Deacon Steve Andrews and Richard Szulewski work together to provide fellowship for the men of our parish over a shared meal. As Deacon Steve says, “The Men’s Prayer Breakfast ministry is a gathering of men over coffee and burritos to explore the writings of various spiritual writers. The meetings provide an environment for the men to freely express their heartfelt views on how what they read impacts them.” He emphasizes that the discussions primarily aim to engage the heart, not just the head. “This is a chance for men to join in on personal faith development, guided by the insights of various spiritual writers,” he says. “These writers offer different, sometimes challenging, perspectives on what it means to be a Catholic, and that’s the point.”
Deacon Steve and Richard provide the forum for the men to explore their faith. “Are you going to hear stuff you agree with? Yep. Are you going to consider perspectives that might make you think about some things differently? We think so,” they say, adding, “but that is how we learn.” The Catholic Community of St. Francis brings the Franciscan ethos of the essential good news of Christ’s love for all people exactly where they are in the creation we are all part of. “The men who participate in the Breakfast,” adds Steve, “gain insights that enhance their lives and their ability to engage with all they encounter in our church community and far beyond it.”
Interested in learning more? Richard’s and Steve’s invitation is, first and foremost, to come! “Yes, some of us have been meeting together for some time, but we welcome and value additional voices, additional experiences, and additional perspectives,” they say. A bunch of men sitting around sharing coffee and good conversation, what’s intimidating about that? So, come and have a cup and a burrito. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets in person in the Community Center, Padua Room, every 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 8 to 9 am. The meetings provide a way for men to come together for fellowship. See the Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Realm for details; the next meeting is February 3rd.