Western United States Province and is internationally renowned for his preaching/healing ministries. He has been in the Healing Ministry since 1972. He is a member of the Association of Christian Therapists. He is the spiritual director for the Medjugorje Peace Conference in Irvine. As a retreat director and conference speaker, Fr Patrick brings a holistic approach to move Christians into a deeper faith experience in the healing love of Jesus Christ.

Sponsored by

Ron Manriquez
The English Prayer Group
Alfredo Fletes
Groupo de Oración de Espanol/
The Spanish Prayer Group

Music/Música by

Lina El-Hayek

Event Highlights

• Hospitality following Mass
• Prayer Teams are available to pray with you
• Heal Emotional Sickness
• Heal Physical Sickness
• Heal Spiritual Sickness
• Heal Relationships
• Cuar la Enfermedad Emocional
• Cuar la Enfermedad Fisica
• Curar la Enfermedad Espiritual

Where:

St. Dominic Savio Church

Address: 13400 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706
Phone: (562) 920-7796

When:

Tuesday March 6th, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Misa de Sanación Bilingüe

Los invitamos a particular de una Misa de sanación bilingüe. Venga a orar con nosotros por los enfermos y por quienes neccesitan paz y sanación. Habrá una pequeña recepción luego de la Misa. Los Equipos de oracion estan disponibles para orar con ustedes.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” – Isaiah 9:2

March 24, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please click on the image to the right to download the flyer for the men’s conference.

Includes:

• Conferences by Dr. Ross Porter, Jesse Romero and Mike Pritchard
• Opportunities for Private Prayer
• Fellowship
• Eucharistic Adoration
• Confession
• Holy Mass

Cost:

The cost of the conference is $35.00, or pay what you can. Financial assistance is available. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

PLEASE RSVP BY SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012

Email: sjcprogcoordinator@carmelitesistersocd.com | Phone: (626) 289-1353 Extension: 302

It is truly a blessing from the Lord that He has provided us with such fine men who are willing to give of their time and talents to serve others.

In Christ Jesus,
Tom Greeley | President of CMF California

Allen Hunt was born and raised a Methodist. While serving as a mega-church pastor with more than 8000 members, Allen began a remarkable journey of faith culminating in him becoming a Catholic. He is the author of three books including

Confessions of a Mega Church Pastor: How I Discovered the Hidden Treasures of the Catholic Church. Allen is a powerful speaker, bringing a fresh voice and appreciation to the Church and inspiring everyday Catholics to live their faith to the fullest. Allen serves alongside Matthew Kelly at The Dynamic Catholic Institute. He also hosts a weekend talk radio show focusing on the need for morality in our time.

John Abbate is an owner/franchisee of 23 McDonald’s Restaurants throughout the central San Joaquin Valley of California. He is a strategic adviser to the Dynamic Catholic Institute and on the board of directors for JMJ Maternity Homes. John is active in

youth ministry education for St Patrick’s Parish and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School. John has been publicly speaking for over a decade on a wide range of topics. He will be speaking to us about his Catholic faith journey, the sanctity of life and how we men can our integrate our faith with our work.

Daniel Grimm received a degree from Thomas Aquinas College in 1976, a J.D. from UOP McGeorge School of Law in 1979, and a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2006. He practiced law before becoming general counsel and

vice-president for development of Thomas Aquinas College from 1993-2001, and was president of ITI-US from 2001-2005. Dan’s interests include integrating our sexuality as men into our spirituality. He knows the battles that each man faces concerning temptation. Dan and his wife of 30 years have seven children and four grandchildren.

CMF’s purpose is to:

“Encourage men to become daily followers of Christ”Luke 9:23.

New Website Design

CMF is very pleased to announce that it is in the finishing touches of launching its newly designed website. Gabriel Bissell, a professional web site designer, has graciously volunteered to undertake this important task for the ministry. The new site will feature some important improvements such as more photos and videos, a men’s group leader blogspace, a more user friendly layout, and more detailed information and photos for individual men’s groups. The site should be up and running before the end of January. If your men’s group would like to be listed on the site, please contact us.

