For nearly 50 years the Men’s Club, now known as the Men’s Club Ministry, has been an integral life force in our parish. From working on parish projects such as the rebuilding of the rectory’s deck to the planning and executing of our many very successful parish golf outings, picnics and annual community leaf rakes—to special community projects such as the renovation and rehabbing of a family’s home in Torrington, to the building and placing of the Christmas outdoor manger and the raising of the three Calvary crosses that grace our outer field each Lenten-Easter season. Dedicated and devoted men have worked hard to bring life to many parish activities, events and more.
Like every ministry and group in any parishes, people change and so do ministries—often times we need to make changes in a ministry to meet the changing times, seasons and community of a parish. I believe that time is now here at St. Catherine of Siena Parish—and I want to invite men of all ages to consider joining and being active in our Men’s Club Ministry.
As our community has changed over the many years it is perhaps time to reconsider the projects, activities and works of the Men’s Club Ministry (MCM) here and to reinvigorate our ministry without adding to the number of meetings they have.
Here is my plan: I would like to encourage men of all ages—from teenagers and young adults, to middle aged men and our wise senior members to come together and consider some ideas for the MCM. Holding 2 or 3 meetings a year, since we are all busy, we can plan a schedule of one-day community and parish projects—about 6 or 8 per year--from changing smoke detector batteries and outdoor light bulbs for senior citizens to doing small projects like fixing loose porch railings, cleaning garages or basements for our senior parishioners and neighbors. Modeled after the former Jaycees Club of the 1980s, these one-day projects and events can strengthen our community while at the same time not requiring too much prep time. Perhaps serving a First Holy Communion Breakfast or reinstating the annual leaf rake in November?
The MCM can grow our parish involvement, build like-minded friendships among the men, and serve others in need. I will be speaking about this over the next few weeks at the Masses and hope to have a list of potential ideas for projects or activities. I also believe that our MCM could provide a few events during the year to help all men understand their faith and it’s lived experience, focusing on topical issues of import to men of all ages. What’s most important for this to succeed is the involvement of the men in our parish, keeping in mind that everyone doesn’t need to do everything, but that everyone can do something. We can design the MCM so that you are able to be involved in the projects that interest you and fit into your schedule. Please consider this new endeavor and help us to rebuild and expand the MCM. Thank you for your consideration. -Fr. Michael