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CMCS Weekly Message 
Vision: To Cultivate the Spiritual Growth of Catholic Men in the Chicago Southland
The CMCS Mission: Catholic Men Chicago Southland (CMCS) is engaged in fostering holy and courageous men and proclaiming the importance of husbands and fathers.
 
 
CMCS is a Catholic Apostolate of Bishop Mark Bartosic, founded in 2004 by Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, Deacon John Rangel, and Mr. Frank J Casella.
Catholic Man Moment Message
 
Click the button below to watch this week's Sunday Gospel reflection:

Dec 7 2025 - Second Sunday of Advent 

 

Gospel - Matthew 3:1-12


John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.


John wore clothing made of camel's hair
and had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,
and the whole region around the Jordan
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.

 

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers!
Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
And do not presume to say to yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father.'


For I tell you,
God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.
Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.


He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand.
He will clear his threshing floor
and gather his wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120725.cfm

 

 

The CMCSMen Blog
 Picture of Faith
By Frank J Casella, CMCS Executive Director 
As Advent approaches, each Catholic man is presented with a unique challenge: how to cultivate a spirit of prayer amid a world that thrives on instant gratification. The season of Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a sacred time of expectant waiting, where we prepare our hearts and minds for the profound joy of celebrating the Nativity of Jesus. In conversations with fellow men, a common thread emerges—many feel they do not pray as often as they should. Yet, as husbands and fathers, we are called to lead our families in this sacred preparation. In the midst of the holiday hustle and the distractions of commercialism, let us remember that Advent is an opportunity to deepen our faith, to strengthen our connection with God, and to guide our loved ones toward a more meaningful celebration of Christ's coming. Together, let us embrace this season of reflection and prayer, creating a peaceful sanctuary in our homes that echoes the true spirit of Advent.

Prepare your heart and minds for Christmas with daily resources, prayer and activities at usccb.org/advent.

Daily Readings and Reflection Videos from the US Bishops Website.

What would it take for you to have the best Christmas of your life?

Learn about BEST ADVENT EVER from Dynamic Catholic.

Advent prayers in the Amen app.

The Advent Workshop from the Catholic Culture website.

Advent provides a reason to try new habits. One we strongly suggest is the “Family Prayer Before Meals” (PDF) by Bishop Joseph Perry.  Statistics tells us that when a family breaks bread and prays together at least 3 times per week, it makes a noticeable difference in your children’s stability and security as a family unit.

This Advent, GIVE yourself deliberate time of silence and resolute to bring yourself  – and your family – closer to Christ!

 

Frank J Casella, Catholic Men Chicago Southland

 

Click to learn more about the Amen app
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Nurturing Your Spirituality with Catholic Resources
Explore our inspiration blog featuring support, encouragement, and Catholic information related to our mission of fostering Catholic Men.
Bishop Mark Bartosic with the CMCS cofounders, (L) Deacon John Rangel and (R) Mr. Frank J Casella. (Photo by Richard Mantoan).
You can also give to CMCS using PayPal, or by sending a check made out to CMCS to:
 
Archdiocese Vicariate VI Office C/O
Bishop Mark Bartosic 
Catholic Men Chicago Southland
3525 South Lake Park Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60653
Catholic Men Chicago Southland
Apostolate of Most Reverend Mark Bartosic
Executive Director, Frank J Casella 

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