OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship

Pope Benedict XVI’s sermon for the Easter Vigil

2011-04-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

"We celebrate this day as the origin and the goal of our existence." Pope Benedict XVI's Easter Vigil homily, linked from Catholic Online. Read HERE.

Feast of Priests - Archbishop Jose Gomez, Chrism Mass, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

2011-04-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Archbishop Jose Gomez
photo source whsipersintheloggia

The following is a excerpt given by Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles during the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Full text can be read HERE.

Cardinal Mahony, my brother bishops, my dear brother priests and deacons; religious and consecrated men and women, seminarians; all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

This is a special moment of grace for me. This is my first chrism Mass with my brother bishops and priests, my first co-workers in the apostolic work of building the Kingdom of God here in the great Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

I love this ceremony in which we bless the holy oils — the signs and instruments through which our priests carry out their ministry of salvation.

It is so fitting that we do this during Holy Week. For these signs of divine grace draw the supernatural power they communicate from the paschal mystery of Our Lord’s death and resurrection that we commemorate this week.

Pope John Paul II used to call this yearly celebration of the chrism Mass, “the feast of priests.” That is a beautiful way to think about this celebration. (Read full text HERE.)

Matthew Kelly at OLR Saturday, April 2nd 7:30 PM

2011-02-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

December 2010 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 12/11/2010

2010-12-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

An Evening with Father Gregory Boyle Saturday, November 13, 2010

2010-10-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Men's Fellowship is hosting FATHER GREGORY BOYLE Author & Founder/Executive Director of HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES on Saturday, November 13.

Fr. Greg will be speaking and reading from his best-selling book: TATTOOS ON THE HEART The Power of Boundless Compassion.

Don’t miss the rare opportunity to hear this phenomenal man of our time, as he shares his insights into gang intervention, rehabilitation, and social justice.

Schedule is as follows:

5:30 p.m. Mass celebrated by Fr. Greg
6:30 p.m. Reading, discussion and dinner catered by the Homegirls Cafe.

Fr. Greg will be signing copies of his new book. Books on sale at the presentation ---All net proceeds From this book go to Homeboy Industries. To learn more about Father Greg Boyle and his work, please visit www.homeboy-industries.org .

Refuge House: CMF Hosting Coffee House Friday October 22 7 PM

2010-10-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

August 2010 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 8/14/2010

2010-08-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

August Guest Speaker Father Charles Ssebulime

OLRCMF will be welcoming Father Charles Ssebulime of Uganda as our August Prayer Breakfast Guest Speaker on August 14. Fr. Charles is a priest of the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana in Uganda where he is an associate Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Mwera, Uganda. Fr. Charles family is from Mubende, Uganda. He is the eigth of ten children. Fr. Charles began his seminary training in high school and continued with college studies at the seminary. After completing college with a degree in philosphy, Fr. Charles came to the United States and studied at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA . While at St. John's he completed a one year intership at St. John Fisher Parish in Palos Verdes. Fr. Charles earned two Masters degrees (M. Div and MA ), and was ordained a Deacon on November 19, 2005. In July 2006 he returned to Uganada and was ordained to the Priesthood.

Mass begins at 8 am in the Church followed by breakfast and Fr. Charles at 8:30. Meeting will end at 10 am. Bring a friend.

Fr. Charles' Bio above was summarized from Father Charles web site http://changeuganda.com/ Visit the site to learn more about Father Charles.

June 2010 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 6/12/2010

2010-06-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

Jamie Carvlin and Steve Lang will be the keynote speakers at our June CMF Prayer Breakfast on Saturday June 12. At a CMF Breakfast last year, Jamie requested prayers regarding his critical need for a kidney transplant. Steve, a parishioner in attendance that morning, stepped forward to be a donor. Jamie and Steve will each share their personal take on this inspiring story of faith and brotherhood. The breakfast meeting is open to all parish men and women. The morning begins with Mass at 8 am in the Church, followed by breakfast at 8:30 in the Cafeteria. The fellowship will conclude at 10:00. For more information on organ transplants, vist OrganDoner.Gov.

The Bread of Life

2010-06-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Keeping with the theme of the Feast of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, the OLRCMF webmaster is posting a guest blogger from our Blog Roll. Originally posted at Will There Be Donuts in 2009, the blogger considers Jesus' miraculous feeding of the multitude, and how the wonder of that event informs our understanding of and living out of the Eucharist. (Note: the CMF webmaster does disclose and admit to also being the webmaster at Will There Be Donuts. OLRCMF: Hey, thanks for being our guest blogger this week. WTBD: Oh, don't mention it.)

I heard it again today. It was suggested to me that when we read John 6:1-15, wherein Jesus feeds a multitude with five barley loaves and two fish, it wasn't necessarily a miraculous event. Jesus simply encouraged a large disconnected crowd of people to redistribute the food they already possessed equitably among themselves. In those days, it was pointed out, people did not hit the road without a plan. There wasn't a 7 Eleven or a Jack in the Box on every corner. No Taco Bell. The people comprising that assembled crowd in that particular time and place would have been packing, meaning that they would have brought their own food and beverages, and more than likely had them discreetly stowed beneath their cloaks. Some might have brought more than they needed. Others might not have brought enough. All that Jesus did was to teach, by the example of a generous boy, that the crowd could abundantly feed itself if everyone shared what they already had in common.

