Men's Fellowship

             It is men ministering to men in Fellowship
             It is a group of men that pray together, but it is not just a prayer group
             It is a group of men of faith, but is it is not just a faith group
             It offers social interaction, but it is not just a social group
             It studies the Bible, but it is not just a Bible study group
             It offers support, but it is not just a support group
             It discusses various issues, but it is not just a discussion group
             It is aware of religious issues, but it is not just a religious action group
             It considers social issues, but it is not just a social action group
  • To help men establish and nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• To share personal feelings and experiences with other men in an atmosphere of trust
   and confidence              
• To create an atmosphere in which men will freely acknowledge their dependence on
   on God in life’s successes and failures
• To facilitate the discovery and development of the spiritual life. To go deep.
• To encourage men to construct a more intimate relationship with family and friends. All    
   growth occurs in relationship
• To encourage men to grow and experience the joy of living fully to become all they were    
   meant to be by the Creator.  “I have come so you may have life, and have it abundantly.”
   –John 10:10
• To create a “safe place” where all of the above can occur
  • Time – Consistent date, easy to plan, determine and remember (example: first and third
   Saturday of each month) – consistent and firm start and end time (about an hour and a
   half total)
 • Location – Consistent and firm location, easy to find – provide a suitable environment –
   seats arranged in a circle
• Format – initial fellowship with coffee and treats, song, prayer, scripture, discussion and
   faith sharing, close with prayer intentions
• Topics of interest to Catholic men – pull ideas from various media sources – be inspired
   by the Holy Spirit (examples: Riding the Storm Out, Foundation Repair, Beat the Heat, I
   Saw God, Sowing and Reaping, Wingmen, etc.)
  • Pray for discernment and guidance
• Be clear about the reasons for starting a group, as well as the purpose, vision and
   mission
• Enlist help from the National Fellowship of Catholic Men (www.nfcmusa.org)
• Form a core group - involve men interested in starting a fellowship group
• Attend fellowship group meetings at other parishes
• Enlist the help of members of other fellowship groups in starting the group and with the
  first meetings
• Coordinate efforts with the pastor and parish staff if affiliated with a parish – present a
   plan
• Plan initial meeting
• Set time and place for initial meeting
• Invite men – personally, letters, phone calls, e-mails
• Announce in parish bulletin, pulpit, newsletters, posters