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Catholic men to Answer the Call at conference
archived from: 2006-02-10

In answering their baptismal call, men of all ages are called to grow in their faith.

Those interested in how their faith can change their lives are invited to the Answer the Call Catholic Men’s Conference on Saturday, April 1, at Duquesne University’s A.J. Palumbo Center.

“All of us want to become more Christ-centered in our lives, to deepen our relationship with Christ in and through his church,” said Patrick Molyneaux, co-executive director of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Pittsburgh, which is sponsoring the event.

“We hope this gathering is a way for men to get together to celebrate our faith and grow in our faith. It’s for every man in the diocese.”

The gathering will follow the theme of “Catholic in Today’s World.” Doors will open at 8 a.m., and the day will conclude with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Donald Wuerl at 4 p.m.

The meeting will focus on what it takes to become a better man, husband, father and follower of Christ; what it takes to become a better leader, co-worker, employee or employer; and how men can be more Christ-centered in their daily obligations and responsibilities in living out their Catholic faith in today’s world.

“It is refreshing for men to know they are not traveling the road alone,” Molyneaux said. “It helps to know there are other men with the same challenges and issues.”

He noted that the biggest challenge facing men is the temptation to settle for mediocrity in their lives. He said the church tells men to fight and be great like the saints.

Guest speakers will include WTAE-TV anchor Mike Clark; J. Christopher Donahue, president and chief executive officer of Federated Investors Inc.; Duquesne University President Dr. Charles Daugherty; speaker and author Matthew Kelly; Robert P. Lockwood, author, diocesan director for communications and general manager for the Pittsburgh Catholic; and Father Thomas Sparacino, pastor of St. Mary of Mercy in Downtown Pittsburgh and co-director of the diocesan Vocations Office.

Molyneaux said the speakers will touch on their own faith-filled lives, following the words of Jesus, who said to the disciples of John the Baptist, “Come and see.”

“That’s the invitation all those speakers share: Come and see how your life can be changed no matter what your level of faith might be now, no matter what kind of spiritual life you have or don’t have,” he said.

The Pittsburgh CMF is modeled after a ministry in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Begun there in the early 1980s, it now facilitates groups in more than 200 parishes. More than 5,000 men gather annually for an event similar to the April 1 gathering.

“Because of its effectiveness at challenging men to answer their baptismal call, the Cincinnati ministry has been referred to as a ‘launching pad’ for engaging men in their personal faith journey, leading to greater parish involvement,” Molyneaux said.

A growing number of parishes are facilitating CMF groups in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

An average of almost 20 men meet on Saturday mornings at St. Sebastian in Ross Township. They follow an agenda of topics outlined in the “Signposts” book (The Word Among Us Press) developed by the national office of the CMF.

Chris Loewer, a commercial producer at KDKA-TV and co-facilitator for the group, pointed out that the workplace often isn’t conducive to discussing faith and that men look for others to share their challenges with.

“They all have something to share,” he said. “It’s fantastic, the conversations that go on between these guys.”

Loewer produced the TV promotional spots and billboards for the April 1 gathering that have been appearing locally. He combined his talents with Martin Perez of the Greensburg Diocese, who designed the logo for the CMF.

Molyneaux said men who attend the gathering will find it to be a truly enriching experience.

“As men, let’s gather, let’s talk, let’s celebrate the sacraments,” he said. “Then let’s see how our lives can be changed.”

The pre-registration (mail-in) donation is $40. The deadline is March 15. Tickets will be $55 at the door. A boxed lunch is included. More information is available by calling 412-276-2685, or by visiting www.cmfpitt.org.

 

 

 

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