Not a bad story. Not a bad lesson. Misses the point, I think.

I'm always curious whenever a believer, be they a theologian, a catechist, or the guy eating a donut next to me at coffee hour, feels the need to weed out the miracles from the words and works of Jesus in the Gospels. His life begins with a virgin birth and ends with resurrection and ascension. The water walking, dead raising, demon expelling, and food multiplying parts in the middle shouldn't be too much of a stretch to accept framed within that context. Why is removing the miraculous (and traditional) understanding of this event necessary? Does it provide more clarity, or is it simply too much to expect modern rational minds to accept the narrative literally?

We can begin by asking ourselves why the author of the Gospel included this event. Is it intended to teach us to share what we have with each other, that hunger and poverty are man induced, and that we, like Dorothy and her companions in Oz, have the solution to our dilemmas within our own grasp all along if we but trust to look? Or is the point of the event a confirmation that Jesus is the messiah, accompanied by signs and wonders, and that this God man is not only concerned with our eternal destiny, but demonstrates human compassion for our current temporal struggles? Might Jesus have even used this sign to prepare His followers, including us, to understand that He Himself would feed us always, would Himself become the bread come down from heaven, would be Eucharist?

In the Gospel story, we're told that the crowd had gathered because of the signs that Jesus was performing, specifically with the sick. This was not a marketed event. There were no flyers posted around the villages noting when and where Jesus would be, including a start and end time. It was a spontaneous crowd that gathered and grew in response to Jesus miraculously curing large numbers of sick people. As Jesus moved away from the populace, the crowd followed after him. Passover was near (think Eucharist.) Instead of returning home for the Passover the crowd continued to follow Jesus into the mountains. The crowd followed Jesus beyond where they had expected to follow Him. The crowd was compelled. Something amazing was happening. This was not a trip that they had planned and packed for. This was a movement of the Spirit. The crowd followed Jesus beyond the line of personal risk. Haven't you ever found yourself there?

"When Jesus raised his eyes

and saw that a large crowd was coming to him,

he said to Philip,

“Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?”

He said this to test him,

because he himself knew what he was going to do" John 6:5-6

Phillip's answer to Jesus assumes that everyone in the crowd would need to be fed. Phillip was a man of that time and place. He was familiar with his own culture. He did not say, "Well, most of these people probably have enough to feed themselves. We only need to worry about the geniuses that came along without a sack lunch." No. Instead, Phillip guesstimated that "Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little." John 6:7.

Enter the boy with the "five barley loaves and two fish." John 6:9 It seems that he had brought more than enough for himself. Most likely, when his mother packed his lunch, she always threw in a little extra, just in case. I don't think she realized that this time she was preparing a meal for 5,000 plus. The boy came forward to help, and directly or indirectly, gave the food to Andrew, who then brought the small amount to Jesus. Jesus responded with, "OK. That should do it," gave thanks, and then proceeded to offer the boy's lunch to the crowd. Not only did everyone have enough to eat, but more food was gathered up from the left overs than the amount that had been originally served.

Was this truly a miracle?

"When the people saw the sign he had done, they said,

“This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.”" John 6:5-14-15

The fed multitude believed that something supernatural had occurred. The gathered had become sharers in the type of sign and wonder they had set out to behold.

Jesus then realized that the crowd, in response to what they had witnessed, wanted to carry Him off and make Him king there and then, so He escaped further off into the mountains alone. The apostles departed by boat without Jesus. The boat encountered rough water, and Jesus caught up with them, having crossed the water on foot, just as they reached the other side. It should be noted that many of the people who had "eaten the bread" also departed by boat and were surprised to find Jesus on the other side. He chastised them for being more excited about the bread, the temporal comfort and curiosity, than the implication of the sign, which He went on to connect first to the manna by which their father's were fed in the desert, and then directly to Himself, to the Eucharist. The chapter ends with Jesus repeating that His flesh is real food and His blood real drink multiple times, and that His followers must consume Him in order to have life.( John 6:53-58) For most of the gathered, Jesus' words were too hard to accept. Most walked away. Jesus then asked his closest friends if they were going to leave Him too? Peter responded as we must, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" John 6:68

John Chapter 6 is all about the Eucharist. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Jesus giving us His own flesh and His own blood as food and drink. This is miraculous. This is the central miracle of our faith. Jesus offered on the cross for us. Jesus as the Passover Lamb. It requires faith in the miraculous. More than that, it feeds faith in the miraculous.

