“Becoming a Man of Prayer”

Looking forward to seeing you there!

In the Immaculata,
Mark
Mark McElrath
Catholics At Work OC
www.catholicsatworkoc.com
mark@catholicsatworkoc.com

Event Information

Event Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012
Mass: 6:30 AM
Breakfast Program:  7 :00 a.m. – 8:30 AM

» REGISTER ONLINE

Mr. Randy Hain

Mr. Randy Hain is the Managing Partner of Bell Oaks Executive Search in Atlanta and actively serves on a number of non-profit boards in the Atlanta community. He is the Business Manager and Senior Editor for The Integrated Catholic Life which he co-founded with Deacon Mike Bickerstaff in 2010. Randy is a co-founder of the Annual Atlanta Catholic Business Conference, the Catholic Business Cafe and leads the St. Peter Chanel Business Association (Faith at Work) Ministry.

Randy is a prolific writer and frequent presenter on a number of topics including faith, family, integration, leadership and human capital. His first book, entitled The Catholic Briefcase: Tools for Integrating Faith and Work, was released in late November 2011 by Liguori Publications. The book provides practical advice on how to integrate the Catholic faith with our work and offers inspiration through the examples of real Catholics in the workplace.

A convert to the Catholic Faith in 2006, Randy and his wife have been married for 17 years and have two sons.

» REGISTER ONLINE

Al Langer: Author of the book: A NEW BEGINNING, The Compelling Story of One Man’s Journey Against Overwhelming Odds, wrote about his journey of faith from the time he experienced the horrors of World War II as a so called war child, growing up in a devout Catholic family of eight, trying to re-establish once again the peaceful environment of his birthplace in Sudetenland that his family once knew before being expelled from their homeland as a consequence of a war his family was not a part of.

In searching for greater opportunities and a better future, he immigrated to the USA at age 21. This was truly a new beginning for him that took him from not speaking English, working for minimum wage in an unfamiliar environment, to president and owner of a company he stayed with for 46 years.

The Fulfilment of Caring for People (Video)

Patty Barnett Mouton joined the staff of the Alzheimer’s Association in 2005, after volunteering for several years as a speaker and support group facilitator. In her role as Vice President of Outreach & Advocacy she oversees professional and community education events, and coordinates the Chapter’s legislative advocacy and public policy forming activities.

Event Date: Tuesday June 12, 2012
Event Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event Location: St. Hilary’s Church Hall
Event Address: 5465 Citronell Ave. Pico Rivera, CA 90660

For more information, please call:  562 567-5775

Please Note: All Men, & Young Men Adults Only Please

Why is it Important?
It is important that CMF members join in on Facebook to promote Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California, but most importantly -  the Word of God.  Some of the other benefits of using Facebook are promoting CMF events, improving search engine rankings for the website, highlighting CMF membership, increasing overall visibility, and creating connections for Catholics online.

Its easy and fun – you’ll most likely notice a lot of your friends and family members may already be on Facebook.

How to Join?
To join, click the link below.  Make sure to click the “like” button on our CMF Facebook page.  You can also promote CMF by posting links on your own Facebook page leading to either the CMF website or our facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com

God bless,
Gabriel Bissell

Dear Brothers,
My friend Darren Sakai is battling Colon Cancer and needs financial support in paying his medical expenses. Darren has been fighting cancer since 2007.  I rarely ask people to give money, but this is truly a good cause. My sister Felicia was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2007 and our family received enormous support, financial and emotional that was very instrumental to her recovery. She has since been in remission for almost 5 years now. I’m sure Cancer has touched close to home for many of us. If you feel a pull on your heart to give, please visit Darren’s website and send a PayPal donation. Any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated and I’m sure you will be blessed for giving to his cause. All donations will go directly to Darren’s PayPal account and will not be handled by anyone but him.

Darren Sakai | http://darrensakai.com

God bless!
Gabriel Bissell | Web Designer for Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California

Dan and Diane Dulac have been married for 17 years. Dan is a lifelong entrepreneur and experienced construction professional while Diane is a homeschooling mother of five children. They will share the inspiring story of their personal journey to found and develop an event and retreat center in the Santiago foothills.

• Visit the Santiago Event Center

Catholicism Meets Iglesia ni Cristo (1 of 2)

Catholicism Meets Iglesia ni Cristo (2 of 2)

The Meeting Place: The Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Destination: The Hearts and Wombs of Mothers

The Opponent: Legions of Evil

The Method: The Most Holy Rosary

The Victory: God’s Love

• Join us today!  Please visit our website.