New CMF Video

John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego, in association with Creative Rhetoric, has produced a 4 minute video introduction to Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California. The video features clips from men’s meetings, conferences and other events as well as interviews of men’s lives affected by the ministry. The video is a fine introduction to men’s ministry and can be shown to men interested in joining a men’s faith group, to pastors who might desire a men’s group in their parish and to anyone wanting to know more about men’s faith ministry and how it impacts the lives of Catholic men. To view the video, please click here or click the video below.

Fall Conference and Retreat Report

Last fall, CMF sponsored or co-sponsored six men’s conferences that were held throughout the state. These included “Aim High” at St. John the Evangelist Church in Encinitas on September 17, “Be Not Afraid” at St. Mary’s Church in El Centro on October 3, “Changing Men’s Lives” at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga on October 8, “Made for More” at Servite High School in Anaheim on October 15, “Fit for Eternal Life” at St. Hilary Church in Pico Rivera on October 29 and “Catholic Men in the World – Standing with St. Joseph” at St. Isidore Church in Danville on November 5. CMF also co-sponsored “Seven Principles to Live By” a men’s retreat at Old Oak Ranch in Sonora on October 28-29. Over 800 men received encouragement and strengthening for their faith through these events. We wish to thank all of the speakers and the organizers for this work of evangelism among the men of the Church. Please pray for the men who attended that their journey with Christ will be at the very forefront of their lives throughout this coming year.

New CMF Ambassador

CMF is very pleased to welcome as a new Ambassador Sal Miranda from All Saints Church in El Sereno, Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Sal started and leads the CMF chapter at All Saints parish. This is a family affair in that Sal’s father and his son also are active members of the group. Sal joins the many other CMF Ambassadors from throughout California who unselfishly give of their time to help men grow in faith through fellowship and formation. The Ambassadors help and support existing men’s parish groups, help new men’s faith groups become established and plan and organize men’s conferences and retreats.

Men’s Faith Groups

Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California continues to assist men who are called to start new parish-based men’s faith groups. A number of groups are in the process or are in the early stages of formation, including St. John Vianney in Hacienda Heights headed by Tony Maiorana and Our Lady of Guadalupe in El Sereno led by Sal Miranda. Please pray that these groups, and others like them, will help men to become truly committed in their Christian walk. Pray for the group leadership teams that they will be men of prayer, service, faith and humility.

Upcoming Men’s Events this Month

As we start a new year, what better way to begin than to attend a men’s retreat or conference. Your walk with the Lord will be enhanced and you will experience the peace that only Jesus can give to you. Come join us!

Winter Retreat

CMF’s annual winter men’s retreat will be held at the Carmelite Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra the weekend of January 13th through the 15th, 2012. Fr. Bart Reynolds, pastor of St. Theresa Church in Sugar Land, Texas, will be our retreat leader. The retreat starts with dinner on Friday evening and concludes by noon on Sunday. Many men find this to be a wonderful way to start the New Year and set their priorities in service to the Lord. Costs for the weekend run from $170 to $230 depending upon retreat accommodations. The cost for a commuter is $120. For more information contact Frank Serna.

Father Son Retreat | Pilgrim Pines Camp – Yucaipa

Sharing the Treasures is sponsoring a father son retreat at Yucaipa on January 13-15. Retreat masters will be the team of Fr. Larry Richards and Justin Fatica. Fr. Larry is well known for his ministry to men and has authored the best selling book “Be a Man! Becoming the Man God Created You to Be”. Justin Fatica at the age of 17 promised God that he would dedicate his life to Jesus Christ. After graduating from college in 2002, he founded Hard as Nails Ministry which has touched thousands of lives. The retreat is limited to fathers and sons ages 13-19. Please contact Kurt Redlinger at 619-403-9242 for more information or register by emailing Kurt@SharingTheTreasures.com. Cost is $240 for both father and son.

Half Day Conference: “Made 4 More” | J Serra Catholic High School, San Juan Capistrano

“There is more to life, but you need to invest in yourself to discover that. Four hours can change your life. Attend the Made 4 More conference on January 21… It will be a life changing experience!” Matthew Kelly. The mission of the conference will be to give all men present an opportunity to reconnect and commit to a life with God. There is a great line up of speakers including Allen Hunt, vice president of Matthew Kelly’s Dynamic Catholic Institute; Daniel Grimm, from Thomas Aquinas College and John Abbate, an entrepreneur businessman who integrates faith into the workplace. This will be an inspiring day for each man who attends. Confessions will be offered. The conference, held at J Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano, begins at 8:30 am and concludes promptly at 12:30 pm. Registration is only $20 which includes coffee, bagels and a pizza lunch. Register now at CatholicsAtWorkOC.com.

