As we
approach the second and third Sundays of Lent, the men are asked to
sacrifice a Saturday (March 10 from 9 am to 3 pm) and travel as many
as four hours to St. John's Church in Bellaire for a day of renewal.
The sacrifice is great, but that's what this holy season is all
about and the men are up to it as each participant strives to become
a true man of God, the purpose of the Conference. The distance gives
the Conference a pilgrimage flavor, although centuries ago pilgrims
would travel to a shrine for days on foot. The men will find that
it's worth the trip. In the past men have returned to their homes
reinvigorated, refreshed, and even on fire with enthusiasm to renew
themselves, their families, and even their parishes as lay leaders on
our common journey to eternity.
To
coach the men and help them achieve these goals is Steubenville
native Danny Abramowicz, a former all-pro wide receiver, later
special teams coach for the Chicago Bears and offensive coordinator
for the New Orleans Saints. As many young pro stars, Danny fell into
the fast life and alcoholism. Being miserable and unhappy, he
underwent a conversion and become a Coach for Christ.
He's devoting the rest of his life to help men to get into good
spiritual shape and become true men of God, not spiritual wimps.
That's
the mission of Danny Abramowicz on his program “Crossing the Goal”
on EWTN Catholic television and very dynamic talks around the
country. He will relate his experience as a professional football
player and coach to the very serious game of life........becoming
true men of God and achieving the ultimate trophy, eternal salvation
and everlasting happiness with God.......when Christ Himself would
say to each one of our men......”Well done good and faithful
servant.”
Inspired
with the theme, “Faithfulness to God”
and the Conference patron, St. Joseph, another big step in personal
and spiritual renewal is the Penance Service in the morning and Mass
in the afternoon. The men who have come a great distance, can also
make this Conference into a two day retreat with ample time for
prayer, spiritual reading, and reflection by staying in the Hampton
Inn St. Clairsville where a special reduced rate may still be
available. There will be Stations of the Cross on Friday evening and
Eucharistic Adoration afterward if there is sufficient interest. At
8:30 am the next morning, there will be rosary.
It
is suggested that a leader in each parish mobilize the men and travel
together in a van or two. That would make for great and enjoyable
fellowship and enhance parish solidarity, especially if the pastor
can accompany them as the men get to know each other better. To
speed up registration at the door, one person could hand in the
registration forms and payment for the entire group. The form is
included in the brochure and can be accessed along with additional
information on the bottom of the home page of the Diocesan website, www.diosteub.org
If
the Men of the diocese are in good spiritual shape, the family is
renewed. If the family is renewed, the parish is renewed and so is
the diocese. The men must be spiritual leaders of their families.
The men must step up and be the pillars of the parish.......not only
the women. The men must put Christ into the marketplace and in their
jobs. All of this is the driving force behind the Diocesan Men's Day
of Renewal and the crux of the New Evangelization.
AN ENCOURAGING NOTE FROM DANNY ABRAMOWICZ
RE: URGENT: Article 4 Submission
to the Register
| From: | ||
| To: | Paul Sebastian <paulrsebastian@yahoo.com> |
Paul
This is
fine with me. Remember, all that the Lord ask of us is obedience and
our love; he doesn’t talk about-that we must be successful. You and
your team do the best you can and pray and the Lord is in charge of
the numbers. Look forward to being with you guys. Keep up the good
work for the Lord.
God
bless,
Danny
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