Catholic Men's Movement Leaders Meet in Detroit in Powerful Conference

August 02, 2007 - 12:00 PDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY

IJAMSVILLE, MD - AUGUST 2, 2007 - On June 8-10, 2007, almost 100 leaders involved in the Catholic Men's Movement attended the first National Catholic Men's Leaders Conference. Twenty-three states -- from California to Massachusetts, from Texas to Wisconsin -- were represented at the conference, which was sponsored by the National Fellowship of Catholic Men (NFCM). The conference theme was "Mobilizing Men for Mission."

Cardinal Maida of Detroit, the NFCM Ecclesial Advisor, kicked off the gathering on Friday night with Mass and an inspiring message of encouragement and support for the Catholic Men's Movement. Fr. Tom Forrest sent the men forth from the conference on Sunday morning with a passionate challenge and call to the men to "go and make disciples."

At the gathering a new appreciation and special bond was formed among the men, which will lead to increased collaboration among Catholic men's leaders all across the U.S. Among the men, there was a great sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the weekend and his anointing on the conference.

The men were provided a framework for their ministry to men, based on the powerful booklet, "A Vision for Ministry," by Rich Cleveland. The booklet describes the three stages of spiritual growth for Catholic men -- Conversion, Transformation, and Mobilization -- that drives the NFCM Vision: "Catholic Men, Linked as Brothers in Jesus Christ, and Called to Bring Him to Others!" This powerful Vision resonated with the men at the conference. The NFCM strongly believes that every Catholic man in the U.S. should be offered the opportunity to experience conversion, transformation, and mobilization for mission. The "A Vision for Ministry" booklet can make a difference with those already in men's ministry, or those who want to start a men's ministry. The booklet is available on the NFCM website at www.catholicmensresources.org.

On Saturday morning, Rich Cleveland gave a talk on the overall Vision for ministering to Catholic men. Peter Herbeck followed with a presentation on Conversion. Paul Young kicked off the afternoon session with a talk on Transformation, followed by Paco Gavrilides on Mobilization. On Sunday morning, Maurice Blumberg discussed Methods and Ideas for implementing the Vision, and the future plans of the NFCM. Pat Molyneaux also spoke of how the NFCM is using technology to reach more Catholic men, including the new 10 minute podcasts of Sunday homilies for men, which are being sent to those registered on the NFCM website.

CD's of the conference talks are also available through the NFCM. They include Cardinal Maida's inspirational welcoming homily. The conference talks, and the discussions that followed, will enhance men's ministries by bringing this important conference to life for men's leadership teams, and for other men who did not attend the conference.

The feedback and emails received from the men attending the conference, and those they are exchanging with one another, are inspiring and encouraging to all of us. Below is an example:

"Congratulations to you and all those who helped form an immensely successful gathering of Catholic brothers in leadership from all over this nation. Your efforts were truly anointed by the Holy Spirit...in the obvious, prayerful planning and execution . . . Thank you for assisting your brothers in our attempt to grasp a clearer vision of the path Christ has chosen for us. His plan for each of us is as unique as His relationship with each of us. Mike Anderson, Leader of the Catholic Men's Fellowship of Kalamazoo, MI.

The new momentum and new initiatives that have been started from the conference are very striking. One of these is Podcasts of homilies for men on the Sunday Mass readings that are being sent to several thousand Catholic men all across the country. These podcasts, and the fruits of them, are just the beginning of what the NFCM hopes to provide to Catholic men via technology. The podcasts are available to all men who register on the NFCM website. Other initiatives are a guidebook for conducting Catholic men's conferences and new resources for Catholic men's groups.

In the 8th century, St. Boniface had some profound words to say about the state of the Church. These words are just as true for the Church today, perhaps more so, as they were when he wrote them: "In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life's different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course."

Those at the conference recognized that this "duty" is shared with Catholic men's leaders, and all were willing to "step up to the plate" and accept this responsibility. They left the conference inspired, challenged, and energized for the work of reaching Catholic men for Jesus Christ.

