By Frank J Casella, CMCS Co-founder and Execuitve Director |
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Holy Gate -
The Holy Gate separates the place of worship from the Holy tabernacle in a Catholic Church. The place for Holy adoration of the Lord Jesus Christ - frankjcasella.pixels.com
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During my time in Catholic grade school, the Nuns would often remind us that God granted us one mouth and two ears, encouraging us to listen more than we speak. This wisdom resonates with me now as I navigate a health issue that requires me to be offline and away from the phone for a few days following treatments. Typically, I spend 3-5 hours a day online balancing my responsibilities at CMCS with my artistic photography business. Consequently, I am now using this time to listen more attentively ... to God through the Holy Spirit. |
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Many of us, I suspect, dedicate anywhere from ten minutes to an hour daily for prayer and reflection. Personally, I usually require at least an hour to clear my mind and truly hear that inner voice. However, with my new listening routine, I've noticed by around day three, a subtle voice in my gut—what I now refer to as my 'knower'—that reveals my genuine thoughts, often overshadowed by the distractions of the world and the information I feed my mind. |
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I encourage you to embrace the opportunity this Lent to carve out more time for self-discovery. You may find that when you invite God in and allow Him the space to communicate through the Holy Spirit, He has a wealth of insights to share. Often, we are simply too preoccupied to listen fully. |
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Wishing you blessings on your Lenten journey, and I look forward to seeing you on April 26th, the Saturday after Easter, at the Bishop Perry Chicago Catholic Men's Forum. The CMCS Team and I are keeping you in our prayers.
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Chicago Catholic Man Blog by CMCS - Other articles you may find interesting for
'Living the Goodness of a Catholic Man' - ChicagoCatholicMan.tumblr.com |
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Lenten Resources for 2025 |
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Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. Fasting is to be
observed on Ash Wednesday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but
not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two
smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. The special Paschal fast, as well as abstine. |
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“Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God ‘with all their hearts’ (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and grow in friendship with the Lord.”
– Pope Francis. |
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Pray with God’s Word this Lent! Get the daily readings sent to your email each morning. Sign up for your free subscription from the US Catholic Bishops here - bible.usccb.org |
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In this Daily Gospel Reflection for March 2, 2025, Father Greg Friedman, OFM shares the Fundamental Purpose of Lent. |
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From the CMCSMen Blog Archives and articles you may find interesting: |
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"We run into people all the time who admire Jesus Christ as a good man from the past who somehow ran afoul of the authorities and was executed and has nevertheless endured over the long stretch of history as a figure of wisdom. But many of these same individuals will not hand their lives over to Him. Truth be told, Jesus Christ does not want our admiration of Him. He wants our discipleship. There’s a difference. Discipleship entails a well thought-out, calculated, intentional commitment to Jesus Christ with a modeling of our lives after His life."
- Bishop Emeritus Joseph Perry
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This Lent, let Mother Teresa accompanyyou on your journey to God.
Amen is pleased to introduce a new meditation series for the season. We have adapted the Augustine Institute's Lenten devotional, I Thirst: 40 Days with Mother Teresa, into an audiobook format!
Throughout Lent, you can listen to a daily guided meditation centered on Scripture and the teachings of Mother Teresa, authored by the late Father Joseph Langford, who served as both a confessor and retreat master for her. These meditations will lead you into the profound mystery of God's desire for souls and help you understand how to respond to the Lord's thirst.
For just 7 minutes each day during Lent, you can deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ with the support of Mother Teresa.
Sign up now to receive daily email and push notifications throughout Lent, starting on March 5, 2025!
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If you benefit from our Catholic manhood commentary, Man Moment videos, CMCSMen Blogs and other resources, please consider a monthly or one-time pledge in support of CMCSMen.net. Everything we post is always free, and we depend completely on regular, ongoing support to continue our Catholic mission. The way you create a monthly pledge is to go to our donation form, enter the amount you wish to give, and then select the tick box highlighted in yellow for Monthly recurring donation. Thanks!
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Catholic Men Chicago Southland
Apostolate of Most Reverend Mark Bartosic
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 | 3525 South Lake Park Avenue | Chicago, IL. 60653 |
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The CMCS Mission: Catholic Men Chicago Southland (CMCS) is engaged in fostering holy and courageous men and proclaiming the importance of husbands and fathers to children and the family. CMCS is a Catholic Apostolate of Bishop Mark Bartosic, founded in 2004 by Most Reverend Emeritus Joseph N. Perry, Deacon John Rangel, and (Executive Director) Mr. Frank J Casella. |
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