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‘Living a free and full life’
archived from: 2013-03-22
by: William Cone, Editor

Father Joe Freedy talks about the upcoming men’s gathering

Father Joe Freedy, director of priestly vocations for the diocese, is set to speak Saturday, April 6, at the Gathering of Catholic Men at Duquesne University’s A.J. Palumbo Center. He recently answered questions about the eighth annual event.

Could you tell us a bit about your talk coming up at the Gathering of Catholic Men?

First of all, I want to say how humbled I am to have been asked to speak at the gathering. I spoke at it three years ago and have attended each year since then, and it’s always an incredibly inspiring day to be a part of and to participate in.

The theme I’ve been given for my talk for this year could be summed up as “Freedom in Christ.” The main point is that Jesus came so that we might have “life to the full,” as he says in John 10:10.

One of the reasons we’re not living life to the full, living in that freedom that Christ came to give us, is because of the many fears that hold us back — that hold us, in a sense, captive. Because of those fears (about our inadequacy, our worth, our masculinity) we often go through life trying to prove ourselves to ourselves and to everyone else around us. When we live that way, we end up driving ourselves deeper into slavery. 1 John 4:18 says that “perfect love casts out all fear”; I hope in my talk to speak about how receiving that perfect love is the key to living a full and free life.

Why do you think there is a need for ministry to Catholic men?

There is a need for ministry to every Catholic, not just to Catholic men. However, in a society that seems to view religion for the most part as being something that is more for women, particular outreach to men is crucial so that the fire of the Gospel is not lost to them. The Gospel is attractive to men when Christ is encountered as the radically challenging, controversial, passionate God-man that he truly is.

From your perspective, what have been the effects of the annual gathering among our local men?

I’ve seen incredible fruit born in our diocese because of the gathering; guys’ lives have been changed and their hearts set on fire through the CMF ministry. They’ve been connected with one another and found that they aren’t alone on the journey, that this diocese is filled with men just like them trying to grow stronger in their faith and become better sons, brothers, husbands and fathers.

What one aspect of the gathering stands out for its life-changing impact?

One aspect of the gathering that stands out for me every year is the passionate, authentic way that the speakers proclaim the Gospel. Their stories and teachings have inspired conversion in me, and I look forward to that again this year.

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