The success of the Catholic Men's Leaders Conference is part of the powerful move of God among Catholic men all across the country. Here is what the U.S. Bishops had to say about this move of God in their Catholic Men's Ministries report from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

"From Los Angeles to Chicago, from Manchester to Miami there is a growing hunger for God among Catholic men. They are meeting together in large and small groups, sharing their burdens, listening to each other's story, and celebrating Eucharist. Call it a revival, an awakening. Call it a work of the Holy Spirit at the grassroots level. The emergence of new ministries with men is a welcome development in the Church."

The NFCM is playing a major role in the continued growth of the Catholic men's movement. The NFCM Vision -- Catholic Men, Linked as Brothers in Jesus Christ, and Called to Bring Him to Others -- is being fulfilled! This year the NFCM will sponsor and support over 45 men's major conferences throughout the country - from San Diego to Boston, from New Orleans to Milwaukee.

Tens of thousands of men are being touched by the Lord at these conferences and in the thousands of parish-based men's groups supported by the NFCM. Here's what men are telling us is happening:

Men are:
* Making personal commitments to Jesus Christ,
* Praying more and reading Scripture, and
* Supporting other men.

As a result:
* Their Faith life is being deepened;
* Marriage and family life are being strengthened;
* They are more active in their church life and workplace; and
* They are more active in evangelization, especially of other men

In light of what is going on in today's world and in our culture, now more than ever, the church, our families, and our country need strong Catholic Christian men, committed to Christ, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder. It is clear that none of us can fight and overcome evil on our own by being lone ranger Christians.

About the National Fellowship of Catholic Men:
The National Fellowship of Catholic Men is a national organization that supports regional Catholic men's fellowships and conferences and parish-based Catholic men's groups throughout the country by providing leadership training, Christ-centered small group resources, and a communications network. Our Mission is this: "We exist to offer a structure that: (1) links Catholic Men in supportive relationships, (2) provides resources consistent with Catholic teaching, and (3) develops training and formation opportunities for men's ministry and evangelization."

Maurice Blumberg, Executive Director, National Fellowship of Catholic Men: Maurice has been the Executive Director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men since March of 2001. He is a Jewish convert to the Catholic faith and is active in several Christian ministries. He has been a speaker and part of various mission teams, including to churches in Calgary, Canada; conferences in Slovakia in Eastern Europe; and prisons in Maryland. He has also spoken at several Catholic men's conferences all across the U.S. He is on the board of directors of a leading Catholic devotional magazine, for which he has also written several articles. He has been a leader of Catholic men's groups for over 25 years. His business experience includes over 30 years in various management, technical, and training positions with IBM and Lockheed Martin.

Contact

National Fellowship of Catholic Men
http://www.catholicmensresources.org
MD, US
Maurice Blumberg - Executive Director, 301 874-1043

Keywords

Catholic men, Conference, Leaders

Category

Catholic Organizations

More Catholic PRWire

Showing 1 - 50 of 7,176

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »

When Pope Francis Arrives in North America, There is Only One Network to Watch: EWTN Global Catholic
EWTN Global Catholic Network
September 16, 2015 - 5:17 PDT

GHIRELLI'S WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ROSARIES NOW AVAILABLE
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
September 11, 2015 - 11:44 PDT

The Synod on the Family: Addressing the Instrumentum Laboris
Franciscan University of Steubenville
September 11, 2015 - 10:26 PDT

OCP Artist, Pedro Rubalcava, Writes Song for Pope Francis' Visit
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
September 10, 2015 - 2:50 PDT

Pre-Synod Conference unites Cardinals and men and women living with homosexual tendencies
September 09, 2015 - 2:58 PDT

The Rigging of a Vatican Synod
September 02, 2015 - 3:44 PDT

17 Cardinals and Counting
August 31, 2015 - 3:38 PDT

19th Annual Carnival Announced for St. Ann's Parish
August 28, 2015 - 9:20 PDT

The John Paul II International Film Festival Marks Its Five-Year Anniversary
August 27, 2015 - 6:09 PDT

OCP Pledges to Support the V Encuentro
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 27, 2015 - 2:51 PDT

Thu, Sept 24, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Angelos Sebastian Our Lady of Grace Catholic Chu
August 26, 2015 - 4:03 PDT

Grief, Death, Eternal Life Explored in New Catholic Title by PBM
Pauline Books & Media
August 25, 2015 - 3:55 PDT