Made 4 More Men’s Conference at Rosary High School
Source: Michael Spahr

I want to share with you a short one minute video regarding the upcoming Made4More Men’s Conference on Saturday, April 28. The conference runs from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and takes place at the Karcher Center at Rosary High School in Fullerton. The video shows our brother in Christ Mark McElrath (he is president of Catholics at Work OC and president of the West Orange County Serra Club among his other services) giving highlights of the upcoming conference:

As you know, we live in a time that is in major crisis. God created us for happiness, yet so many of us are caught up in the distractions of this age which pull us farther away from that happiness. The Made 4 More Catholic Men’s Conference was created to help Catholic men re-orient themselves towards the source of happiness and to help us all move in that direction through prayer, study, fellowship, accountability and good old fashioned team work. We do this by inviting men, often fallen away or lukewarm men, or men who could use a spiritual shot in the arm, to join us for a 4 hour conference on a Saturday morning.

During this conference we experience 5 top notch speakers who are leaders in their field speak to contemporary issues that all men can relate to such as: everyday ethical challenges we face, how to integrate our lives of faith and our lives of work, taking personal responsibility for the gift of sexuality and how to develop a personal prayer life. We sing together, pray together, learn together and through the gift of the sacrament of reconciliation are healed together. After 4 hours of intense fellowship, men leave wanting more. We then invite them to join a Catholic Men’s Fellowship group. If their parish lacks a CMF group, we challenge them to start one and we commit to mentoring them to success. Once a man commits to a life of prayer, fellowship and faith formation he is armed for action with a transformed life, oriented towards happiness.

On Saturday April 28 at the Karcher Center doors open at 7:30am, praise and worship music at 8:00am, conference opens at 8:30am and concludes promptly at 12:30pm. For those who are able to stay, we will feed them lunch and enjoy each other’s company. The cost is just $20 and four hours of a man’s valuable time. Registration can be found www.catholicsatworkoc.com

I ask you to help us fill the Karcher Center by inviting 4 men to join us on April 28. There will be 101 distractions to keep you from this. But I know, that after a quick prayer, you will know which 4 men you are to invite and will overcome those obstacle to share this information with them. You can just forward them the video invite and include a short cover message telling them that you were thinking they would enjoy this. Let the Holy Spirit do the rest…

Easter blessings to you and to your family,
Tom Greeley | President of Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California

In searching for greater opportunities and a better future, he immigrated to the USA at age 21. This was truly a new beginning for him that took him from not speaking English, working for minimum wage in an unfamiliar environment, to president and owner of a company he stayed with for 46 years.

After retiring, he wrote and published the book A NEW BEGINNING, which was chosen Book of the Year 2011 by Conversation Book Club. His story pertains in part to information regarding the little known part of history of the fate of the ethnic Germans from Eastern Europe. It is meant to inspire others to persevere, and above all to remind us to have faith in God.

Al and Irene Langer have been married forty-five years. They have been blessed with one daughter and three grandchildren.
Ave Maria University

Event Date

Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
Mass: 6:30 AM
Breakfast Program: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Cost

Pre-paid breakfast member: $ 0
First Time Attendees On-line preregistration: $25.00
Basic Members at the door (Make Checks Payable to: Catholics at Work OC):  $35.00
Returning nonmembers: $40.00

» REGISTER ONLINE

Brothers please pray for the men leading this group. May they be filled with the Spirit of wisdom, humility and fortitude.

Blessings in Jesus,
Tom Greeley | President of Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California

Our speaker will be Fr. Joe Kim, parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Church in San Jose.

On February 10, despite a storm of protest, President Obama adopted a Department of Health and Human Services mandate that violates the freedom of conscience and religious liberty of Catholics and others. Come and learn more about this. This is an urgent matter for our time.

Where do we meet?

Catholic Men’s Fellowship meets at the HomeTown Buffet at 2670 El Camino Real in Santa Clara, between San Tomas Expressway and Kiely/Bowers, on the second Saturday of every month. We’ll begin with grace at 8:00. (Doors open at 7:30.) We’ll have you out by 10:00.

What is the Cost?

The cost is only $8.17, the cost of the breakfast. The spiritual nourishment is free!

The U.S. bishops are strongly united in their ongoing and determined efforts to protect religious freedom, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said in a March 14 statement. The Administrative Committee, chaired by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the USCCB, is the highest authority of the bishops’ conference outside the semi-annual sessions of the full body of bishops.

The Administrative Committee said it was “strongly unified and intensely focused in its opposition to the various threats to religious freedom in our day.” The bishops noted that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate that forces all private health plans to provide coverage of sterilization and contraceptives – including abortion-inducing drugs – called for an immediate response. The bishops said this dispute is not about access to contraceptives but about the government’s forcing the Church to provide them. Their concerns are not just for the Catholic Church but also for “those who recognize that their cherished beliefs may be next on the block.”