The Gospel is still too hard for many to accept. The signs and wonders that Jesus worked are too difficult for many present day believers to fully embrace. Miracles must be made metaphor, the wonder relegated to internal spirituality. The natural interpretation trumps the supernatural. It isn't surprising that some liturgists have begun to more celebrate the gathered than the sacrifice for which we gather. Our God is a miracle. Jesus is still working wonders among us. We need to be a people of the wonder. We need to offer, unashamed, our belief in the wonders of our God to a world much in need of wonder. Accepting that Jesus miraculously fed a multitude of hungry people does not negate the role of the gathered in the miracle. Jesus allowed the saved to participate in the saving act. The young boy risks rejection and scorn by offering a small gift to a large problem. Much like Mary's humble yes to the Angel by which the Word became flesh, Jesus takes a small humble act and magnifies it. When Andrew brought the boys small gift before Jesus, he asked Jesus, "what is that among so many?" John 6:9 Jesus responded by feeding the multitude with 12 baskets in excess. In the company of Jesus, we can always confidently approach the needs before us, the struggle at hand, in our homes, in our parishes, or within our world, bringing no more than the strength, the intelligence, and the faith we have on hand. Some may ask, "what is that against so great a problem?" We know the answer. Everything.

Catholic Men's Fellowship of California Update

2010-06-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

A number of new parish based men's groups are starting up, particularly in Southern California. Please pray that these groups will help men become more committed in their Christian walk. Pray for the leadership teams that they will be men of service, faith and humility. CMF is pleased to help in any way to assist new or existing men's groups.

Catholic Men's Fellowship of California has announced that Burt Martinez had become our newest Ambassador. Burt has been actively involved with St Hilary's parish in Pico Rivera, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, for 18 years. He has served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Sacristan. Burt helped build and start the St Hilary's Men's Fellowship. He has been married to Rosemarie for 12 years and has helped raise four stepchildren. His vision is to bring many lost sheep back to Christ and help men discover the truth of the Faith. He is motivated to build a stronger marriage to Rosemarie and become a true servant and minister to his family and to others. CMF Ambassadors are men who volunteer their time to assist men's groups, help with conferences and encourage men to become daily followers of Christ.

Upcoming Events:

One Day Conference: The Way to the Father: On Saturday, June 5 at St. Joseph Center of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart in Alhambra. The day begins at 9:30 am and ends at 5:00 pm. There will be two dynamic speakers for us men: Fr. Steven Guitron and Fr. Joseph Shea. Come join with other men to be encouraged in fatherhood after the model of God the Father. Cost of the conference is $45 which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Confessions will be offered. The conference will include mass. Register online NOW at www.Catholicmen.org.

You Are My Son

2010-05-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

I know your name

and I weep when you hurt

And I cheer when you win

Because you are my son

I will come when you call

I will hear your prayers

And I will fight for my name

Because you are my Son

You are my son

Artist: Scarecrow and Tinmen

Song: You Are My Son

Album: No Place Like Home

1999 Pamplin Music

ChrisPadgett.com

St. Barnabas, Long Beach Offers Adult Lenten Series

2010-02-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Long Beach is offering a 4 week Lenten Series for adults beginning Thursday February 25th.

What are the top 10 things a Catholic should know about their faith? What does the Church really teach about life after death? What does the Church teach about the problem of pain and suffering? What does the Church teach about the relationship between science and religion? These are the topics that will be covered by presenters Scott Johnson MA, Chair, Dept. of Theolgy, Loyola High School, and Jeff Johnson MD, MA, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics USC Keck School of Medicine.

Suggested donation for the 4 week series is $40 for one adult, $60 for couples. Child care is provided for an additional $3.

Visit the site here for more information or click on the image at left for larger view.

A Lenten Plan for Catholic Men

2010-02-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

The 775 Challenge Plan by Danny Abramowicz

Danny Abramowicz , former NFL wide receiver, now a popular author, speaker, and television within the Catholic Men's Movement, has created a special Lenten Plan for men. Abramowicz's Plan can be found at Catholic Exchange. Below is Danny's introduction and a link to the plan.

"I would like to share with you a challenge plan that the Lord has put on my heart. Men throughout salvation history have been open to and have accepted challenges from God, and by doing so, their lives were changed and they became holy men of God, which he has called them to be and us to be.

Lent last for seven weeks and this plan is called the "775 Challenge Plan," which stands for 7 challenges to take effect over a 7 week period of time and the 5 ways to obtain the graces needed in order to give us the inward strength to complete these challenges. By accepting this 775 Plan we are giving the Holy Spirit permission to remold our lives.

Maybe, this Lent, instead of giving up something, we, instead, can accept these challenges from the Lord and with His graces can succeed in changing the lives of each and every one of us.

Of course, once you review the plan, the 5 ways to obtain graces are the bare minimum amounts of times-you can add to these numbers as the Spirit moves you.

My prayer is that each of us will accept this challenge and, hopefully, cast our nets and ask one other man to join in this challenge-preferably a family member. " Danny Abramowicz

Find the plan at the Catholic Exchange by clicking Here.

