Vision: To Cultivate the Spiritual Growth of Catholic Men in the Chicago Southland |
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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.
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. |
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Catholic Man Moment Message
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Click the button below to watch this week's Sunday Gospel reflection: |
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October 26th, 2025
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102625.cfm
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By Frank J Casella, CMCS Executive Director |
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It is true, Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with each of us as our Savior and Lord. But Jesus wants much more than that; he wants us in covenant with himself. I can have a personal relationship with the neighbor down the street; but that doesn’t mean he wants me to move in and share his home.
Jesus Christ wants us in the New Covenant that he established through his own flesh and blood, the same covenant he renews through the Holy Eucharist. When his sacrifice for us is renewed at the altar, we gather at the family table for the sacred meal that makes us one.
CCC 292 The Old Testament suggests and the New Covenant reveals the creative action of the Son and the Spirit, 132 inseparably one with that of the Father. This creative co-operation is clearly affirmed in the Church's rule of faith: "There exists but one God. . . he is the Father, God, the Creator, the author, the giver of order. He made all things
by himself, that is, by his Word and by his Wisdom", "by the Son and the Spirit" who, so to speak, are "his hands". 133Creation is the common work of the Holy Trinity.
CCC 1965 The New Law or the Law of the Gospel is the perfection here on earth of the divine law, natural and revealed. It is the work of Christ and is expressed particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. It is also the work of the Holy Spirit and through him it becomes the interior law of charity: "I will establish a New Covenant with the house of Israel.... I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." |
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Accountability to Jesus
While having an accountability partner or group can be beneficial for Catholic men, I believe it's more effective to engage with these individuals for general feedback rather than relying solely on them for accountability. A spiritual director or priest, on the other hand, can provide valuable guidance in discerning God's will and helping you become accountable to Jesus through the New Covenant. As people and relationships evolve over time, relying on others for accountability can lead to opinions rather than objective truth. Ultimately, it's essential to prioritize being accountable to Jesus directly.
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Nurturing Your Spirituality with Catholic Resources |
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Explore our inspiration blog featuring support, encouragement, and Catholic information related to our mission of fostering Catholic Men. |
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Support CMCS through your monthly phone plan! About twice a year, we receive a generous support check in the mail thanks to all the phone calls and data usage from many of you. Check out Charity Mobile, a Catholic Pro-Life phone company that thrives on partnering with like-minded individuals! When you call to sign up, please designate CATHOLIC MEN CHICAGO SOUTHLAND (charity ID #1245) as your charity of choice, and they will donate 5% of your monthly plan price to us! |
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Bishop Mark Bartosic with the CMCS cofounders, (L) Deacon John Rangel and (R) Mr. Frank J Casella. (Photo by Richard Mantoan). |
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Catholic Men Chicago Southland
Apostolate of Most Reverend Mark Bartosic
Executive Director, Frank J Casella
Phone calls by appointment via email.
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