A Real Men's Retreat

Holy Land 2012 Pilgrimage (During Lent)

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Please pray about Joining Liz and I on the wonderful Pilgrimage. 

Why did we choose NAWAS International Travel Inc. for our Pilgrimage? Because they have been organizing tours for 62 years. Their experience, contacts, guides, knowledge of the area, and background will guarantee  the highest quality pilgrimage and they have an international reputation for reliability.

Father Vince, Father David and myself are offering this pilgrimage opportunity to a maximum of 50 pilgrims. The open slots are filling quickly and will be on a first come first serve basis. Please let us know if you would like to participate in this wonderful opportunity. There is a $300 deposit to reserve your slot. 

There is additional information available for those who have an interest, just e-mail me at patkearns@sbcglobal.net 

Our Next Men's "In-Motion" Retreat

We had a great weekend - Thanks to Friends!

 

Timmy and Renee invited us up to their Parent's Place in the Mountains for the weekend.

We called it "The Cabin" but I guess you can't call it a cabin.

We had so much fun..... Thanks for sharing your gifts with us!

How Does an "In-Motion" Men's Spiritual Retreat Affect the Man who Participates?

The Importance of Rest....

As I prepare to begin the weekend, I am pondering the importance of rest. 

Yes, for those of you who know me, and as confirmed by my family, the concept of rest is a foreign concept to me, foreign at least most of the time.

I often feel that tasks need to be done, people need to be seen, or there is a mountain to be climbed. 

My life is usually a whirlwind, controlled, yet perpetually in motion.

Yet, a life that is in such a constant state of motion might seem appealing to some, lively, exciting, it might also be lacking in the fruits only gained by some down time.

It is precisely in the down times, that deep reflection can occur, the body can rest and heal, the mind can detach from the usual routines and concentrations, and a sort of creativity can occur.

I am thankful for the life that we have, the adventures, the opportunities, the friendships, and the love shared within our family and extended to those close to us.

However, this weekend will be a weekend of slowness, naps, visiting with my family, daydreaming, and yes prayer.

There was a reason  why God created for 6 days and set aside a day for rest.... It is holy, It is needed, it is required!

Our Next "Men's Retreat"

For More Information: Click Here

Our Toughest Retreat Yet!

A few days ago we completed our toughest "In-Motion" Retreat Yet. 

We hiked 36 miles in 3 days wearing 40-48 lb backpacks.

As I mentioned, It was tough, brutal, but soooo spiritually rewarding and nourishing.

Part 1
Of the Adventure... Check it Out!

Part 2
Of the Adventure

We are already planning our next adventure, however we will step if down a notch or two. 

I don't want to kill anyone. I will give you a little hint:

 January, 

3 day Holiday weekend (MLK Jr), 

Mountain Cabin, 

Snow Shoes, 

Mass, 

Building  Snow Caves,

 etc....

The Perfect Weekend

Ride a Horse?

Beautiful Horses

At 45 years old I thought it just might be a good time to learn how to ride a horse.

Liz grew up riding horses and said it was like riding a bike.... but it sure didn't feel like a bike to me.

Taking pictures on a horse isn't as easy as one might think.

I had so much fun.... I kept waiting to feel sore, but it never happened. This horse riding thing is easy!

Mount Lassen - My Spiritual Climb

Here is Mount Lassen, Less than an hour drive from Redding, California.

 The summit is at an elevation of 10, 500 feet.

Yes - It is still considered an Active Volcano.

May 22, 1915 - The final and most major eruption, as seen from Anderson, California. 

Anderson is 40 miles from the summit.

The trail-head begins at an elevation of 8500 feet.

And peaks at 10,500 feet.

Check out My Spiritual Climb

What a 4 Day Vacation can do for the mind and the soul!

We packed up the truck, grabbed the kids, a few friends, and off we went.

It wasn't long and we were in the mountains.

We set up camp.

Cooked some real camping food.

and yes smores.....

Liz was able to get some rest.

I found an adventure or two.

The kids had so much fun.

and we all feel rejuvenated and refreshed....

I bet you can't guess what we did....give you a hint.... 40 foot drop, water, and pure adrenaline....

Off To The Lake - Family Camping Trip.

We are heading off to the Lake for a few days of camping, swimming, kayaking, fishing, etc.....

See you in a few days....

Are You Man Enough?

The real question is: Are you man enough for a spiritual adventure that just might change you life?

Along with the “Men of Faith” Catholic Men’s Group, Deacon Pat Kearns from "Our Lady of Mercy Parish"  in Redding CA. from the Sacramento Diocese will lead another Spiritual “In-Motion” Retreat  while backpacking on the famous and beautiful Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

A group of Men (16 years old and above) will journey along the trail while incorporating spiritual exercises and manly adventures.


Each Day will consist of:

Morning and Evening Prayer

A teaching by Deacon Pat or another clergy on aspects of “Manly Character”

“An Hour of Silence” meditating on the lesson of the day while hiking

Evening Group Reflection and Sharing

As well as fellowship, laughing, joking, fishing, eating, campfires, and nourishment that feeds the soul.


When: Labor Day Weekend. The group will meet at Our Lady Of Mercy Parish in Redding CA on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 in the afternoon and caravan to the drop off point. The Spiritual Adventure will end on Monday, September 6th 2010 (Labor Day) midday.


Where: The Pacific Crest Trail Near Castle Crags State Park.

Cost: There is no cost. You are only required to supply your own food and supplies.

Information: For more information you can log onto www.catholic-men.blogspot.com or feel free to contact Deacon Pat Kearns at:   e-mail:    patkearns@sbcglobal.net.

Now more than even, Catholic Men need to unite, create friendships, support each other, and obtain spiritual nourishment in a method conducive to authentic manhood, as Godly Men!

We Made The Spiritual Ascent - Climbing God's Mountain.

My brothers, along with our sons made the spiritual journey up 

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park on Saturday.

This was a "Guys Only" trip - reserved for Men's spirituality.

Here is my son Sean taking in the force and beauty of God's creation.

The views were spectacular.

Although the weather report threatened bad weather, 

God gave us a perfect day.

We climbed to 9000 feet.

There was something so special about making a spiritual climb.

Father and Son experiencing life together.

We were a group of 8 men making this journey of over 15 miles, 11 hours of hiking, and a climb of over 4500 feet. Here is my brother Kevin, the eldest brother who just 7 months ago was battling Cancer with Chemo and Radiation therapy treatments. He is amazing!

My brother Dan, my training partner, we hiked for 3 months together preparing for this climb. 

We prepared well Dan, thanks for you support, your kindness, and for your joy!

The waterfalls were indescribable.

This is the mountain that we climbed. (With God's help)

The Adventure Begins

We reached the top!

Off To Climb The Mountain

We are off to climb the huge mountain tomorrow. 4 of my brothers and our sons will climb half dome early Saturday morning (12 hours of hiking, 17 miles, 5000 foot ascension) while the girls of the clan play in Yosemite village.
.

We will ascend as close to heaven as possible, pushing our bodies, and uniting our physical struggle with spiritual struggles. We have trained well and are ready, I am excited and look forward to sharing the adventure with you in a few days. Look forward to a great video and pictures.....

Stopped By The Monastery Today

It just so happened that the Vina Trappist Monastery was right on my way as I was driving to visit my brother Mike today, so I stopped by for a quick visit.

There is something so very special about this place that as soon as you enter through the gates a peaceful feeling overcomes you.

It is a very holy and beautiful place.

And guess who I saw.... my special friend Brother Raphael. I enjoyed a quick visit with him, as I have mentioned before, he is a very holy and wonderfully joyful spirit.

Even a few moments with this special man uplifts my spirit. 

I don't see him often, especially since he lives a cloistered life.

All of the monks are special and I am sure it is their spirit, prayers, and connection with God that resonates through the monastery and gives it that feeling of such warmth and peacefulness.

The I remembered that I was out of wine so I stopped by the Tasting Room to pick up a bottle or two. Raphael recommended the Syrah, he said it had won a few awards.

A little about the Monastery and Vineyard.

So - I bought 4 bottles, it is good wine.

Couldn't wait to get home to try some of the wine that my friends grow and make...... Holy wine for sure.

With a nice flavor....