To Locate a Men’s Group

Please visit our website Catholicmen.org to locate a men’s group and for other information of value for Catholic men. If you are in a men’s group and would like to link up with us (there is no obligation) just send us an email.

No group in your area? Simply contact us at CMF@Catholicmen.org for information or help in starting a men’s group for your parish. CMF Ambassadors stand ready to assist you. We have free CDs, Resource Guides and other practical helps that can guide you completely through the process of getting started.

Prayer

Pray for our Church and for all Christians throughout the world. Please pray for men and their families going through these times of severe financial difficulties and Pray for men suffering from addictions to drugs, alcohol or pornography. Pray for difficult marriages and other relationship problems. Pray for all those looking for work that they would find reasonable employment.

On January 22, the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Pray for all those children that have been aborted, for their mothers and fathers and for all those in positions of authority who continue to promote and sanction this practice. Pray for the Lord to have mercy on this country.

To send us a prayer request, click here. It is our privilege and pleasure to pray for you.

Consider this

Sometimes the pressures of life seem to be all consuming – the economy, the job, marriage and family, finances, health issues. But the Lord is with us through everything. As Paul says in his letter to the Philippians (which he wrote while in prison): “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again rejoice! Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Why not give this a try, letting God know of your difficulties in a spirit of rejoicing and thanksgiving, instead of worrying and complaining about them. God is faithful; He will give you the peace that only He can give – just ask him.

To Contact Us

Please send us an email at CMF@Catholicmen.org if you would like to learn more about CMF, have any questions, or would like more information on men’s ministry. Please consider financially support this ministry or becoming a Member of CMF. Team up with like-minded Catholic men!

Catholic Radio of San Diego broadcasts live from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST every Friday night on local AM station 1000 AM.  The radio show is hosted by former president of CMF, Frederick Picciano.  The radio show is good for everyone, but geared towards men.   You may also listen to the live stream over the internet by clicking on the link listed below.

Radio Schedule

• Friday Nights
• 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST

Call in LIVE with your questions!
LIVE: 760-931-1604

• Catholic Radio of San Diego – LIVE

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often {ind that it rs those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” – Henri Nouwen

As Catholic men, we have long been silent, absent or non-committal when it comes to faith. This begins within ourselves and extends to our families, friends, and beyond. Society and sin have twisted God’s definition of “masculinity” to be synonymous with “power,” “money,” “domination,” or “sexual prowess.” Our God-given role as men is to be the spiritual heads of our households, having oversight with truth, charity (love), and compassion. As Catholic men, we need to take our rightful place in our families, church, and communities as men of God.

In order for this to happen, each Catholic man must:

• “Accept, by a personal decision, the saving sovereignty of Jesus Christ and Become his disciple” (Pope John Paul II Mission of the Redeemer N. 46)
• Deepen his faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Experience the Father’s unconditional love through Mass, the Sacraments and daily prayer.
• Be guided by the Holy Spirit to live his life as a man of God.
• Respond to the Lord’s call to share the faith with others.

How can this come about?  This occurs through attendance at retreats, conferences, Holy Mass, and following the truth.  St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein, set out on a journey for truth, and discovered that truth involved the Cross.  Her prayer, therefore, became deeper and deeper.  She began to understand that the embrace of Christ’s Cross was the only truth that could counteract the modern world’s evils.

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross understood that love and truth have an intrinsic relationship because the love of Christ and human freedom are intertwined.  To her, the quest for truth and its expression in charity did not seem at odds.  On the contrary, she realized that they call for one another.

In our time truth is often mistaken for the opinion of the majority.  In addition, there is a widespread belief that one should use the truth even against love or vice versa.  But truth and love need each other.  St. Teresa Benedicta is a witness to this.  The “martyr for love,” who gave her life for her friends, her people, let no one surpass her in love.  At the same time, with her whole being she sought the truth.  “No spiritual work comes into the world without great suffering.  It always challenges the whole person.”  St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross tells us not to accept anything as the truth if it lacks love and not to accept anything as love which lacks truth – that one without the other becomes a destructive lie.

