Monday, September 17, 2007

Why Do I Need Real Catholic Men?

Before we go on, I want to clarify who this group is for. Why? Because most men's groups naturally gravitate towards dealing with issues of being a father. And while that is noble and necessary, it leaves out any man who does not have children. RCM, while obviously inclusive of fathers, aims to address ALL Real Catholic Men: religious, single, consecrated and married - both with and without children. These men are sons, fathers, grandfathers, uncles and nephews. They are employees and employers. Rich and poor. Saints and sinners. Regardless of where you fall in theses categories, you are called to be the best.

I recently heard a local pastor (evangelical) - as he was hosting his own television program - say that one of a father's major duties was to fund his child's dreams so that they could become "dominant" in their chosen field. He cited Tiger Woods, Michelle Kwon, and even the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena. This last one blew my mind, since pretty much the entire planet is aware of their father's obsessive bent towards their tennis futures even when they were small children - sometimes becoming "Coach" before "Dad".

So when I am speaking about being "the best", I am speaking not in an earthly, MTV, professional sports, Wall Street sort of way. I mean it in the Joseph, Mary, St. Francis, St. Therese sort of way. Perfection in the spirit through Christ.

Many people are going to ask, "What does this David guy think he can teach us about being a better man?" The answer is - nothing. I need to learn as much as anyone. And that's the reason for RCM. To study, to pray, to learn and to live how to be what God wants us to be as men. This is a daunting task. One we have abandoned throughout the last half-century. Men's roles have changed. Women's roles have changed. And not for the better.

It's a journey. But we need to go back before we can move forward. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. So is His Church (in spite of all come-here-we're-more-hip offshoots). So are His creatures. Male and female He created them. Our souls rejoice with the angels and saints when we are being what we were meant to be. Isn't this what we should be striving for?

This is what Real Catholic Men is all about.

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