(68) Men Asked to Use the 2014 Men's Day of Renewal as a Lenten Sacrifice

(AMDG)

Submitted to the Steubenville Catholic Register for publication in the March 14 issue.

           

            If the mother takes the spiritual lead in the family, the probability that the children will remain faithful to the Church as adults is about 40%.  If the father takes the spiritual lead, that probability doubles to 80%.  This is crucial because we are losing our youth.  As Danny Abramowicz of “Crossing the Goal” on EWTN likes to point out, “The children love Mom, but tend to follow Dad.”  Thus the participants are challenged to be true men as God intended.  That would entail being better connected with their families and becoming more effective spiritual leaders in the home in their complete self-giving to wife and family.  This will be the focus in the talk of Dr. Ray Guarendi, father of 10 adopted children and clinical psychologist, who specializes in families. His many books include the best seller “You’re A Better Parent Than You Think!”, “Back To The Family”, etc.

Dr. Ray Guarendi

             The men are invited to bring their teenage sons, relatives, and friends who are preparing for manhood so that this Conference may also be a Father and Son shared experience on Saturday March 22 at St. Mary’s Church in St. Clairsville (9 am to 3 pm).  All will enjoy this nationally known EWTN television personality, national radio show host, and author of many books.  Dr. Guarendi has a unique gift of blending deep insights, practical wisdom, and wit while entertaining the audience.

 

A Sacrificial Pilgrimage.  The Steering Committee appreciates the fact that the men will be sacrificing most of a valuable Saturday, but that’s what Lent is all about….penance, self-examination, personal renewal, spiritual growth, etc.  The men of the southern deaneries will have to leave their homes at an early hour and travel two to four hours, but that gives the Conference a pilgrimage flavor, especially if there's prayer and discussion of the day's events.  Traveling together in a van would make for great fellowship and would solidify the parish as the men get to know each other better, more so if the pastor accompanies them.  There was once a time when pilgrims would travel for days to a shrine on foot or horseback. 

A Possible Weekend Stay.  Some may wish to stay overnight in a nearby motel such as the Fairfield Inn (740-699-4980) and make it a weekend retreat, beginning with Stations of the Cross at 6:30 pm the day before.  They may still be able to obtain a special conference rate.  The wives would have a large Mall nearby.  Both Columbus and Pittsburgh are less than two hours away for a long weekend.   

For the first time the Conference will conclude with a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament as a follow up to Mass presided by the Bishop and a Reconciliation Service. 

            Promotional materials and ideas may be obtained from the Conference blog which promotes men’s spirituality at http://diosteubmen.blogspot.com. 

The parish representative may collect the registration forms and send them to Roger Huck; Men’s Day of Renewal; P.O. Box 54; Beverly, OH 45715.  Individuals may do the same.  Make the $25 check payable to the Diocese of Steubenville and write “Men's Day of Renewal” on the memo line.  Although registrations are accepted at the door, the men are encouraged to register ahead of time to facilitate planning and to avoid long lines.