Ash Wednesday - Into the Desert

2010-02-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

LAST CALL - Carmelites at St. Joseph Center in Alhambra Host Men's Conference

2010-02-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, February 20, the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Los Angeles will hold their first men's conference. It will take place at the St. Joseph Center next door to their retreat house on Alhambra Rd. and Granada Ave. in Alhambra. The conference is titled "UPSTREAM ~ LIVING RADICAL CATHOLIC LIVES"

Advent

2009-12-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Advent continues. We continue to wait. We continue to hope. We continue to trust. We are an Advent people, a people who wait excitedly for the coming of our Lord, for the light that will shatter darkness.

The people that walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those who lived in a land as dark

as death

a light has dawned.

You have increased their joy

and given them gladness;

They rejoice in your presence

as those who rejoice at harvest

Is. 9:1-2

Here are some good Advent resources as we proceed toward Christmas.

Catholic.org offers the meditation "Why We Need Advent" among many other Advent themed articles and resources.

The website "Stumbling After Francis, Learning to Live a Capuchin Life "offers weekly Advent Meditations.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

The men of Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Men's Ministry would like to wish you and your families a holy and happy Thanksgiving.

Our Thanksgiving meditation is excerpted from the web page of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, the monastic community founded by John Michael Talbot. The community suffered a devastating fire in 2008, and the struggle to rebuild and carry on with their various outreaches continues. God has not abandoned them, and instead has visited upon them a renewed conviction in the work He has called upon them to carry forward. John Michael's Thanksgiving message can be found in it's entirety at the site, as well as news on the fire, the rebuilding, and information on the communities work and life.

"The bible says that we are what we think. If we think good things we are better people, and do good things. If we think negative thoughts we are negative people, and accomplish far less then what we would otherwise.

Scripture also says that we enter into God's presence through either repentance, or thanksgiving and praise. Repentance turns us from an unhealthy sorrow to a healthy sorrow that leads us from the negativity of sin to the positive joy of forgiveness. Praise and thanksgiving are positive thoughts that stir up the Spirit of God in our life. This makes us grateful for even the smallest blessings in life. This is all a choice. We can choose whether or not to repent of sin, or to be grateful.

In effect we either see the glass as half full or half empty. Those who see it as half full do not deny that we need to work to fill the glass, but they remain positive and therefore productive in filling it. Those who see it as half empty lose sight of the part that is half full, become sad and despondent, and unable to do anything to fill the rest of the glass.

This Thanksgiving let's remain filled with an attitude of gratitude to God and to people. Then we can respond to today's very real troubles in a way that can really make life better for everyone and for us. I believe that this is God's challenge, and God's will for us in these times." John Michael Talbot

November 2009 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 11/14/2009

2009-11-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

Our November CMF Prayer Breakfast Guest Speaker will be Jose Adrian Gaviña, C.F.O. of F. Gavina and Sons Inc., makers of Gavina Gourmet Coffee, will be our keynote speaker at the November CMF Prayer Breakfast on Saturday November 14. The Gaviña family has been in the coffee business for over 135 years. A strong sense of family is at the heart of F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc., more commonly known as Gaviña. Jose will be speaking on the role of his faith and family in his life and work. The morning begins with Mass at 8 am in the Church, followed by breakfast at 8:30 in the Cafeteria. The fellowship concludes at 10:00. It will be a morning of inspiration, fellowship and great food. All parish men and women are invited. Bring some hungry friends. RSVP to Rob Eagan at (562) 682-5186 or Tom Silva at (562) 938-1677, or email olrcmenf@ourladyofrefuge.org.

Priesthood Sunday - October 25, 2009

2009-10-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 25th, is Priesthood Sunday. How will you celebrate?

Priesthood Sunday, the thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood in the United States. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as a central one.

This nationwide event is coordinated by the USA Council of Serra International. It is sponsored by the USA Council of Serra International and the Serra International Foundation.

What happens on Priesthood Sunday?

The lay faithful of all parishes in the country develop their own special way of marking the day and honoring their parish priests both at Mass and other parish events, such as social celebrations and school activities.

Priesthood Sunday was designed to be an event led by the laity, but your parish priest can participate by talking about how he experienced and answered his own calling, the need for vocations to keep the priesthood vital, and about priests who have inspired him.

Priesthood Sunday will also offer an opportunity for priests and their parishioners to build a stronger working relationship for the future. Together, they can dialogue to take an honest look at the challenges of the future and how they can collaborate to meet those challenges as a united force. - from PriestSunday.org

For more information, and some ideas on Priesthood Sunday, visit the following sites:

PriestSunday.org

Worldwide Marriage Encounter's dedicated page

Discerning the Contents of Your Cellar

2009-10-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

"Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man; it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am. The rats are always there in the cellar, but if you go in shouting and noisily they will have taken cover before you switch on the light." C. S. Lewis Mere Christianity

October 2009 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 10/10/2009

2009-10-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

Our October guest speaker will be Art Maramba, Music Director at Our Lady of Refuge Long Beach Parish and School. Art will lead us in a consideration of the place and importance of music in our worship and liturgy. He will be speaking from his extensive experience in liturgical music, and using Cardinal Roger Mahoney's Pastoral Letter on the Liturgy, "Gather Faithfully Together" asa guide. Join us for an inspirational morning of fellowship and music. Our morning will start with mass at 8 am followed by breakfast & fellowship in the cafeteria. This meeting is open to all parishioners. Please bring your wives, sisters, mothers and friends as we celebrate with Art our call to worship, drawing us closer to Christ who is our song.

