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Please be advised that during the final/first week of the year (next week), we will not be sending out any blog posts or video messages, as we will be conducting maintenance on our email list. Thank you in advance for your understanding. |
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Vision:
To Nurture Catholic Men's Spirituality in Chicago Southland
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Year End 2024 | From the Director's Heart
Join us in looking forward to the doors God will open in 2025.
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I believe that the phrase '
Merry Christmas' genuinely brings joy into our lives. This expression has fallen out of use in recent years until, you might recall, President Trump suggested in 2017 that Americans should start wishing each other a Merry Christmas once again. |
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For instance, the individuals most impacted by this seemed to be the retail clerks, due to the commercialism present in our society. You might remember, as I do, during Christmas, cashiers would greet me with "Happy Holidays." When I replied, "Thank you and Merry Christmas to you," they would typically smile and respond with something like, "Merry Christmas to you too." And I noticed more retail clerks joyfully came right out and said "Merry Christmas!"? |
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For this reason and many others, Catholic men have a higher mission to keep Christ in Christmas, it’s more crucial than ever this year that we connect with others in our lives to foster peace and goodwill, and unity through phone and texts or video calls, send out Christmas (thank you) cards and letters and emails, as well as come together around the Christmas tree to pray and wish one another a very blessed and Merry Christmas.
Meaningful words truly create a positive impact. Simple moments can have a significant effect. |
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What a wonderful God we serve! Jesus entered this world to offer us peace through Him. When we accept His peace, we, through Him bring peace to others.
This past year has brought its share of challenges and transformations in our war torn world, and for me personally (as some of you know), yet through it all, I'm here to say that our heavenly Father remains in control. And I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering faithfulness the Lord has shown to Catholic Men Chicago Southland (CMCS). We have consistently aimed to place our trust in God and operate without debt, focusing on His vision rather than just our own. |
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Since our establishment in 2004, we have dedicated ourselves to supporting local Catholic men. Over 1,500 men from Vicariate VI, located in the southern part of the archdiocese, along with many others miles away, actively engage with our weekly messages. Numerous men have participated in our events over the years, both in person and online, with several returning alongside friends. Thanks to the insightful vision of the CMCS-Team, whom I can't do without, CMCS is well-equipped to motivate and assist these men. They sought to live a holy life, and our approach has proven to be an effective way to connect with them. |
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In 2024, our readership and impact doubled, and many long time readers made their first donations. I am truly thankful for your support, which allowed us to connect with these men and provide them with free encouragement and support. Thanks to your assistance and God’s unwavering faithfulness, we were able to take advantage of this post COVID time in history and share Jesus with Catholic men online eager to deepen their spirituality. I trust you find encouragement in this, just as I do.
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28) |
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Too these past few years has been a significant period for CMCS in understanding God's purpose for our mission. Under His guidance, we've found new ways to connect with as many men as possible about
'Living the Goodness of a Catholic Man' and to mentor them in their relationship with Christ. |
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Because of what we learned, as we approach the end of 2024 and transition into 2025, I want to take a moment to inspire you.
Remember, you are cherished as God's beloved child, and you have a purpose in His plan. Your heavenly Father has the power to use you for His glory. One crucial step you can take to get ready for new opportunities is to develop the right mindset. When your heart is aligned, you'll be ready to seize opportunities as they present themselves. |
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"6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7) |
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As Catholic men striving for a more profound holy life, aimed at making family and Christ the focal point of your home, setting a standard of goodness in society, and cultivating progress and hope for your future, I encourage you to explore CMCS further.
Consider offering your time and prayers to CMCS. Reply to this message and ask, or offer, how you can help.
What you nurture in your mind shapes the course of your life.
Finally Men— remember while mothers provide nurturing in the home, fathers establish identity (though these roles do overlap). |
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Here are some beneficial habits to consider adopting:
1) Dedicate time each day to recite ‘A Man’s Prayer’ (PDF). This practice can gradually reshape your perspective on life.
2) Cultivate the “Virtues of a Catholic Man” (PDF). Begin with one virtue and once mastered, proceed to the next. Your aim is to ensure that Christ remains the focal point of your existence.
3) Foster and prioritize your most significant relationships, including your family and, if applicable, your marriage. Maintaining a loving relationship requires much less time than mending a fractured one.
4) Invite Jesus to guide you, and observe the changes! Pray daily with sincerity (as I do before the Crucifix):
"Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to you; please show me the way". |
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The term Catholic signifies universal or community, reminding you that you are not on this journey by yourself.
As we look ahead together, we anticipate the opportunities that God will present in 2025.
On behalf of Bishop-elect Larry Sullivan - Interim Vicar, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Perry, and the CMCS Team,
Wishing you a most blessed Merry Christmas! |
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Frank J Casella,
CMCS Co-founder & Executive Director
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Thank you for taking the time to read the CMCS Blog and Updates. If you enjoyed the content, consider sharing this email with a friend. Your support in spreading the word means a lot to us, and we believe your friend will be grateful for it as well.
If you have been forwarded this message and want more, sign up at join.cmcsmen.net |
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Have a comment, question, or need prayer? Feel free to reply to this message or reach out to us at contact@cmcsmen.net |
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Catholic Men Chicago Southland
Aplostolate of Bishop-elect Lawrence J Sullivan
Founded in 2004 by Bishop Emeritus Joseph N Perry
Executive Director, Frank J Casella
Phone calls by appointment via email.
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Catholic Men Chicago Southland | Vicariate VI Office - 3525 South Lake Park Avenue | Chicago, Illinois 60653
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