Theresa Wyles is the principal of St. Polycarp Catholic School in Stanton. She was born and grew up in Wyoming earning her Bachelors Degree at the University of Wyoming. She moved to California in 1983 and has since earned her California Teaching Credential, a Master of Science in Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration. She has worked in the Diocese of Orange for twenty eight years, teaching all grade levels from first through eighth, worked as vice principal for four years, and recently completed her fifth year as principal of St. Polycarp Catholic School.

A reenactment of Our Lord’s passion done in the customary Spanish style.  This event will be performed in Spanish.  (English Programs Available)

Gates open at 7:00 a.m. Please arrive early.

An outdoor Stations of the Cross hike following the traditional 14 stations reflecting on the events of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

JP Catholic and CMF will be collaborating in the future on events that “encourage men to become daily followers of Christ”.  The first such event will be a one day men’s conference scheduled to be held in San Diego this fall.

The Tenth Annual Conference on Business & Ethics (CBE) will feature Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager, and Father Gregory J. Boyle, S.J, Founder and CEO of Homeboy Industries and author of Tattoos on the Heart.

The Bishop Tod D. Brown Award for Exemplary Business Integrity will be presented to two special honorees for their commitment to ethical best practices in their business and personal lives. This award has formerly been given to 18 honorees who met, if not exceeded, the requisite criterion. This year’s honorees will be Robert R. (Randy) Redwitz and Frank P. Kavanaugh.

To commemorate our 10th Annual Conference, the OCF will present a special Corporate Stewardship Award to Farmers & Merchants Bank. The Foundation will further expand its award platform to include the Farmers & Merchants Bank Inaugural Community Impact Award. This year’s honoree will be Bruno Serato, recently named a CNN 2011 Hero.

While the purpose of the Conference on Business and Ethics is to provide an annual forum for business leaders in Orange County, the Conference also raises funds to provide financial aid for Catholic school students in the Diocese of Orange. Through the past nine years, the Conference on Business and Ethics has raised more than $850,000 to support tuition assistance grants for our Catholic schools.

• Video Sponsor Our Student Video – See the kind of value your donations brings.

A Case for Catholic Education

There is a great deal of information in support of Catholic education. The January edition of the Orange County Catholic featured an article by Greg Dhuyvetter, the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Orange entitled “The Case for Catholic Education” In September, the Wall Street Journal ran a feature article by Richard Reardon, the former mayor of Los Angeles, focusing on the value of Catholic education. More recently, the LMU Center for Catholic Education published study outlined the impact that Catholic schools are making…not simply for the Catholic community but for the common good of all society.

Attached are prayer requests for March and April.  Thank you so much for taking the time to pray for this ministry. All of us in the leadership of CMF are acutely aware that without your prayers all of our efforts will be for nothing.  We ask that only God will be honored and glorified in everything we do.

Thank you again, and may God bless you and fill you in abundance with His Holy Spirit,
Tom Greeley | President of California Men’s Fellowship of California

1. We offer praise and thanksgiving for answered prayer:

• For the newly formed men’s group at St. John Vianney in Hacienda Heights and for wisdom and discernment for its leader Tony Maiorana, the regional Ambassador.
• For the successful Northern California Leadership Conference in Danville, for all who attended and especially for David O’Connor for hosting the event.
• For the newly formed group at St. Lawrence O’Toole in Oakland and for blessings of the Lord on the leadership of Mike Dorsey and John Martinez.
• For the new group about to be launched at St. Ambrose in Berkeley and it’s leader Father Jack Gilman.

2. Please pray for the Men’s Conference to be held on March 24 at the Carmelite St. Joseph Center in Alhambra for:

• The speakers, the m.c., the worship group and for all that are working so hard to make this conference possible.
• The conviction of men’s hearts and souls to support this conference with their prayers and with their presence.

3. Please pray for the success of the Made4More Men’s Conference to be held on April 28 at Rosary High School in Fullerton. May the Lord bless and anoint the organizers and the speakers. May He draw many men to this wonderful conference.
4. Please pray for the Men’s Conference to be held at John Paul the Great University in San Diego tenatively scheduled for June 2 and for Mike Pritchard and Jim Torti who will be leading this effort.
5. Please pray for all those attending the annual CMF leadership retreat to be held on May 18-19. This retreat brings together all board members and Ambassadors to seek the Lord’s guidance as they plan for the future of the ministry.
6. Please pray for the ministry’s new initiatives:

• The establishment of existing men’s faith groups as official CMF chapters.
• The launch of the revised CMF membership program and related presentation now being developed.
• The new, enhanced CMF website – may it represent God’s love and concern for each man viewing the site.