NFCM National Prayer Chain

2009-07-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

The National Fellowship of Catholic Men receives many prayer requests throughout the week. They have developed a special Prayer Chain Newsetter to facilitate those requests. Please remember to always take a moment to pray for others in their time of need. If you would like to become a part of the National Prayer Chain, submit a Prayer Request, or view the Prayer Board, select the following links:

NFCM National Prayer Chain

Prayer Request

Prayer Board

Independence Day 2009

2009-07-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Prayer for the Nation

Almighty God, You have given us this good land for our heritage. We humbly ask You that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Your favor and glad to do Your will. Bless our land with honorable endeavor, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitude brought here out of many nations and tongues. Endow with the Spirit of wisdom those to whom in Your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Your law we may show forth Your praise among the nations on earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble do not allow our trust in You to fail. Amen. Thomas Jefferson

Grace Before Meals

2009-07-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Bishop Joe Sartoris, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Los Angeles, California, has described the aroma of fresh bread filling a house as the "odor of sanctity." I have always appreciated that phrase for both it's Eucharistic imagery and for the holiness which it casts upon the little church of the home. With three young children, it is a daily effort in our house to sustain the sanctity with which our generous God wants to grace our domestic church. Food together as a family is second only to praying as a family when it comes to our daily efforts to grow together in love and holiness. This goal is not met without it's struggles. When the family's combined Church, school, athletic and social calendars kick into high gear, it is often tempting to "feed by need" instead of "feed indeed." My wife, thank you Lord, works hard to maintain the vision. Forks don't come up until the phones, tvs, and skates are off. It's not always a holy card portrait, but we are a work in progress. And - grace will always precede every meal.

Speaking of grace before meals, Fr. Leo Patalinghug, a Maryland Priest & chef who also believes that food & famly together are key ingredients in building the Kingdom of God, has founded a family friendly movement that aims to lead, inspire, and challenge us towards stronger families and better food, shared together, one meal at a time.

Grace Before Meals is centered on one fundamental concept: the simple act of creating and sharing a meal can strengthen all kinds of relationships. Founded by Fr. Leo Patalinghug in 2003, Grace Before Meals has grown from a simple idea to a worldwide movement, producing a book, blog and even a pilot for a TV show endorsed by PBS.

Research shows that having frequent family dinners can reduce the susceptibility of teens to risks like teen pregnancy, smoking, drug use and depression. And these benefits don’t just apply to traditional families or people with kids. Stronger families in turn foster stronger communities.

Fr. Leo, who was born in the Philippines and raised in the Baltimore area, actually developed his love for cooking while attending the seminary at the North American College in Rome. He recently filmed a surprise Throwdown with Food Network's Bobby Flay. The outcome of that culinary battle is a highly gaurded secret until the episode airs later this summer.

Visit Fr. Leo and Grace Before Meals and learn more about this inspiring ministry by clicking HERE!

Year for Priests, June 19, 2009 - June 19, 2010

2009-06-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010.

With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars.

The theme for the special year is “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests."

Year for Priests Links:

Official Vatican Site

USCCB Site

Catholic.org

The National Catholic Register

Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony and the Auxiliary Bishops Statement

Catholic Men's Fellowship of California Summer Retreat

2009-06-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

"The Challenge of Discipleship" Annual Men's Summer Retreat July 10-12 , 2009 Mary and Joseph Retreat Center, Palos Verdes. Catholic Men's Fellowship of California is holding it's nineteenth annual summer retreat, a time to get away from the pressures of the world and to gather with your brothers in Christ. Come and spend a weekend with Christ – He is calling you. This is indeed a safe place where you can recharge your spiritual batteries and enjoy the presence of the Lord. Come join us in prayer as we lift each other up and worship to the music of "Pillar". You will also enjoy free time for fellowship or just relaxing.

Retreat Master: Father Santan Pinto, SOLT. Fr. Pinto is a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity and joins us from New Mexico. He is a popular parish mission speaker and retreat leader which he gives throughout the United States. He is uniquely gifted to help us men with the issues and struggles that we face in our lives.

Homily For Corpus Christi 2009

2009-06-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Guest Homilist - Fr. Austin Fleming, Archdiocese of Boston

A Concord Pastor Comments - http://concordpastor.blogspot.com/

"You are what you eat.”

At least that’s what people say.

In fact, they’ve been saying that since 1826 when a Frenchman,

Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, wrote,

"Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are."

Dis-moi ce que tu manges et je te dirai ce que tu es.

(Everything always sounds better in French!)

Today’s feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

celebrates the sacramental reality of Christ’s presence

in the gifts of bread and wine we offer every time we celebrate Mass,

- what we eat and drink when we celebrate the Eucharist.