Fr. Francis Fernandez Carvajal, author of In conversation with God, which has sold over two million copies, makes clear that in order to live a life which is truly human, we must have a great love for the truth, which is sacred.  For men, the truth is sometimes so obscured by passions and materialism, that if we did not live it, we could never come to discern it.  It is so easy for men to accept a lie when it comes to the aid of our laziness, flatters our vanity or our sensuality, or encourages in us a false sense of prestige.  Sometimes the cause of insincerity is boastfulness (vainglory), ostentatious display of pride or even fear of looking foolish in front of our peers.

At times, men are afraid of the truth because it is demanding and inexorable.  Sometimes the temptation may come to us to resort to pretense, a small deception, a half-truth, or even a lie.  On other occasions, we may feel tempted to give another name to facts so as not to upset people by telling the truth as it is.  Sincerity is a Christian virtue of the highest order, for we cannot be good Catholic Christians if we do not live it with all its consequences.  Sincerity with ourselves puts us on guard against fabricating the truth or pretending that what suits us is true, like those who try to deceive themselves.  Nonetheless, in order to find the truth, we must find it in Christ’s cross, as well as all of the crosses we must bear in our life.

How can men accomplish this?

Several Catholic men’s groups have sprung up in recent years.  One of them, Catholic Men’s Fellowship, is a group of Catholic men, from all vocations and walks of life, who have come together to make a difference in the minds and hearts of the people – the difference that begins with faith-filled men.  The Catholic Men’s Fellowship groups meet in an informal setting.  We pray for loved ones and friends in need.  We share experiences in dealing with life’s challenges and we support each other in our attempts to deepen our relationship with the Lord.  We are committed men, principally Catholic, who recognize our need for God’s help.  We gather in Christ’s presence in an atmosphere of trust, equality and anonymity to share personal feelings and experiences.  We accept each other unconditionally and prayerfully support one another.  Each of us has recognized a need for stronger spiritual values in our lives.  We have given our lives over, in varying degrees, to Jesus Christ and His gospel message, and we are open to respond to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Men’s ministries ore founded with the mission to evangelize, encourage, and strengthen Catholic men to live their call to be influential sons of God and to lead their families, peers, and others closer to the Lord. Whether in the home, workplace or society, each man is called to respond to the authentic image of masculinity and found in Christ Jesus and examples such os St. Joseph, patron of husbands and fathers, and St. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Men’s ministries ore founded with the mission to evangelize, encourage, and strengthen Catholic men to live their call to be influential sons of God and to lead their families, peers, and others closer to the Lord. Whether in the home, workplace or society, each man is called to respond to the authentic image of masculinity and found in Christ Jesus and examples such os St. Joseph, patron of husbands and fathers, and St. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

A defining slogan of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship is that “all growth occurs in relationships.” To attain the rewords of the abundant life, it is necessary to communicate in truth with someone else – to become vulnerable to one another. The most important of these relationships is union with God. We come from God and our true destiny is to be with Him now and in eternity. God’s desire for intimacy with each of us is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. It is also manifested in the experiences of doily life. It is shown to us in the beauty of the setting sun, the smile of o child, the gesture of unexpected friendship, and the personal experience of God’s saving grace in life’s difficulties.

For most men, the primary relationship in life is with spouse and family. It is in family life that os men, we experience feelings of great joy and happiness, but it also exposes us to events of sadness and loss.

The greater the depth of intimacy the grater is the potential for holiness.  The spousal relationship is especially important.  In the Catholic Men’s Fellowship, it is acknowledged that the level of intimacy with God can often be measured by our feeling for spouse and family.

The Catholic Men’s retreats and conferences gather men together in prayer and fellowship, inspiring and challenging them to go out into the world to fight for the dignity of every human being and to protect those entrusted to their care.  We start with Christ and end with Christ.  Everything we do is for His Glory.  We work hard to create bonds between men that will allow them to grow in their Catholic Christian faith and stand together during times of adversity.  We do not compromise on the true message of Jesus and His Church.  We understand that there is a spiritual battle taking place, and we are willing to engage in this battle for our families, our faith and our country.  Finally, we are proud to be Catholic, and think it our duty to share this wonderful gift with other men.