7. Please pray that the Lord will continue to encourage men to answer the call to commit their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. May He choose the right men to become involved in the leadership of CMF and in establishing new CMF men’s faith groups in the parishes. May all in the leadership of this ministry be humble servants listening attentively to, and acting on, the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
8. Please pray for all those who are suffering financially or with difficult relationships. Pray especially for those who may feel discouraged or burdened in 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

Dear Friends and Family,

Praise be Jesus Christ! I pray you are doing well.

I have some news that may…or may not come as a surprise. But before I can reveal the news, I need to give a little bit of the back story to get everyone up to speed. This might explain to many of you why I may have been MIA for the last year or so.

A lot has happened since moving to San Diego 4 years ago. I had no idea that this move would give me the craziest and yet most interesting adventure I have yet experienced and life changing at that.

I was still “young” in my Catholic faith, having just entered into the church in 2005, and I had a thirst for learning more about it. The more I learned, the deeper my love for the faith grew. Then, August 2009, I received in prayer that I needed to discern my vocation. At that time, I had no idea what that meant, so I knew it must be from God. Of course I started researching, asking questions and I learned that in our faith, everyone is called to a specific Vocation, a call in life. To discern one’s vocation meant praying about whether God is calling you to get Married in a natural marriage, in my case, to a man, or to get Married in a super natural marriage, to become a Bride of Christ…a Religious Sister. There is a 3rd option, but I ruled it out almost immediately because it didn’t make sense to me and the more I read about it, the more it continue to not make sense. So I knew it wasn’t for me.

So began my Discernment Journey. Within a couple of months I found a Spiritual Director to guide me on this journey and I am extremely blessed to have had a Discernment sister so that we could walk with each other as we searched for our calling. My Spiritual Director first worked with me on my prayer life, gave me some spiritual readings and spiritual exercises to help me listen for God’s “small whisper” of a voice. He had also suggested that I don’t date for one year, to give that one year to Jesus, so that Jesus could work with me to prepare me for my calling.

Almost a year later, my Spiritual Director decided that I was ready for the “Nun Run” list and told me to contact at least 3 communities. This didn’t mean that he thought I was called to the Religious Life. It was just to go and see what the Religious Life might be like, to go and see if I felt a draw toward being a Religious Sister. It was really just a “taste and see” so that I could have a real understanding if I was or was not being called to that life. Mind you, over that first year, I was pretty certain that I was called to a natural marriage, but he still suggested I do the Nun Run to know for sure. Out of obedience, I called.

My first visit was with the School Sisters of St. Francis in Panhandle, TX. The Lord really did something to me there. I left feeling like I could live this life and that I could actually LIKE it. I also left asking the Lord, “If you are calling me to Religious Life, can it be to a Franciscan community? If you are calling me to Marriage, may I be a 3rd Order Secular Franciscan?”

I ended up doing the Nun Runs and I had fun with them. I learned so much about the faith and about all these different communities, charisms, and works of the church. I made the 3 suggested required visits to different communities … plus I visited 3 more communities on top of that.

During these visits, I felt the Lord wooing me, courting me in ways that no man ever had or ever could. The thing is, I still longed for the natural marriage. For a long time, I believed it was the only way that I would know, feel and experience true, unconditional love. I wanted a family of my own; a husband to love and who would love me back and children to raise. At the same time, the Lord was showing me that I can have all of that…in Religious Life.

By the end of my last “Nun Run”, which was with the Community of St. John in New Jersey, I knew, without a doubt, that Jesus wanted me for His own and that He wanted me to apply to the School Sisters of St. Francis. He was telling me that He wants to be my spouse, to love me unconditional and with the School Sisters, I will be helping many children who will be my spiritual children. Though I still struggled with the idea, trying to see how I could possibly be happy in this vocation, I did what He asked of me and applied to the School Sisters.

The end of October last year I had sent in my application. A little over a month later, the Sisters let me know that my application was accepted and we can move into the 2nd phase…the interview. The Sisters are very active, most of them being teachers, and have been extremely busy and so I was not able to schedule the trip until late February.

Between November and February, I struggled a lot, trying to find the joy I thought I was supposed to have. I cried almost everyday. I felt a lot of the “dying to self” and in some cases, I felt a dying OF self. I felt as if I had the whole world sitting on my shoulders and it was crushing me. With everything I was going through, my Spiritual Director had said that maybe I should talk to a woman because he wasn’t sure that he was the right person to help me. So I took his suggestion and ended up talking to two different Sisters. They both told me how they had struggled too, one even struggled all through formation. They told me that the emotions I was going through were normal and actually very healthy. They told me that if entering the community is truly the Will of God, then a greater joy and happiness will fill me than I can even imagine right now. For now, I needed to be “silly” to help take some of the pressure off. Read something for fun, do some finger‐painting (one actually suggested that), hang out with friends more, etc. Their words filled me with the peace I needed to go on my interview.