What does the spiritual food we share at Mass tell us about who we are?

Christ is present at Mass in several ways in the liturgy.

He’s present in our very gathering, our coming together to pray.

He himself told us,

“Wherever two or three are gathered in my name,

there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

He is also “present in the Word, since it is the Lord himself who speaks

when the scriptures are read in the Church.” (cf. CSL, no. 7)

And most important of all,

he is present in the sacramental supper of this table

where we are nourished by the sacrifice he offered

on the altar of the Cross.

Christ, present, truly, in the bread and cup of the Eucharist…

But what do we mean when we say that?

Back in the 4th century, people asked the same question

and St. Augustine gave them this answer:

What you see is the bread and the chalice;

that is what your own eyes report to you.

But what your faith obliges you to accept is that

the bread is the Body of Christ and the chalice the Blood of Christ...

How is the bread his Body?

And that which is in the chalice - how is it his Blood?

Those elements, brothers and sisters, are called sacraments,

because in them one thing is seen, but another is understood.

What is seen is the corporeal species

but what is understood is the spiritual fruit...

You yourselves are the Body of Christ and his members.

If you are the Body of Christ and his members,

it is your own mystery that is presented at the table of the Lord,

you receive your mystery.

To that which you are -- you answer: `Amen...'

For you hear: `The Body of Christ!' and you answer: `Amen!'

You hear: ‘The Blood of Christ!’ and you answer: ‘Amen!’

Be a member of Christ's Body, then,

so that your `Amen' may be the truth.

In St. Augustine’s effort to help us understand the comfort that is ours

in believing that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist,

there comes also a challenge,

to believe not only that the bread and wine become

the body and blood of Christ,

but to believe also that, indeed, we are to become

what we eat and drink:

we are to become the true presence of Christ

breaking ourselves like bread to nourish our neighbor;

pouring ourselves out like wine in outreach to those in need."

(Click Here to read more.)

Image: StJVNY

Feast of Corpus Christi

2009-06-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

"There is nothing passive in Eucharistic Adoration; it is a font of activity, and it leads us to fuller participation in the true centre of our life as Christians, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, especially if we spend our time in adoration praying over the biblical texts used at Mass. There is nothing individualistic in Eucharistic Adoration, for we come before the Lord as members of the family of faith, linked to them through Baptism and through the celebration of the Eucharist. In the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist we seek the light to see our world and its needs, to judge the issues we face according to the values of the Gospel, and to act decisively as disciples of Jesus." Archbishop Thomas Collins, Edmonton Canada from therealpresence.org

"God is near. God knows us. God is waiting for us in Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Let us not leave him waiting in vain! Let us not, through distraction and lethargy, pass by the greatest and most important thing life offers us . . . The Lord is near us in our conscience, in his word, in his personal presence in the Eucharist: this constitutes the dignity of the Christian and is the reason for his joy. We rejoice therefore, and this joy is expressed in praising God. Today we can see how the closeness of the Lord also brings people together and brings them close to each other: it is because we have the same Lord Jesus Christ in Munich and in Rome that we form one single people of God, across all frontiers, united in the call of conscience, united by the word of God, united through communion with Jesus Christ, united in the praise of God, who is our joy and our redemption." Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, God Is Near Us

Homily from Mass of the Feast of Corpus Christi at the Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadelupe, Griswold Conn.

Online Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at http://www.savior.org/ .

June 2009 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 06/13/09

2009-06-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

All men and women of the parish are invited to help us celebrate Father Al Scott's 50th anniversary of the priesthood at our June Catholic Men's Fellowship Breakfast.

Father Scott is a native of Los Angeles. He studied at Loyola High School and Loyola Marymount University.He completed his seminary studies at St. John's in Camarillo and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1959.

Father Al spent 35 years teaching religion at St. Monica's High School in Santa Monica, St. Bernard's High School in Playa del Rey, St. Anthony's High School in Long Beach and St. Joseph's High School in Lakewood.He is now devoting the majority of his time to parish ministry at St. Cyprian's Parish in Lakewood, CA.

Previous to Fr. Al's move to St. Cyprian's, the community of Our Lady of Refuge in Long Beach was fortunate to have Fr. Al as an Associate Pastor and member of our parish family. As a priest among us, Fr. Al consistently challenged all of us to make a difference in our community. He encouraged us to practice simple acts of kindness, and to care for our personal temples, spirtually, mentally, and physically. Like a tenacious personal trainer, Fr. Al reminded us weekly from the pulpit to establish and keep regular patterns of prayer, physical excersize, and spiritual reading, to become, as author and speaker Matthew Kelly puts it, the best version of ourselves.

Father Al is especially dedicated to working with the homeless, the elderly, the poor, people who have alcohol and drug abuse problems or who are serving time in prison.

Please join us as we start the day with 8 am Mass in the Church, followed by breakfast, fellowship and a celebration of a true man of Christ and a dear friend to the people of Our Lady of Refuge. Please invite all family members and friends who would like to celebrate with us.

