A Real Men's Retreat

Alone on an Island! Modern Day Sodom and Gomorrah

Have you ever been in a situation where you were surrounded by people who think differently than you do? 

It can be very uncomfortable. As they share their beliefs you have two options:

1. Say nothing and let them say what ever they want, or

2. Share your point of view.

But if you choose option two, and they care very little about contemplating your point of view, what is the point?

We are surrounded in life with these dichotomies, usually centered on morals, values, faith, politics, ethics, etc.

What I am finding out is that there are very few Californians who are actually in search of the truth, they actually just want you to accept as truth what they believe it to be. And believe it or not, most of them just assume that you believe exactly the same as they do, not even considering that you might have an opposing view.

And when they finally come face to face with the realization that you believe differently than they do, they are immediately taken back, appalled, and either try to force their ideas upon you, or react in a passive aggressive manner and act in a manner to somehow belittle you, dishonor you, or semi-humiliate you. The internet and gossip are their most honored weapons.

They wont admit to their destructive actions, usually internally rationalizing their response, but the truth is they had a reaction that innately was evil...... and why? Simply due to the fact that you don't agree with their point of view.

Living in California I often find myself feeling as if I am living on an island. I am surrounded by people who think much differently than I do, inside the ranks of the church, and on the outside in the secular world as well.

Are my views in life always correct, No, how can they be. 

But are all my views incorrect, No! 

What is correct?

You have probably heard the words "tolerance" over the past decade. Tolerance is a unique concept in this world today. It has come to mean for so many, "If you disagree with what I am saying, you should be tolerant and try to understand where I am coming from, even if it is contrary to your core values." It has also come to mean by the same people, "But if you disagree with me, then you are a moron, a radical, and even called divisive, and at times prejudiced." 

Why - Because I feel differently than you do. Why should I be disrespected for my beliefs, when you demand my courtesy and tolerance. My beliefs are not that unusual, they are consistent with millions of people across the globe, they just are not consistent with  many in California.

This unbalanced scenario has become so prolific in California that the perpetrators don't even realize what they are doing. Note:  I am being generous!

Do I take my family and run away from this battle ground. The perpetrators would probably say (and Have) that as Christians we are to take the message to the sinners, not to just surround ourselves with like minded people. But what is the point when the evildoers care very little about the truth, only caring what they perceive to be true. So what really is the point. They would rather keep you surrounded and continue to beat you down in hopes of converting you..... remember  in their eyes, you are just an unenlightened moron.

Yet what about even the 1 or 2 other people in your care, those that need your nourishment, those like-minded others, can you just pack-up and abandon them?

Yet again, if you yourself are not nourished how can you continue to live? How can you endure week after week of so many saying that you are wrong, that their way is the right way, that you must be ignorant for not thinking like them..... how long can one endure without living in the truth, the truth that we know in our hearts and soul to be true and real?

I often feel that I am in a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah.... and I assume that those around me feel the same as those who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah at the time. I am sure they perceive their life and actions to be warranted and just....

Yet what did God do?

He wiped then all out.

Did He ask Abraham to stay and try to convert them....

No.

He wanted and allowed him to escape.

The world around us is crumbling.......especially in California......  

I pray that God speaks loudly to those who are truly listening, searching, and open to his spirit. Am I to escape.... or am I to continue to fight for what I believe to be true, holy, and just?

Men's Retreat in Shingletown a Huge Success

Men's Retreat in Shingletown a Huge Success

On May 28th, 35 men gathered in Shingletown for what was called "A Work'n Man's Retreat." There were chain saws, tractors, shovels, and almost every kind of tool that you could imagine.

The goal was to transform the forest into a spiritual place that could be used for retreats, gatherings, and a sanctuary for private meditation.

The distinct projects were identified:

1. Clearing and thinning of the forest.

2. Beautification and improvement of the amphitheater, including the erecting of a two-story high cross.

3. Completing the outdoor Stations of the Cross with establishing a comfortable walking trail, beautification of each station, and placing numbered posts at each site.

A core group of men with knowledgeable team leaders arrived at 7:00 am and began work. As more and more men arrived they chose a project to join. It wasn't long and the overgrown forest began to take shape.

After five hours of work the lunch bell was rung and the men gathered for a break. As the men nourished their bodies the theme of the retreat was introduced: "Living as Authentic Catholic Men in the World Today." Deacon Pat Kearns (Founder of Catholic Men of the Cross "In-Motion" Retreats) explained the importance of relationships in men's lives, and what type of relationships are needed for our unique journeys. Then the men, now fed, and given some spiritual food to ponder as well, quickly returned to their projects.