When I arrived at the School Sister’s convent, I fell immediately into their schedule and work…the work that I was allowed to do. I met a couple women who were there for a personal “Come and See” and one of them told me that I “seemed at home there”. I did feel at home.

My interview happened in the beginning of my week long visit, so that it was knocked out right away and I could just relax the rest of the week. The interview itself, I felt, went well. It was with the Vocations Directress and a counselor. They asked me all kinds of questions to see if I was mentally and emotionally healthy to live the Religious Life, to see if I would be a good fit for this community and to see if it really is something we should move forward with. I had a great peace throughout the entire interview and I was honest with everything they asked me.

Well, this visit was definitely a God‐incident because I was there the weekend that all the Sisters came home from the mission houses. They only come home, during the school year, once every 2 or 3 weeks. Since they were home this weekend, unbeknownst to me, the council met and on the Sunday that I was to leave, they called me into a meeting. The Superior told me that they have discerned that I should enter their community on July 15, 2012, as long as I clear my debt.

I knew that this was the community that Jesus wanted me to enter, but still, hearing it, officially and so soon, was a bit of a shock. I kept it to myself for a couple weeks so that I could get use to the idea and to have the strength to tell everyone with the peace and joy I knew I would need. So here I am today, finally letting you know God’s call for me. In July, I will be leaving the California city home I have known for so long and embark on a spiritual adventure to the farming country of Panhandle, Texas. Who knew I’d become a Texan AND a country girl one day? That sure wasn’t in my plans.

And now, the other reason I am writing. St. Francis of Assisi is known as the “Joyful Beggar”. He begged for everything; food, bricks to build the Church of San Damiano, cloth for the brother’s habits, etc and he begged with a smile on his face. So, in the St. Francis spirit, I am joyfully asking for help. I am currently $6500 in debt, mostly from my Nun Run travels and medical expenses. I need to clear that, plus raise another $3000 to cover my first year of health insurance and any medical expenses that may come up. After the first year, I will become a Novice and the Sisters take me on in their health insurance plan. So, in total, I need to raise about $9500. I will hopefully have most of it taken care of by the end of June, but I know I won’t be able to take care of all of it on my own.

My request, if you are able and willing to donate to my “Off to the Convent” cause, I will humbly accept what ever you can offer. For those who know me well, you know this is a humbling lesson for me from God. You can make out and send your donation to me. The address is

10250 Caminito Cuervo Unit #9, San Diego, CA 92018

In return, with every dollar you can offer, I will offer up a special prayer for you…and yes, I mean for every $1.00, you get one prayer offer; $5.00 = Five prayers, $50 = Fifty prayers, $100 = One Hundred prayers, etc. Hey, I’m going to the convent, prayer is what we do. If you choose to be anonymous, I can still offer the prayers for you, Jesus knows who you are. ALL donations need to be sent to me by May 31, 2012 please. A couple friends are talking with me about doing a Fundraiser event. I’m not sure if this will be feasible or even necessary yet. Right now, this simple, mail‐in request is my form of fundraising, but if I need to do something more, I will let you know.

More important, whether you can financially help or can not financially help, your prayers can be and will be more powerful than all the greens this world can offer. So, if prayer is all you can offer, than that is more than I could ask for and I gratefully and humbly accept those as well.

I do have a second request, if you want to do this. I’m allowed to bring one small photo album and in my last move, I ended up giving my scrapbooks away and/or throwing pictures away. I would love to have something to remember you by. So, again, if you want to, please include some kind of note of encouragement with a picture of you (and, if applies, your family i.e. spouse … kids … dogs … cats … etc). I am allowed to write and receive letters; no real restrictions as long as it’s healthy communication, and I will NOT have email. So please include your mailing address, your birthday and, if applies, anniversary date. I can’t promise to write every time a special occasion comes up, but I can try as often as possible. I will put your note & picture in a binder and I will remember you often, especially in prayer.

I want to thank you all for being such an awesome supportive community. I know I would not be able to go through with this if it wasn’t for your constant loving support, prayers and encouragements. I will miss you all; those I speak to often and those I may not get to speak to that often, but I often think of you. We shall always be united in prayer and in the Eucharist. Below are the links to the social media world of my new home. If you like, subscribe or just check it out once in a while, you just might get a glimpse of news about me and the rest of the community. Know that I love you and I am praying for you always.