NOTE: Fr. Al's Grandfather, Joseph Scott, a brilliant lawyer and orator, was know as "Mr. Los Angeles." Click Here to read more on this great Catholic man.

Catholic Eye Candy

2009-06-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

Holy Smoke! Looking for some wonder and awe inspiring catholic imagary? Just added this Catholic Blog to our Blog Roll. Catholic Eye Candy is a photo blog devoted to images of the Catholic Church: Her traditions, worship, and human faces. The blogger explains the site's purpose: "God laid the Church and Her tradition in front of me as a bait, and so He caught me. God has taught me to love beauty, because He is the source of all beauty. May this blog help you in that pursuit, which is ultimately a pursuit of God Himself."

Catholic Eye Candy has been nominated for a Catholic New Media Award 2009 . The following images are just a sample of the photos to be found on the site.

Pope 2 You

2009-06-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Pope Bendict XVI is wired? Did you know that the Pope is on Facebook? Did you Know BXVI is broadcasting on YouTube? He's even sending out the Gospel message to IPhones and updating Wiki with the Good News! Find out what our Pope is up to and get connected at Pope 2 You, an internet site launched last week on the 43rd World Day of Communication.

Vatican Pentecost Mass 2009

2009-06-01T13:14:00.001-07:00

Watch the Vatican Pentecost Mass 2009 by clicking on this link for CatholicTV.

Posted using ShareThis

Life - Imagine the Potential

2009-05-28T18:46:00.001-07:00

May 2009 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 05/09/09

2009-04-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

All men and women of the parish are invited on Saturday, May 9, to help us celebrate Monsignor Bill O'Keefe's 50th anniversary of the priesthood.

Monsignor Bill is a native of Portarlington, County Offaly, Ireland. He completed his seminary studies at St. Patrick's College in Carlow, Ireland and was ordained to the priesthood in 1959 for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In his years of priestly ministry, Monsignor Bill served in the following parishes - St. Didacus in Sylmar, St. Barnabas in Long Beach, St. Louis of France in Bassett, St. Mel's in Woodland Hills and St. Margaret Mary in Lomita. Monsignor Bill came to Our Lady of Refuge in Long Beach in 1980, and became its pastor in 1981. In July of 2008, Monsignor Bill retired as active pastor of Our Lady of Refuge, but he remains in residence and continues all aspects of his priestly work except parish administration.

We would ask you to invite family and friends as we share stories and fellowship of our dear friend and inspiration in Christ, Fr. Bill. We will start with an 8 am Mass followed by breakfast and celebration in the School Cafeteria.

For more information please email olrcmenf@ourladyofrefuge.org.

Crossing the Goal Ministries Special on EWTN - the 2009 Columbus Men's Conference

2009-04-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

EWTN will broadcast a special episode of the series Crossing the Goal Ministries featuring the 2009 Columbus Men's Conference, which was held on March 7 of this year. The episode will air this Sunday, April 26 at 6 pm. Crossing the Goal was created by Danny Abramowicz, former NFL all-pro wide receiver and coach, along with the EWTN Global Catholic Network. Other team members include Peter Herbeck, Vice President, Renewal Ministries; Curtis Martin, Founder of Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS); and professional broadcaster, Brian Patrick. Crossing the Goal uses a sports show format to encourage men to get into spiritual shape. This is a program that you will not want to miss. Check the EWTN television broadcast schedule for more information.

Papal Audience Saint Peter's Square Wednesday, 22 April 2009

2009-04-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today I would like to speak about the writings of a little-known author from the eighth century - the Benedictine monk and abbot Ambrose Autpert. The turbulence of the times in which he lived affected life within the monasteries, and many of Autpert's writings summon his brethren to rekindle the fervour of their monastic vocation. One of his most widely-read works is his Conflict between the vices and the virtues, designed to assist his monks in their daily spiritual struggle. For each of twenty-four vices threatening the soul, he indicated the corresponding virtue that would help the Christian to overcome temptation. Observing the widespread thirst for power and wealth in society of that time, he taught that greed is the root of all vices, and he urged his contemporaries to seek the narrow gate that leads to life. In his extensive commentary on the Book of Revelation, viewed as a treatise on the Church, Autpert taught that Christ must "be born, die and rise again every day in us, his body". Hence the Virgin Mary serves as a model of the Church. Indeed, Autpert is considered the first great Marian theologian in the West, and he writes with an almost mystical love for the Blessed Virgin. Love, he says, is the key to our knowledge of God. Intellectual study may point the way, but only when we love God do we truly know him. Following Autpert's teaching, let us strive to grow daily in our love for God."

Pope Benedict XVI

Keep up with Pope Benedict XVI. Find his Papal Audience addresses, homilies, and other words of counsel direct from St. Peter's Square at fromthebalcone.somcmedia.com.

Culture Unplugged Video

2009-04-20T14:58:00.001-07:00

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Being Men of Prayer

2009-04-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

"I would like to speak to you about the call to prayer.