We are inundated with sound everywhere we go.  The car radio blasts on when I turn the key.  The grocery store is playing Aerosmith in “musak!” And you can learn how to speak Italian when visiting the rest room in your favorite restaurant, as they play language tapes over the speaker system!  Planes zoom.  Trains screech.  The TV blares with commercials.  Did you ever notice that you can practically never escape the noise?  Just as a body needs rest, so does the spirit.  A quiet place is one anecdote to our stress.  As a Catholic Christian, I know how good it is to connect in spirit with God.  More people need to discover the hidden treasure of observing a special kind of Catholic Christian spiritual retreat – a retreat of silence.  Some have other ways to describe it: meditation, listening to the inner self (holy spirit), hearing the voice of God.  Whatever you prefer to call it, a day of silence gives breath to the soul.  For Catholic men, this kind of retreat is truly spiritual.  A silent retreat allows you to be alone where you speak only with God.  This day consists of one thing – to talk with God and listen for His voice.

It is through retreats, silent, meditative retreats and conferences that a man can be renewed, refreshed.  For me, this happens at Mt. Carmel Retreat Center in the Mojave Desert amidst the creosote bush, saltbush, and Joshua trees – a panorama of God’s landscape that can be viewed for what seems like eternity, experiencing the heat of the sun or the chill of the wind, a distant sunrise or the long shadows at sunset.

In precis, what I enjoyed most is being able to “walk away from life” for a day.  Sitting on the rocks of the buttes, I pray and talk with Christ Jesus.  As I am always in awe at the natural, aesthetical beauty of nature, I marvel at how native plans must exist in a harsh, but yet fragile landscape environment, such as deserts or the timberline elevations of mountains.  I try to comprehend and appreciate how God’s wildlife must deal with everyday living – not having or needing the finer things of life, but just being able to survive day to day, month to month, year to year.  This whirls my meditation into humility and detachment from earthly possessions.

Every man needs a place to be alone with God.

I’ve found mine.

A guide to effective prayer and leading men in prayer.

Event Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Event Location: Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 am
Cost: $20 per person
Website: http://catholicsatworkoc.com
Reservation Form: Click here to register for this event.

Catholics at Work OC in association with Dynamic Catholic and Catholic Men’s Fellowship invite you to a very special conference for Catholic men. Speakers include Allen Hunt, John Abbate and Daniel Grimm. You don’t want to miss this!

The Day’s Schedule

Speakers

Allen Hunt

Allen Hunt was born and raised Methodist. While serving as a mega church pastor (with more than 8000 members), Allen began a remarkable journey culminating in his conversion to Catholicism. He is the author of three books, including his most recent release, Confessions of a Mega Church Pastor: How I Discovered the Hidden Treasures of the Catholic Church.

In addition to authoring, Allen is also a powerful speaker, bringing a fresh voice and appreciation to the Church, inspiring “everyday” Catholics to more fully recognize the relevancy of Catholicism, and the role it’s meant to play in their lives. Allen currently serves alongside Matthew Kelly as Vice-President for Strategy at The Dynamic Catholic Institute (www.DynamicCatholic.com). He also hosts a weekend talk radio show on America’s most listened to talk station, focusing not on what’s right and left but on what’s right and wrong, bringing a moral compass to the arena of mainstream talk radio.

John Abbate

John Abbate is a resident of Merced, California. He and his wife Kaaren have three children: Matthew, Kathryn, and Andrew.

John holds a BBA in Business Economics from the University of San Diego. He also has an MBA with a concentration in finance from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business.

Professionally, John is an owner/franchisee of 23 McDonald’s Restaurants throughout the central San Joaquin Valley of California.

John is a strategic adviser to the Dynamic Catholic Institute and on the board of directors for JMJ Maternity Homes. John is also active in youth ministry education for St Patrick’s Parish and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School.
John has been publicly speaking for over a decade on a wide range of business topics such as brand strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and management. Now – he is branching out to speak about his Catholic faith journey, pro-life work, and a commitment to work/faith integration – Inspired by Saint Jose Maria Escriva’s theology of sanctification of our work.

Daniel Grimm, M.A.

