Welcome, Gents!

If you're reading this, then chances are we share a path on a common journey. We are parishioners of St. Raphael's, but we are also fathers, husbands, men in the workplace and above all, we are brothers in the Mystical Body of Christ. But as you may have read in the recent edition of Sandals & Staff, opportunities to experience, share and grow in Catholic spirituality and fellowship among guys in our age group (late 30's - late 40's) are not exactly plentiful.

Kids, teenagers and young adults are blessed with a wide variety of activities from sports teams, youth Masses, youth ministries, World Youth Days to Faith On Tap. Our "more seasoned" brothers give generously of their time, talent and treasure to wonderful organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul . So where and how do we fit in? We deeply feel a call to grow closer to Jesus, our community and each other, but other than chauffering the kids around and grinding through our workdays, we seem to be missing out.

Welcome to St. Raphael's Dads!!!

Father Tom has enthusiastically granted us permission to form a group addressing these very real needs of spirituality, service and fellowship among us guys; journeying together and supporting each other while growing closer to Jesus and his Gospel. Father Joe is also very supportive and has generously offered to assist us in any ways he is needed (leading a bible study or catechetical discussion, stations of the Cross, etc).

So let's kick things off first and foremost with a prayer to our patron, St. Raphael, as we travel together on this Spirit led path of prayer, love and fellowship:

Most glorious Prince, Archangel Raphael, be mindful of us and pray for us, here and in every place, to the Son of God. O God, who gave your servant Tobias the holy archangel Raphael for a companion on his journey, grant that during our earthly pilgrimage we may always be protected by his watchful care and strengthened by his help. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Notes About This Site & Our Ministry

Just a few housekeeping notes about this site;

1. For our protection, you must be registered in order to view & create posts. I will act as the moderator (for now) for the only purpose of weeding out spam, abusive posts from non-members, etc). Generally, new posts & comments from members will be available either the same day or within 24 hours.
2. Blog posts can be on any topic (this is our ministry, NOT mine); from prayers, reflections and parish news to sports, world news and "guy stuff" in general. Just a gentle reminder to keep it clean, keep it real and generally related to the purpose of our ministry. Political discussions are fine as long as charity of heart keeps our passions in check.
3. CHECK IN OFTEN: we will use this site to coordinate meetings, announcements, etc.
4. We're all men of the world so there's little need to remind ourselves about not giving out personal phone #'s, using full last names, etc. This is still the internet, after all! We will circulate a seperate email/phone contact chain "offline".
5. HAVE FUN!!! Post funny or inspirational videos if ya got 'em. Links to other like-minded sites, etc.

About OUR Ministry:

As Isaiah so eloquently makes the analogy, "You O Lord are the potter, we are the clay" (IS 64:7), we can expand the artistic imagery of our ministry as a beautiful painting, where God has created the frame, and we cooperate in his Creation by filling in the scene. Towards that goal, we keep this ministry open to just about any and all ideas.

I'd like to throw out some suggestions just for starters about a three-fold theme for us; Spirituality, Service & Fellowship.

Spirituality can include Holy Hour (generally held on the 1st Tuesday evening of the month from 7-8), Stations of the Cross (perhaps once a month after a 5:00 Mass ?), weekly or monthly bible study or catechetical discussion. Guest speakers on a particular topic might also be enjoyed. Any other ideas? Let's hear 'em!

Service can include assisting during Religious Ed either as a catechist, classroom assistant, hall or door monitor, etc. We can also pitch in to help our friends in Parish Social Ministry by holding food/clothing drives, fundraising car washes, occasionally driving or assiting in our Transportation ministry with our parish van, etc. Any other ideas? Let's hear 'em!

Fellowship. Faith & Football anyone? Take a pilgrimage together with the families to St Patrick's for Christmas? Monthly movie night? Any other ideas? Let's hear 'em!

These are just some broad strokes, and they are by no means exclusive. We have the opportunity to grow this mustard seed of faith into something rewarding to us, our families and our community but also glorifying to the Lord who leads us!