God bless,
Dawn Suleski

Jim Towey’s interview on The World Over starts at the 7:45 mark on the attached YouTube clip listed below. It does an excellent job of outlining just what is going on with the HHS Mandate. It is well worth the 10 minutes of your time to invest in this subject matter. As you will learn from President Towey, the long term effects of this effort on the part of the government will touch each of us, and why therefore we must get involved now.

In the Immaculata,

Mark

Mark McElrath
Catholics At Work OC
www.catholicsatworkoc.com
mark@catholicsatworkoc.com
714.401.0845

Closing the gap between faith and work

Strengthen your faith and love God’s word today.

Jesse Romero, M.A. | Catholic Lay Evangelist

A full-time bilingual Evangelist, Jesse Romero is nationally acclaimed for his dynamic, upbeat Christ centered preaching. A resident of California and a retired Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff, he is a devoted husband and father. He was three time world Police Boxing Champion and a two time U.S.A. Kickboxing Champion. During his years as a Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff, Jesse experienced the dark side of society everyday; yet he also saw the evidence of God’s work in some of the most unexpected places. What made the difference? His faith in JESUS!

In 1986, Jesse picked up a Bible and used faith instead of force as a way to escape the pressures of police life. He experienced an interior conversion thru the reading of the Gospels. His conversion has launched him into a preaching ministry wherein he is lighting hearts on fire for the Lord in Catholic Churches across the country. He speaks with a sense of urgency straight from the heart, with passion and conviction. The audience is left with an indelible impression that our Catholic Faith is something to be worn visibly and proudly, not kept hidden away. The phrase “use it or lose it” takes on a whole new meaning in the hands of Jesse Romero.

Events, Dates, & Times | April & May 2012

Location: 3431 Portola Ave. Los Angeles, Ca. 90032

“Como Ser Un Buen Catolico”

Date: April 15, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“Cristo Pan de Vida”"

Date: April 22, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“The Love of God the Father”

Date: April 29, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“Jesus, God’s Solution to our Sin”

Date: May 6, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“How to be a Good Catholic”

Date: May 13, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Presentation by Robert Fettgather, Ph.D.

Pornography addicts have a more difficult time recovering from their addiction than cocaine addicts, since coke users can get the drug out of their system, but pornographic images stay in the brain forever.
The pornography industry has larger revenues than Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo, Apple and Netflix combined!
2006 Worldwide Pornography Revenues ballooned to $97.06 billion.
The United States ranks 4th in the world in total dollars spent ($13.3 billion). That translates into just over $44 per capita.

Dr. Robert Fettgather

Dr. Robert Fettgather, Ph.D will talk to us about the psychological effects on men, their wives, children and society.
Dr. “Bob” is a Catholic clinical psychologist who has provided individual, couple, group and family therapy for adults and children for 20 years. Because a majority of Americans stated religion is very important to their lives, he often weaves his own personal beliefs into his psychological change strategies. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the California Psychological Association, the CPA Division for Public Interest, and the Association for Addiction Professionals.

If you think porn doesn’t affect Catholics, think again!
Invite men from your parish. Invite young men who daily face the struggle for purity.

Where do we meet?

We meet at the HomeTown Buffet at 2670 El Camino Real in Santa Clara, between San Tomas Expressway and Kiely/Bowers, on the second Saturday of every month. We’ll begin with grace at 8:00. (Doors open at 7:30.) We’ll have you out by 10:00.

What is the cost?

The cost is only $8.17, the cost of the breakfast. The spiritual nourishment is free!

Invite someone else and join us!
If you’re a woman who received this, it’s probably because there is a man in your life who might benefit from attending.

Hope to see you there!

CMF’s purpose is to:

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

New Website Up & Running

CMF is very pleased to announce that its website Catholicmen.org has been completely redone and is up and running. Gabriel Bissell, a professional web site designer, volunteered to redo the site and maintain it for us. Thank you Gabe! Come visit the site for current information on CMF activities and men’s faith group locations. If your men’s group would like to be listed on the site, please contact us.

New CMF Board Members

Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California has welcomed Burt Martinez and Mike Pritchard to its board of directors.

Burt is from St. Hilary Church in Pico Rivera in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. A devoted family man, he has led the men’s faith group in his parish for many years and has been an active CMF Ambassador.

Mike is from the Diocese of San Diego. A former Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant, Mike has seen duty in Viet Nam and in Operation Desert Storm. He has been married to his wife Michele for over 30 years and they have four adult children and eleven grandchildren. Mike is active in St. Francis of Assisi parish in Vista. He also is a former CMF Ambassador.

New CMF Ambassador

CMF is very pleased to welcome as a new Ambassador David Gonzalez from All Saints Church in El Sereno. David has been active in men’s ministry for many years. This fall he will be entering the Deaconate program for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. David 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.