Daniel Grimm received a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in 1976, a J.D. from UOP McGeorge School of Law in 1979, and a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2006. He practiced law in northern California from 1979 to 1992, was general counsel and vice-president for development of Thomas Aquinas College from 1993-2001, and was president of ITI-US from 2001-2005. He currently directs the Thomas Aquinas College Choir, and has worked as a trainee therapist at Ventura County Juvenile Facility and Ojai Unified School District. His clinical interests include the integration of Christian spirituality with psychological healing, child-parent relationship issues, and men’s issues. Dan and his wife have been married for 30 years, and have seven children and four grandchildren.
805-551-6746

Address: 920 East Alhambra Road • Alhambra, California 91801
Website: http://www.sacredheartretreathouse.com
Reservation Form: Click here to download and fill out the reservation form.

Men’s Retreat | January 13-15, 2012

Come away from the pressures and activities of daily life for a weekend of renewal, enrichment, and solitude. This time of personal retreat will help you regain and strengthen your spiritual perspective and deepen your personal prayer.

The Sacred Heart Retreat House promotes, supports, and strengthens the spiritual growth of Catholic men. Don’t miss these great weekends. A retreat is not a luxury of life; it is a necessity in our society today! Visit our website for more information!

The weekend will include:  Holy Mass, spiritual conferences, spiritual direction, time for personal prayer, and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confession.  We invite all men to spend a weekend with us and be strengthened in living your Catholic Faith.

Retreat Rates

Specialized Retreats

Leads us to:

ESCAPE THE DARKNESS
STEP INTO THE LIGHT

WHEN?

Starts Friday July 6TH (arrive 4-7pm).
Ends Sunday after Mass.

WHERE?

Mary & Joseph Retreat Center

5300 Crest Drive
Ranch Palos Verdes, CA. 90275
(310) 377-4867
www.maryjoseph.org

LOCATION?

Catholic Retreat Center offers Chapel, Conference center,
Dining room, Very nice rooms, Recreation area.

COST?

We expect the cost to be similar to last year:

• $199 for a shared double with bath

• $275 for a private room (the number of these are limited)

• $125 for a commuter

QUESTIONS?

Please call or email:

Geoff Blake
(949) 212-0770

or

Dave O’Connor
(415) 383-7282

“I raise my eyes to the mountains, from where shall come my help?  My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

1. We offer praise and thanksgiving for answered prayer:
For the newly formed men’s group at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills and for the leadership and dedication to it’s leader Donald Carpenter and his co-leaders Kadar and Marcus.

• For the successful Southern California Ambassador Training Day at Saint Vincent De Paul Church in Huntington Beach. In gratitude for the many men who have answered the call of God to serve their Catholic brothers.
• For our new website manager Gabe Bissell and the new perspective and enthusiasm he brings to the ministry.

2. Please pray for the Winter Men’s Retreat to be held on January 13-15 at the Carmelite Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Alhambra and for:

• Our retreat leader and for Frank Serna as he leads the CMF planning and preparation for the retreat.
• The conviction of our hearts and souls to support this retreat with our prayers and our presence.

3. Please pray for the success of the Made4More Men’s Conference to be held on January 21 at J. Serra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. May the Lord bless and anoint the speakers and draw many men to this wonderful conference.

4. Please pray for the final editing and refinement of the video clip “Introducing Catholic Men’s Fellowship” being prepared for us by Creative Rhetoric and for the wonderful alliance with John Paul the Great University who funded this project.

5. Please pray for the ministry’s new initiatives:

• The establishment of men’s groups as official CMF chapters
• The new, enhanced CMF website – may it represent to men God’s love and concern for them
• The launch next year of the revised CMF membership program

6. Please pray that the Lord will continue to encourage men to answer the call to become involved in the leadership of CMF or in establishing new CMF chapters. May all of the leadership of this ministry be humble servants listening attentively to, and acting on, the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

7. Please pray for all those who are suffering financially and spiritually and especially for those who may feel discouraged or burdened because of their efforts to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“Brothers, pray for us so that the Word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified…” 2 Thes. 3:1

CMF’s purpose is to:

“Encourage men to become daily followers of Christ”
Luke 9:23.

CMF’s mission is to:

“Help men renew their minds and transform their hearts and lives for Christ” – Romans 12:2.

CMF News

In response to the many calls that the ministry is receiving to serve Catholic men throughout the state, the board of Directors of Catholic Men’s Fellowship has approved a new ministry plan: “Moving Forward.” A key part of the plan is to work with interested men in establishing new men’s parish faith groups and to provide them with the assistance and training they need for the group to be successful. An important element of this outreach are the CMF Ambassadors – men who volunteer their time to help and serve other Catholic men.

