by John Sorce
john.sorce@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As the calendar turns to a new year, many people set goals they would like to work towards.
For men, that can be aspiring to be a better husband or father. Or maybe simply be a better listener and put the wants and desires of others ahead of their own.
But one thing we are all always working on is growing from a spiritual perspective.
“The call from Jesus is to ‘take up our cross daily,’” said Father Aaron Waldeck, associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. “If we don’t advance, we can stagnate or atrophy. Growing in our spiritual lives and moving forward is necessary to walk with the Lord as a disciple.
“Jesus didn’t often stay put. He was moving around all the time during his ministry.”
Here are some ways that men can look to take another step in their spiritual lives in the new year.
Beatitudes from the Heartland
If you’re looking for a way to deepen your faith this year, look no further than the archdiocesan-wide Beatitudes from the Heartland program offered this Lent.
Serving as the launch point of the new Renewal from the Heartland pastoral planning process, the Beatitudes is a small-group faith sharing opportunity that all Catholics across the archdiocese are encouraged to participate in.
To facilitate that, there will be places to attend the four-part series all across northeast Kansas — whether at a parish, in homes or in public spaces.
Discussion will be centered around the Beatitudes delivered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and how they can guide Catholics today.
The series will also incorporate excerpts from Pope Leo’s first apostolic exhortation “Dilixi te” (“I have Loved You”), Pope Francis’ “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”) and “Lumen Gentium,” one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council.
Like the entire pastoral planning process, organizers say, Beatitudes from the Heartland is designed to empower Catholics of all ages and walks of life to take their rightful place in helping set the course of the future church — starting right here in the archdiocese.
Men Under Construction
A major recurring annual event strictly for men of the archdiocese is Men Under Construction.
The daylong gathering is designed to help men deepen their relationship with Christ through the celebration of the sacraments and engaging talks to strengthen faith.
“Men are craving brotherhood and authentic masculine friendship,” said Brian Jacobson, who led one of the breakout sessions from last year’s event. “They are craving going deeper with the faith and a relationship with Jesus.
“That is truly what we are made for, and I think this conference provides the opportunity for them to get those needs met.”
This year’s event will take place on Feb. 21 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.
FIRE retreat
If you are looking to get outdoors and spend a night away from all the distractions the world offers, the annual FIRE retreat is a good option.
The “FIRE” acronym stands for Fellowship, Inspire, Renew and Engage. The retreat brings men together in an outdoor environment where they can share stories, encourage each other in their faith, and help them advance the Gospel in their homes and communities.
“The goal is simply to bring men closer to Christ,” said Bart Vance, who attends Prince of Peace in Olathe and will be the council chief for this year’s retreat.
“It takes place at a perfect time — early in the new year and just before Lent — to hit the reset button and start your year by walking down a path with other men who are in the same boat,” he said.
This year’s retreat will take place Feb. 7-8 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.
That Man is You!
That Man Is You! was developed by Steve Bollman, who recognized the great need to develop strong families, mentally and spiritually, beginning with men and fathers.
The goal of the program is for men to develop and grow their relationship with Jesus first and foremost, and then with their wife and children.
Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka is one parish in the archdiocese that offers the program, which meets for 90 minutes on Saturday mornings and includes a meal, a video presentation and a small group discussion.
“I think each man of our That Man Is You! group can attest to the way Jesus and Our Lady has left a mark on his life through this men’s group,” said Andy Nioce, who is involved with the program at the parish.
“A mark that states his is not alone from Jesus and Our Lady, and not alone from brothers,” he added.
Scripture study
Spending time with Scripture and applying it in our daily lives is an effective method in growing in one’s walk with Christ.
Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park is one of many parishes in the archdiocese that offers groups for Scripture study.
“God calls us to give him glory, living out our faith in very different lives,” said Deacon Tim McEvoy. “If you approach the Bible thoughtfully and prayerfully, the Holy Spirit will direct you how to put the message into effect.”
Deacon McEvoy also recommends programs from FORMED, Father Mike Schmitz’s “The Bible in a Year” and the Jerome Biblical Commentary as other ways to study Scripture.
Parish men’s groups
Men can often find fellowship right at their home parish.
One very active men’s group is at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, called Men of Nativity.
The group meets weekly after Wednesday morning Mass and will gather in a circle and open with introductions and a prayer.
Some other things discussed each week include men sharing their closest moment to Christ, what they have read to better know Christ, and what each of their apostolic successes and challenges are.
“All men of Nativity are already members,” said Bill Oades who, along with John Nohe and Paul Welsh, founded the group in 1988.
“They just need to show up,” he said.
Service activities
In a world where it can be easy to focus on our personal to-do lists, we sometimes need a reminder to look at those around us.
One example of a service activity that takes place annually is Christmas in October, which is an area-wide program that puts volunteers across the city to work, rehabilitating the homes of the less fortunate at no cost.
“People want to help in every walk of life,” said contractor Robert Massey, who helped with last year’s event. “But when you get a bunch of people who have the time, effort and means to do it, that’s when we come together and get some things done to help people in the community that are in need.”
But activities don’t need to be on a scale as large as renovating homes. Christ the King Parish in Topeka has a list of ministry opportunities for folks to get involved with the parish and serve their community.
At home
The changes we want to make heading into a new year do not have to completely alter our daily routines. There are many ways in which we can keep our focus on the Lord throughout our daily lives.
Pray often
Beginning and ending each day with a prayer is a great way to help keep things in perspective. Thanking God for each day you have — as well as going over each day with him at night — is something that has helped people a great deal.
Even the little things that we tend to take for granted each day, such as the air we breathe, the food or water we drink or getting to places safely, are things we can pause for a moment and thank God for.
Listen to Catholic podcasts or audiobooks
A lot of who we become comes from who we surround ourselves with and what we listen to.
There’s a lot of “noise” in the world clamoring for our attention. And with the ever-persistent rise of social media, there’s more now than ever before.
So, we need to be disciplined with where we’re placing our attention. Who are we listening to? What do we do with our free time?
A good way to make sure our minds are in a healthy place is to be consistent with listening to God’s word and people who live their lives in that way.
Model forgiveness and humility
Humanity is not perfect. No matter how hard we may strive, there will be times where we fall short.
But the good news is we do not have to be perfect, thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Our sins are forgiven.
Still, it is good to be self-aware and recognize when we do mess up. And be quick to repent and apologize when we do.
Do one hidden good deed each day
Doing something, no matter how small it may seem, each day to help another person is a great way to help in one’s walk with the Lord.
It can be something as simple as saying hello to someone who may appear alone, or paying for the person behind you in a drive-thru.
One thing to remember here is not to do something for attention. That person may or may not know who helped them that day.
All that should matter to you is that someone else’s day was made a little better.
Where to start
• Watch your parish bulletin or call your parish office to participate in Beatitudes from the Heartland or for other opportunities at your parish.
.• Men Under Construction: menunderconstruction.org
• FIRE: catholicfire.com
• That Man is You!: paradisusdei.org/that-man-is-you
• FORMED (under Scripture study): formed.org
• Men of Nativity: kcnativity.org/men-of-nativity
• Volunteer opportunities at Christ the King, Topeka: ctktopeka.org/volunteer-1
