We are well into March and you would think all my writing would be about our upcoming 25th annual men’s conference, but here I am writing about the Synod on Synodality.  

(For an article on the Conference see the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary’s blog “Why rise up?”)

I first heard about it at the beginning of the year and wondered what it was about.  From what I have been able to gather is that our Diocese has taken a simple approach asking two questions.

1. “How have you experienced journeying together as the Church?”
   and
2. “What steps does The Holy Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our journeying together?” 

I want to strongly encourage men to take part in this process to ensure that our voices are heard as the church moves forward. We have Catholic news platforms that feel they need to point out all the wrong in the church. We have divisions in every parish across this country due to mandates and political stances.  When I phoned all the dioceses in Canada asking about men’s ministry in their diocese it was like I was speaking a foreign language. There is a lot of work to do and we need you to be part of that work.

God Squad has been trying to point to the truth and beauty of the church and where we are aiming for, Heaven. It is easy to look around and get caught up with the storm of what’s going on around us. We need to keep our eyes on Christ and not lose focus like St Peter did.

“Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water. ”  He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind,he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14

On our motorcycle ride last summer we were having a discussion about what is going on in the church and the world. The conclusion we came up with is that our job is sales and those were management problems. We are not going to change what the Pope, a Cardinal or Bishop says or does.  We can focus on Christ and walk with the brothers that are right in front of us. 

So invite that man that needs a friend to join you at the 25th annual God Squad Men’s Conferencewhere they will be encouraged and fed (literally with Spolumbos and Tim Hortons). Consider doing the 30 day challenge, Rise, with a man that you can journey with. Order a set of God Squad golf discs to take a friend out to play a round and be a friend to a man that needs a friend. As you do these things hopefully they will help you answer the questions being asked for the Synod. 

In closing please watch for your opportunity to take part at the parish level in the synod and join us at the 25th annual God Squad Men’s conference featuring Bishop McGrattan, Jeff Cavins and Brett Powell.

St Joseph Pray for Us!