Northern California

CMF leaders from throughout Northern California, together with Mike Haddock, Manager of Ambassador Services, gathered in Danville in February for prayer and fellowship. Joining them were representatives from St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Oakland, the newest men’s faith group in Northern California. The men met to seek the Lord’s will concerning the ministry as it continues to grow throughout the state. Two CMF leaders later met with the pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Berkeley who desires to start a CMF men’s group in his parish.

Breakfast Meetings

Many men’s faith groups include a full breakfast as part of the meeting. As one group leader says “We feed the tummy and then the soul.” Check out a breakfast meeting at one of the men’s groups such as Corpus Christi Church in Aliso Viejo, CMF of the Silicone Valley in San Jose, St. Hilary Church in Pico Rivera or St. Vincent de Paul Church in Huntington Beach – you’ll be glad you did.

Upcoming Events

During this season of lent, what better way to enhance your walk with the Lord than to gather with other men who are serious about their faith. Two great conferences are coming up soon. Come meet some new friends and strengthen your commitment to Jesus and the church. See you there!

One Day Conference: “The People Who Walked in Darkness have Seen a Great Light”

“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

Made 4 More Men’s Conference April 28, 2012

Made 4 More | Men’s Conference 2012

Catholics at Work OC in association with Dynamic Catholic and Catholic Men’s Fellowship invite you to a very special conference for Catholic men.

Event Date: April 28, 2012 – 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Rosary Catholic High School in Fullerton
Cost: $20.00 per person

» REGISTER ONLINE

The Day’s Schedule

• 7:00am Mass (for volunteers) Chapel
• 7:30am Registration Doors Open – Coffee and Hospitality
• 8:00am Praise Music – Tony Medeiros Band
• 8:30am Welcome
• 12:30pm Conclusion
• 12:40pm Mass (optional)
• 12:40pm Pizza, Hospitality and Fellowship (optional)

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.

Jesse Romero

Jesse Romero is a full-time bilingual Catholic Lay Evangelist, who is nationally acclaimed for his dynamic, upbeat Christ centered preaching. A resident of California and a retired Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff, he is a devoted husband and father. He was a three time world Police Boxing Champion and a two time U. S. A. Kickboxing Champion.

As a speaker, Jesse has the ability to make the sometimes-complex teachings of the Faith understandable with his straight talk approach. His messages are orthodox and delivered with energy and conviction that has become a Jesse Romero trademark. He speaks with a sense of urgency on Christ centered Catholicism. Jesse is a cradle Catholic who experienced an interior conversion thru the reading of the Gospels. His conversion has launched him into a preaching ministry wherein he is lighting hearts on fire for the Lord in Catholic Parishes across the country.

Reid Carpenter

Reid Carpenter has served as president of Leadership Foundations of America (LFA) since 2001. With almost 45 years of experience in community-based ministry and management, he leads and directs the mission of LFA to “Connect Leaders, Change Lives, Transform Cities.”.

Mr. Carpenter has been an advisor to many faith-based organizations and business corporations. He has served on various boards and committees, including Communities in Schools, International Urban Associates, National Center for Protection of Children and Families and WQED Enterprises (Pittsburgh PBS affiliate).

He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fairfield University (CT), a master’s degree in biblical studies from Young Life Institute, Fuller Theological Seminary (CA), and an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Geneva College (PA).

Mr. Carpenter and his wife, Carole, are the parents of four grown children.

» REGISTER ONLINE

2012 Event Calendar

• March 24th | Men’s Conference

  Location: St. Joseph Center Alhambra

• April 28th | Men’s Conference

  Location: Rosary High School Fullerton

• June 9th |  L. A. Men’s Group

  Location: Leader’s Gathering St. Hilary Church Pico Rivera

• July 6-8 | Summer Retreat

  Location: Mary & Joseph Retreat Center Palos Verdes

• September 21-23 | Fall Retreat

  Location: Old Oak Ranch Sonora

• October 13th | Men’s Conference

  Location: TBD Orange Co.

• October 20th | Men’s Conference

  Location: St. Catherine’s Church Riverside

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.

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

Please pray for our Church and for all Christians, particularly those who are being persecuted throughout the world. Pray for men suffering from addictions to drugs, alcohol or pornography. Pray for those men who are experiencing difficult marriages and other relationship problems to seek God’s grace and to be obedient to his direction. Pray for all those looking for work that they would find reasonable employment.

As the country goes through the election year process, pray for the Lord to guide and direct those who will be voting to choose the candidate that would be a man or woman after His own heart. 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!

“All In” Hearing Christ’s Call in your life and responding to it each day.