CMF is very pleased to welcome four new Ambassadors. Armando Hernandez is from St. Francis of Assisi Church in La Quinta, Diocese of San Bernardino. Dave Hutson is from Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga, also in the Diocese of San Bernardino. Tony Maiorana is from St. John Vianney Church in La Habra Heights, Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Manny Marquez is from St. Hilary parish in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Armando, Dave, Tony and Manny, along with 11 other CMF Ambassadors, are men who unselfishly give of their time to help men grow in faith through fellowship and formation. The Ambassadors assist existing men’s faith groups, help new men’s faith groups become established and plan and organize men’s conferences and retreats.

CMF is further pleased to welcome Rob Eagan, from Our Lady of Refuge parish in Long Beach, as its new Marketing Director. Rob will be assisting with communications and publicity for the various men’s events that CMF sponsors, working with our data base, web site and social networking sites, and assisting individual men’s faith groups in bringing their message of encouragement to the men in the church. Please pray for Rob and for all of these men who have so generously volunteered their time and resources to serve others.

Men’s Groups: Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California continues to assist men who are called to start new parish-based men’s faith groups. A number of groups are now in the process or are in the early stages of formation, including St. Francis of Assisi in La Quinta, All Saints in El Sereno, St. Bruno in Whittier, Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills, Sacred Heart in Covina and St. Dominic Savio in Bellflower. Please pray that these groups, and others like them, will help men to become truly committed in their Christian walk. Pray for the group leadership teams that they will be men of prayer, service, faith and humility.

Upcoming Men’s Conferences

With all of the stress in men’s lives today, consider attending one or more of these conferences this fall. Your walk with the Lord will be enhanced and you will experience the peace that only Jesus can give to you. Come join us!

Event: One Day Conference: “Aim High”
When: Saturday, September 17
Where: St. John the Evangelist Church, Encinitas

The theme of this exciting conference is men living radical Catholic lives against the tide of today’s culture. It will challenge each man in attendance to Aim High and not be satisfied with the status quo. The day begins at 8 am with registration and ends with a special mass at 2:30 pm. There is a great line up of four dynamic speakers: Maurice Blumberg, former Executive Director of The National Fellowship of Catholic Men and a Jewish convert; Rick Ghio president of Anthony’s Fish Grotto, a famous San Diego Restaurant; Fr. Charles Fuld, editor of the Southern Cross newspaper and Mike Haddock, CMF board member and prayer leader. There is time for small men’s group breakout sessions and confessions. Cost is just $35 which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. All men are invited and encouraged to attend. Go to the CMF website Catholicmen.org and REGISTER NOW by clicking the Aim High conference link.

Event: One Day Conference: “Be Not Afraid”
When: Saturday, October 1
Where: St. Mary’s Church, El Centro

The theme is an invitation for Catholic men to respond to the call of Jesus to follow Him and not to focus on the fears and anxieties that are all around us. Catholic Men’s Fellowship of the Imperial Valley is presenting this men’s conference featuring these great speakers: Fr. Edward Horning, Jesse Romero, Deacon Domingo Enriquez and Deacon Refugio Gonzalez. This will be an inspiring day for each man who attends. The conference begins at 8:00 am and concludes at 4:00 pm. Registration is $20 which includes lunch.

To register, or for more information, contact Guy Yturralde at (760) 353-4874, drguy65@yahoo.com or visit the CMF website www.Catholicmen.org.

Event: One Day Conference: “Changing Men’s Lives”
When: Saturday, October 8
Where: Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga

This powerful conference is sponsored by Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California. The day begins at 8:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Rutilio del Riego. Featured speakers are Jesse Romero, a retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, three time World Police Boxing Champion, and two time Middleweight USA Kick Boxing Champion; Fr. Steve Porter a frequent speaker around the country and internationally; and Johnny Garcia founder for Sober for Christ, a ministry that reaches out to those with addictions.
Cost of the conference is only $35 which includes lunch.
To Register go to the CMF website www.Catholicmen.org and go to the link for the Inland Empire – “Changing Men’s Lives” conference. For more information: contact Ben Hernandez at benher46@yahoo.com 909 238-5273 or Dave Hutson dhutson53@yahoo.com 909 904-0010.