Rejoicing in God's Grace

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Written by Men of Christ | 21 March 2011

We hope and pray that after the February 19'th experience you are still rejoicing in God’s grace, and entering into a spiritual renewal during this Lenten season. The conversion stories are still coming in, with latest reinforcing the importance for each of us to reach out to our brothers, sometimes kicking and screaming, but guarantee at the end they will be eternally grateful.

 

I wanted to take a moment to thank you once again for all the work that you do with the Men of Christ.  If you are like me, I am sure that you wonder from time to time if we are doing enough, or if what we do is appreciated by those we are trying to reach.  In other words; are we making a difference?

 

In the case of the Men of Christ, I can assure you that souls are being saved through your efforts and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Last Thursday afternoon, my brother-in-law Joe died suddenly from an aortic dissection - (the tearing of the inner walls of the ascending aorta).  Joe died at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee before they could even get him into surgery.  We had just enough time to get a priest in to give him the Sacrament of Last Rites and to pray the Diving Mercy Chaplet over him as he lay in the ER.

 

Joe got away from his faith a bit as he hit middle age and stopped going to Mass.  In the spring of 2010 I bought tickets to the MOC Conference for my whole family; including tickets for Joe and his two sons, Chad and Dan.  He not only came to the conference but through some "urging" went to confession as well.  This spring I bought tickets for all of the boys again - 10 in all.  When I asked Joe if he wanted to come again this year, he wryly replied; "I can't."  When I asked him why not?; he responded, "Because I've got an appointment with God that day/"  Of course he came with his boys and once again went to confession -  almost three weeks to the day before he died. 

 

Naturally, losing Joe is very tough on our family right now.  He was only 59 years old.  The wake service is tomorrow and the Mass and Christian Burial is on Wednesday.  I have been spending a lot of time with his boys, Chad and Dan, and I can tell you that their grief has been greatly abated by the comfort knowing that their father received the Sacrament of Reconciliation less than three weeks before being called by God.  Both boys have expressed this openly.  There is no doubt that the Men of Christ events were the catalysts in making this possible. Thank you for your tireless work and for being such an inspirational example of "living our faith". 

 

Dynamic Men’s Group Training

  • We understand how important it is for men to come together on a regular basis, specifically to keep the flame going after experiencing such a powerful day. So, join us for a mini- conference on building a dynamic men’s group.  You can register online here.

  • When: Saturday, March 26, 2011

  • Where: St. Vincent Palotti’s – Corner of 76th and Bluemound.

  • Who: All men who want to start or join a men’s group at your parish or in your local area.

  • Directions: Visit www.stvicnetpallotti.org

  • Schedule:

  • 7:30 a.m. - Registration

  • 8:00 a.m. - Mass

  • 8:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. TMIY Program Review/ Breakout Session/Talks

  • 11:30 a.m. - Lunch

  • 12:00 p.m. - End

 

Upcoming Events

  • Season of Mercy - events throughout the archdiocese. Details here.

  • Light Up Your Marriage Conference

    • Date:   Saturday, April 16, 2011

    • Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    • Location : Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield, WI

    • For further details email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 414-241-1347
       

  • Men of Christ Volunteer Day for Carmelite Monastery Outdoor Work Project

    • Date:   Saturday, April 30, 2011- Rain Date: Saturday May 7, 2011

    • Schedule:

      • 7:15 a.m. - Mass will be offered for the Men of Christ and all participating.

      • 8:30 a.m. - Breakfast provided by the Sisters to start the work day!

      • 9:00 a.m. - Fence Improvement, Tree Trimming & Clearing & Burning Brush,

      • 12:30 pm - Lunch provided by the Sister

      • 1:00 pm to 4 pm – Finish up and Clean up

    • Location : W267 N2517 Carmelite Rd., Pewaukee, WI [From I-94 take exit #291 ( Hwy G) and head north 1 mile to Carmelite Rd]

    • For further details call Ken Dickert at 262-367-5640

 

  • Nazareth Day for Families

    • Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011

    • Schedule:

      • 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Confession

      • 12:30 p.m. – Mass with Archbishop Listecki, and picnic after the Mass.

    • Location: Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.

    • Description: Games, Faith and Family Fun for Everyone at Holy Hill

    • To register go to www.HolyHill.com