How do we live the truth in love when the culture says we're haters?
August 25, 2015 - 9:52 PDT

Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith
Saint Luke Productions
August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT

OCP Parish Grant Program to Distribute $200,000 to U.S. Parishes
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 18, 2015 - 1:23 PDT

Franciscan University Joins With UK School to Offer Online Master of Catechetics Degree
Franciscan University of Steubenville
August 05, 2015 - 2:20 PDT

CONOR GALLAGHER NAMED PUBLISHER OF TAN BOOKS AND SAINT BENEDICT PRESS
Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books
July 20, 2015 - 12:49 PDT

Thérèse Drama Surprises Audiences
Saint Luke Productions
July 16, 2015 - 12:35 PDT

Catholic Press Association Honors Liguori
Liguori Publications
July 10, 2015 - 8:29 PDT

Crosier Order elects master general and councilors
June 26, 2015 - 2:06 PDT

World Library Publications Honored With Three Paul Revere Awards
World Library Publications
June 23, 2015 - 4:11 PDT

Indie Catholic Authors June Ebook Sale Offers the Faithful 17 Books Outside the Mainstream
Four Waters press
June 23, 2015 - 12:10 PDT

Limitless Love in Action: First Steubenville Youth Conference Inspires Teens to Bring the Fire Home
Franciscan University of Steubenville
June 18, 2015 - 2:03 PDT

Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletic Director Enshrined in Sports Faith Hall of Fame
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 29, 2015 - 1:53 PDT

AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC AUTHORS TEAM-UP TO PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS
Pauline Books & Media
May 27, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

NY CONCERT FOR NEPAL 5/31
May 27, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

Who's responsible for designing the designer?
May 19, 2015 - 11:12 PDT

Thu, Jun 11, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Bill Adams at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
May 13, 2015 - 4:21 PDT

Your search for true happiness is over
May 05, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

ValLimar Jansen's latest album "a soulful experience"
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
April 30, 2015 - 1:33 PDT

Uncovering the roots (and branches) of the greatest revolution in the American Catholic Church
April 28, 2015 - 9:45 PDT

NYC May 8, 2015 Spring Fling Catholic Singles Mingle Fundraiser
The Catholic Fellowship
April 18, 2015 - 9:07 PDT

Thank A Nun Day
Image Books/Random House
April 15, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

#TweetingwGod dares young people to believe
April 14, 2015 - 9:54 PDT

Experience Beloved: Finding happiness in marriage
April 13, 2015 - 1:27 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts to participate in 'Beloved' telepress conference
April 07, 2015 - 4:51 PDT

Nobis Media, Marketing & Web Development Company
April 01, 2015 - 5:49 PDT

Catholic toymaker puts Faith in hands and mouths of babies: Pope Francis doll added to line of toys
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
April 01, 2015 - 3:48 PDT

Concert Series Concludes with Winthrop University World Percussion Ensemble
April 01, 2015 - 2:48 PDT

Birth Choice Health Clinics Announces Transition to Obria Medical Clinics and Plans for Expansion
March 28, 2015 - 10:43 PDT

OCP releases expanded edition of Mass of the Sacred Heart
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 24, 2015 - 4:43 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts participate in 'Beloved' tele-press conference
March 21, 2015 - 11:57 PDT

Priest and Seminarian Join National Three-Point Contest to Benefit Marriage Ministry
Paradisus Dei
March 13, 2015 - 10:20 PDT

Shroud of Turin Exhibit At Holy Spirit Brighton
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School
March 12, 2015 - 3:58 PDT

Flor y Canto campaign invites the Hispanic community to share their stories
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 11, 2015 - 4:40 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 10, 2015 - 6:36 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 09, 2015 - 7:04 PDT

Join RealOptions 2015 Walk for Life and 5K Run!
RealOptions Pregnancy Medical Clinics
March 09, 2015 - 2:40 PDT

New Orchestra Comes to Mary's Nativity Church
March 09, 2015 - 12:06 PDT

Paradisus Dei Offers New Marriage Program to Churches at No Cost
Paradisus Dei
March 05, 2015 - 6:25 PST

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »