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| Men from the “That Man is You!” men’s apostolate participate in a small group discussion during one of the weekly events at Holy Mother of Consolation Church, Oregon. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
OREGON — Some things are worth waking up early for.
Every Wednesday, before 6 a.m., a group of men gather at Holy Mother of Consolation Church in Oregon to share breakfast and their faith. The men come from that parish, as well as St. Ann Parish in Stoughton.
It’s part of the “That Man is You!” (TMIY) program going on all across the country.
TMIY is an interactive, multimedia men’s program focused upon the development of authentic male leadership. Over the course of three years, TMIY helps men reflect on their relationship to God, to their spouse, and to their children.
The group in Oregon is now in its fourth year and is focusing on a year-long unit called “A Light to the Nations.”
According to the program’s website, the unit will “consider man in his relationship to his spouse. Heavily influenced by the thought of Blessed John Paul II, ‘A Light to the Nations’ takes men on a provocative journey into the spiritual reality of our time.”
Starting a new year
The men in Oregon recently began the fall session of the program.
They started to gather in the parish hall before breakfast time at 6 a.m. for coffee and fellowship.
The mood was light and joyful for a time most would consider too early for an alarm clock, much less discussing one’s faith.
After a breakfast main-evented with pancakes and sausage, it was time to get down to business.
Parish members Mark Miller and Scott Kelbel welcomed old members back and new members to the group, along with sharing their hopes for the year.
Miller said the year is all about “spreading the message.”
Gathering in small groups
After the short talk and an opening prayer, it was time to break into small groups.
The men first watched a short video on the day’s theme.
The theme focused on the possibility of a “happy marriage,” reflecting on why such a thing is considered an “impossibility” by so many people.
The video looked at the decline of marriage as a spiritual battle, quoting Blessed John Paul II saying, “The family is placed at the heart of the great struggle between good and evil, between life and death, between love and all that is opposed to love.”
This is where the role of the husband gains importance, to keep the family strong in faith and togetherness.
After the video the men reflected on two questions: “How can you become better aware of the spiritual reality of our own day?” and “Who are you going to bring with you next week?”
They spent the next 15 minutes sharing their responses to the first question. The men stay in the same small groups as the year goes on, in order to build a relationship and shared experiences. More men are always welcome, and what is discussed in the group stays in the group.
The discussion time went by quickly and it was soon time to dismiss the men to their normal lives on a Wednesday morning. Most will come back the following week and for the rest of the 26-week session.
Other parishes take part
Other parishes in the diocese taking part in TMIY include St. John the Baptist in Waunakee. Men there meet every Thursday morning from 5:45 to 7:30 a.m. in the church narthex. About 40 men come every week, but more are welcome.
As a sign of solidarity, the TMIY men in Waunakee are going to wear a tie to Sunday Mass at least once a month. This is so they can set an example of respect for the liturgy, and as an example to their families.
Another parish participating in the program is Holy Rosary in Darlington. Its group meets every Saturday from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
For more information on TMIY, visit www.thatmanisyou.org