Many of the men who attended the retreat did not previously know each other, but there was a bond forming as they worked side by side established friendships.

At 6:00 pm there was no need to ring the dinner bell since God took care of that by delivering an abundance of snow. Escaping the flurry of white powder, the men retreated to the Mary Queen of Peace church that is adjacent to the retreat property and partook in a dinner feast worthy of kings.

After dinner, the weather improved and the men returned to the forest for campfire fellowship. Enjoying a few beers, stories were exchanged, jokes and laughter emerged, and the men reflected on the day's experience.

Some of the men remained on the property and camped, while others chose to drive home.

Morning came with beautiful clear skies and the final touches of the projects were completed. The men then prepared for the arrival of the Shingletown Catholic community for the planned 11:00 am outdoor Mass and picnic.

Families began to arrive and quickly gathered in the amphitheater. The retreat bell was rung and Father Jonathan Molina (Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, and Mary Queen of Peace churches) along with Deacon Pat began Mass. The beauty of God's creation surrounded the community with the chirping of birds, the mild breezes whispering through the trees, and as Father shared his homily the sun's rays were as a spotlight beaming upon him and illuminated his being. It was glorious.

After Mass the community enjoyed a traditional Bar-B-Q with hamburgers and hot dogs, and a variety of fixings. Then the forest was filled with the visitors enjoying the fruits of the men's retreat. They were walking the Stations of the Cross and enjoying the newly enhanced trails.

"This is just the beginning for the retreat property" declared Deacon Pat, further stating "This is a holy place that will in time, be a place of healing, rest, and inspiration for thousands."

To watch a short film of the retreat please visit:  www.DeaconPat.net

For more information about the Corpus Christi Retreat Center please contact Our Lady of Mercy Parish at 530-222-3424.

Why Does God Allow Us To Suffer?

Fifth Sunday of Lent (A)

John 11:1-45

Have you ever wondered why God allows us to suffer?

The Gospel today can help us understand why we experience pain, hurt, anxiety, discomfort, and even despair in our lives. Jesus never stated that he would take all of our pain away.  He actually stated that his desire was for us to be fruitful and live fruitful lives. But in order for something to be fruitful, it often needs to be pruned from time to time.  We know this is evident in fruit trees and for grape vines but this Pruning also occurs in our lives, and is what enables us to become fruitful as well.

I can remember not too long ago speaking to one of the monks at the monastery in Vina, Near Chico.  His name is Brother Raphael and he is the caretaker of the vines. He decribed to me how he purposely stresses the vines by withholding water from them.  He stated that when he limits their water, it makes the plant dig deeper into the soil with its roots, and while searching for water, the whole vine becomes stronger. I couldn’t help but think that there was a similarity with regard to how God from time to time also withholds his grace and power from us.  By allowing life’s events to stress us we are forced to dig deep and we ultimately grow stronger as well. I don’t know about you, but the times in my life when I have experienced crisis and endured great pain and even heartache, are exactly the same times when I grew closer to God and my spirituality deepened.

At my home, in our backyard we have a few huge oak trees.  One in particular, must be at least 100 years old. During our most recent storm I watched the enormous oak sway back and forth in the wind.  I did contemplate the potential damage that could result if the tree fell on our home,  but then realized that the tree had withstood hundreds of similar storms and the odds were that it wouldn’t fall on that particular day. I began to realize that what I was watching with this tree was somewhat similar to the twists and turns of our lives as Christians. Unknowingly, certain events, like a storm come upon us and pull at us, pressure us, twist us around, and might even break a limb or two from time to time. But these trials, as we endure them and persevere, only make us stronger and more resilient.  They especially help us develop virtue and character.

In the gospel today, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was ill.  When Jesus received the message he stated “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God…” But what did Jesus then do? He did nothing. He remained where he was for the next two days before setting off to Judea. And by the time he made the journey and arrived in Judea, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Once he finally arrived, Martha stated to Jesus “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” She knew that Jesus had the power and ability to save her brother and also to prevent their pain from occurring. And when he didn’t respond, she must have felt angry and hurt that he didn’t intervene. How many of us have felt some degree of anger or hurt when we felt that God didn’t intervene in our lives? But what does Jesus say “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” Then Jesus asked to see where Lazarus was laid, and he looked upon the site and he wept. Now - why would he have wept? Especially, when he knew that he was about to bring Lazarus back to life. He wept because he felt the pain experienced by Mary and Martha,  Just like how he feels our pain when we hurt. The Jews realized this and even responded by stating “See how he loved him.”