Very exciting news! We have set up an “ALL IN” website to store all of our Archived MP3 files for each radio broadcast. Here men will have access to every show as they come on line. Please visit the website by visiting the link below.

Website: http://www.goingallin.net

Click here to Listen to the Mp3′s

“All In” invites us to become men of resolute conviction and personal commitment to our faith life!

It is about one’s wholehearted, disciplined, daily and conscious effort to seek God’s Will and Ways for one’s life.

Going “All In” is not an instant arrival at a place of perfection. Rather, it is a starting point from which we begin a new direction and daily ongoing conversion, with hopes of achieving the goal of holiness.

I would also like to thank our this month’s meeting sponsor Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, FL.  If you want to find an outstanding Catholic University with bedrock  Catholic Identity, world class faculty and facilities and incredible affordability please visit www.avemaria.edu

Looking forward to being with you next week!

In the Immaculata,
Mark

Mark McElrath
Catholics At Work OC
www.catholicsatworkoc.com
mark@catholicsatworkoc.com
714.401.0845

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – SAN DIEGO CATHOLIC RADIO – 1000 A.M.

Press Date: February 19, 2012
Website: http://sdcr.org/
Press Contact: Steve Beuerle
619.663.8853
scb@procopio.com
Kim Britz
kbritz@ihradio.org

San Diego, CA

San Diego Coadjutor Bishop Cirilo Flores, on March 7, will flip the switch bringing Immaculate Heart Radio round the clock to San Diego. An on-going $5.2 million capital campaign, co-chaired by Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers, Tiffany Rivers and Attorney Charles LiMandri, has enabled the purchase of radio station KCEO 1000AM.

The launch events, at St. Therese of Carmel Church, 4355 Del Mar Trails Road, San Diego CA 92130, will begin with Mass at 12:30PM, with the flipping of the switch by Bishop Flores scheduled for approximately 2:00PM, followed by a reception. Catholic Answers of San Diego will broadcast their national show, “Catholic Answers Live” from 3:00PM to 5:00PM.

Come and meet Bishop Flores and those who have been instrumental in helping bring full time Catholic Radio to San Diego.

“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

Catholics at Work OC in association with Dynamic Catholic and Catholic Men’s Fellowship invite you to a very special conference for Catholic men.

Event Date: April 28, 2012 – 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Rosary Catholic High School in Fullerton
Cost: $20.00 per person

» REGISTER ONLINE

The Day’s Schedule

• 7:00am Mass (for volunteers) Chapel
• 7:30am Registration Doors Open – Coffee and Hospitality
• 8:00am Praise Music – Tony Medeiros Band
• 8:30am Welcome
• 12:30pm Conclusion
• 12:40pm Mass (optional)
• 12:40pm Pizza, Hospitality and Fellowship (optional)

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.

Jesse Romero

Jesse Romero is a full-time bilingual Catholic Lay Evangelist, who is nationally acclaimed for his dynamic, upbeat Christ centered preaching. A resident of California and a retired Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff, he is a devoted husband and father. He was a three time world Police Boxing Champion and a two time U. S. A. Kickboxing Champion.

As a speaker, Jesse has the ability to make the sometimes-complex teachings of the Faith understandable with his straight talk approach. His messages are orthodox and delivered with energy and conviction that has become a Jesse Romero trademark. He speaks with a sense of urgency on Christ centered Catholicism. Jesse is a cradle Catholic who experienced an interior conversion thru the reading of the Gospels. His conversion has launched him into a preaching ministry wherein he is lighting hearts on fire for the Lord in Catholic Parishes across the country.

Reid Carpenter

Reid Carpenter has served as president of Leadership Foundations of America (LFA) since 2001. With almost 45 years of experience in community-based ministry and management, he leads and directs the mission of LFA to “Connect Leaders, Change Lives, Transform Cities.”.

Mr. Carpenter has been an advisor to many faith-based organizations and business corporations. He has served on various boards and committees, including Communities in Schools, International Urban Associates, National Center for Protection of Children and Families and WQED Enterprises (Pittsburgh PBS affiliate).

He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fairfield University (CT), a master’s degree in biblical studies from Young Life Institute, Fuller Theological Seminary (CA), and an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Geneva College (PA).

Mr. Carpenter and his wife, Carole, are the parents of four grown children.

» REGISTER ONLINE

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. We are blessed to have Mike Haddock, leading our Prayer Ministry for Catholic Men’s Fellowship. For over 20 years, Mike has been a faithful prayer warrior and continues to inspire men to become men of prayer. If you want to exchange with the “real deal”, Mike is the man to chat with about prayer and the gifts and prayer resources he continues to contribute to men everywhere. Thank you Mike.

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

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.