“You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)

Worthy Officers, Brothers and Sir Knights,

Welcome to Spring and the possibility of new life and new beginnings! I know many of you were unable to attend this year’s annual Catholic Men’s Conference, so I wanted to provide a few highlights. The tone for the conference was set by Bishop Coyne in his opening remarks, reflecting his timely advice on how best to experience Holy Week. I already shared those thoughts with you in my Happy Easter email message. The guest speaker at the conference was CPT Guy Gruters. CPT Gruters described in graphic detail the suffering he and fellow prisoners of war endured in 5 1//2 years as a captive of the North Vietnamese. In a very moving chronicle, he thankfully credited his survival to his faith, the courage of his fellow prisoners, and the loyalty of our nation. He never felt abandoned by his country, and especially credits the US bombing campaign in North Vietnam as a turning point in his captivity that set the conditions for their imminent release. The constancy of his companions, despite physical separation, in finding creative ways to communicate and even conduct prayer services also kept him going. Most importantly, his faith and his determination to live-out our national motto “In God We Trust” assured his triumph over what he suffered. Ultimately, in what was the most difficult act of his life, he achieved the Peace of Christ when he was able, with the urging and help of the Holy Spirit, to forgive his captors. After a small group discussion about the impact of CPT Gruters testimony we reconvened in the larger virtual Zoom meeting for comments by Msgr. John McDermott. Msgr. McDermott told the story of how influential his late father was in nurturing his call to the priesthood, and his maturity as a Catholic Man. “Lessons from My Father” provides the 4 lessons passed onto him and his siblings from his father: lessons universally applicable to every man. I summarize them here.

1.      Be present to the person or persons you are with. Be an attentive listener, without judgement.  (Passive attribute)

2.      Be available to people and loved ones in need of a companion. Active and enthusiastic involvement in their lives.  (Active attribute)

3.      Be a model, always, of a Christian gentleman. Set the example. (Passive attribute)

4.      Be a witness for Christ by faith in action; practice virtue, charity, compassion and respect-evangelize-share the love of God and Neighbor. (Active attribute)

Please continue to share our video There is a Place For You with prospects and pray for new members. Here is the link (If the link does not work, copy, and paste into your browser)

https://youtu.be/rk5YVuc2dhE

Blessings and Happy Easter Season!