Yet there were still some who doubted, as evident by their statement “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died? How many of us have also doubted when we felt that our prayers were not heard or answered? Then Jesus stated, “Take away the stone.” And Martha responded “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” It wasn’t that Martha doubted Jesus; she just didn’t understand what he was doing or why he was doing it. How many of us question God just because we don’t understand why certain things occur in our lives. Haven’t we been told over and over again that “God’s ways are not our Ways?” Yet - we still feel that we should be capable of understanding God. Isn’t “faith” believing in something that you don’t completely understand, something that we can not prove but believe to be true anyway?

And what does Jesus say “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God.” Doesn’t this same message speak to us today? If we only believe, we will also see the glory of God in our lives. Jesus then raises his eyes and said “Father, I thank you for hearing me.  I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe….” Are we willing to see and acknowledge God’s hand in the workings of our lives? Or are we like the people of Jesus’ time and have such little faith that we need to actually see miracles to believe?

In closing, I would like to point out that the message today helps us understand our times of dryness, desolation, and even despair. It helps us understand that God hasn’t abandoned us during those times, but that he actually uses those difficult times to help strengthen us. It is during those times of struggle that allow us to grow deeper roots of faith, and stimulate the growth of virtue in our lives. It helps us to understand that our ultimate reward is not to be obtained in this world, but rather as Jesus states:  “Who even believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me, will never die.”

In this time of Lent, this time of dryness, and often a time of quiet, we must ask our selves if we are embracing the struggles in our lives, and if we are looking for God’s hand in these events. And we must ask ourselves if we are growing in virtue, the virtue that we enable our lives to become more fruitful. God’s ways are not our ways….. And Faith means believing in what you can’t see …but also knowing in your heart and your soul that it is real. So when we struggle, when we suffer, we are to be assured that God has not forsaken us, but just the opposite. He has found us worthy to endure the trial and grow in holiness. He loves us and is always near to those who love him. He truly loves us!  And like a good Father,  He knows that through times of struggle, pain, and even darkness, We will emerge stronger, wiser, more humble, more forgiving, and especially……. more loving!

Peaceful Protest At The Local Abortion Mill (Clinic)

40 Days For Life......Ash Wednesday thru Easter

Go Girls!

My Son Sean's Car

The view as you drive by.

A powerful message by Teenagers.

A Prayerful Message

It is really all about life.

Dad and Kids "Playday"

All too often Dads focus their time on being the provider, which is honorable, but there is so much more to Fatherhood.

The Father's kids usually desire the Father's time more than anything......

Our Next Men's "In-Motion" Retreat

Keep Holy the Sabbath!

Sundays are for family fun!

Men In-Motion Winter Retreat 2011

Check out our adventure

The 2011 Winter Men's Retreat

What a great time being with such a great group of men.

Yes - we did build 3 Quinzies and slept in them.

First you build a foundation.

Then you mark off the floor area.

This is an important step so you can find the floor level once you start digging....

Then you start building the mountain of snow.

Then we had a little help from Mr. Snow Blower......

It wouldn't of been a true men's retreat without a few power tools!

We work as a team.

Time to start digging in and then up to the floor level.

Everyone took turns as the tunnel rat!

It wasn't long and then we had 3 Quinzees.

A little tired but happy with a job well done.

Don't tell the other guys.... but.... our Quinzee was the best.

See, Even Dennis thought our Quinzee was the best.

A few custom features began to pop up.

Go Paul!

What a great day!

Mark and Father Jonathan

Cliff and Mark

The final results

What a blessing to have Mass each day.

We all took turns participating / assisting at Mass.

The Eucharist.... Source and Summit of our lives.

Mass was casual, but reverent and Holy.

It would not have been an authentic "In-Motion" retreat without some motion.

The Cross-country experience.

Snow Shoeing.

Yes... Danger is our middle name.

2 hours later, almost back to the cabin.

Time for Food and Fellowship.

Each meal was a feast.

Those Macho Men can also cook.

Don't you just love the head lamp..... Cooking in the dark is no problem at a Men's Retreat!

Each man was part of a team responsible for one meal prep and cleaning...... Great job guys!

And then we had the "Men Games," how high could two teams of 8 men build a tower in 5 minutes?

and when we looked up, what did we see, but a statue of Mary and the King?????

We could not believe it....... Miracle?

You be the judge....... the men just threw the last chunk of snow on the top in the last few seconds of the challenge to see who could get the highest tower within the 10 minute limit and what does it look like to you?

Who said "We should go sledding?" 

I think we mastered the art of downhill sledding.

But all good retreats leave a little time for rest.....

Relaxing by the fire 

3 1/2 days of Adventure, Prayer, Fellowship, Good Eating, A few spirits.......And we have be nourished and ready to once again fight the good fight...... Live as Catholic Men: Strong, United, and Fervent for our Faith.