We have meditated on these words of Jesus: “Pray that you may have strength... to stand before the Son of man.” And we welcome again today the call to prayer that comes from Christ himself to each of us and to the whole Church. The call to prayer places the Church’s full commitment in the proper perspective. In 1976, Paul VI. speaking of the “call to commitment,” declared that “In the tradition of the Church every call to action is first of all a call to prayer.” These words have great significance today, too. They are a stimulus for the Church everywhere in the world.

The universal Church of Christ, and hence every particular church, exists for prayer. In prayer the individual expresses his nature; the community expresses its vocation; the Church approaches God. In prayer the Church enters into communion with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. In prayer the Church expresses her Trinitarian Life, because it is directed to the Father, is subjected to the action of the Holy Spirit, and lives fully the relationship with Christ. Indeed, it is experienced as the Body of Christ, as mystical Christ." John Paul II The Church Exists for Prayer

Prayer, then, is the true stimulus package, the source of our hope, the engine of our faith. Prayer is not an accessory to the Christian walk, but the essence of the walk itself. We can not be men for Christ if we are not first men of prayer. How then do we pray?

Prayer at it's core should be intuitive. Prayer is a "built-in" feature, a capacity created into us. Unfortunately, most of us have not exercised this natural ability to anywhere near it potential. Fortunately for us, our God is tenacious in his will to relate with us. Our first prayer can be "Lord, teach me to pray."

Types of prayer - The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer as "a surge of the heart . . . a simple look turned toward heaven, . . . a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." When our heart "surges" and looks "toward heaven" the occasion of the prayer defines it's type. The Catechism lists five types of prayer: blessing & adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, & praise. For a compact consideration of these types of prayer, check out the article on prayer at Cyberfaith.

CatholicMenToday.org has a podcast by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR Ed.D. titled The Art of Prayer. Click Here for the link.

To read Why Men Don't Pray by Fr. Thomas D. Williams, LC, Click Here.

Just Do It. Pray now. Pray alone and pray in community. The following links provide opportunites online to submit your own prayer intentions or to join your prayers to the intentions of others:

catholicmen.org

National Fellowship of Catholic Men

Catholic Online

St. Anthony Shrine

Our Lady of Refuge parish holds a weekly prayer meeting. Find information on time and location Here.

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Men's Fellowship also has a prayer outreach. For information, or to request prayer support from our ministry, email olrcmenf@ourladyofrefuge.org.

Divine Mercy Sunday

2009-04-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

"I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of my mercy”. This day we are invited to approach the throne of Mercy and cry out with St. Thomas: "My Lord and My God" (Jn 20:28). Thus does Deacon Keith Fournier begin his reflection on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter, which can be read in it's entirety at Catholic Online. In his reflection, Deacon Fournier links Sunday's Gospel narrative of Thomas, the doubting apostle, with the Feast Day of Divine Mercy. He quotes a homily given by Pope St. Gregory the Great who said:

“Surely it was not by chance that this chosen disciple was missing in the first place? Or that on his return he heard, that hearing he doubted, that doubting he touched, and that touching he believed? It was by divine dispensation and not by chance that things so fell out. God’s Mercy worked wonderfully, for when that doubting disciple touched his Master’s wounded flesh he cured the wound of our disbelief… So this doubting disciple, who actually touched, became a witness to the reality of the resurrection”

Please see Deacon Fourniers complete article for an inspiring look into both Divine Mercy Sunday and the witness of St. Thomas the Apostle.

To learn more about the origins of Divine Mercy Sunday, and Pope John Paull II's role in it's establishment as a Church Feast Day, visit DivineMercy.org . To learn more about St. Faustina visit Faustina.org and AmericanCatholic.org .

If you would like information on how to pray the Chaplette of Divine Mercy, visit Catholocity.com.

Finally, enjoy the following video by Matthew Baute, "It is Mercy."

March 2009 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 03/14/09

2009-03-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

CMF At The Movies - All parish men and women are welcome as CMF sponsors the feature length movie Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. Fireproof is a movie about a firefighter, his wife, and a marriage worth rescuing. Every marriage matters, because every marriage comes from the hand of God. Join us for this must-see movie event! We'll start with the 8:00 am Mass, then move to the cafeteria at 8:30 am for a continental breakfast and the movie Fireproof.

Call Rob Eagan with any questions at 562-682-5186.

February 2009 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 02/14/09

2009-02-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

This Saturday we will enjoy the pleasure of having Monsignor Joe Greeley as our speaker. Monsignor Greeley serves as the Dean (Vicar Forane) of Deanery 20 of the San Pedro Region. There are 14 parishes in Deanery 20 that include the parishes in Long Beach and St Pancratius in Lakewood. Monsignor Greeley will present Engaging our Parish Community--The Fruits of Being Active in Your Parish.

We will start with the 8:00 AM Mass and move to the cafeteria at 8:30 AM for fellowship, breakfast, and Msgr. Joe Greeley.

January 2009 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 1/10/09

2009-02-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

Our May guest speaker will be Rich McElrath, President and CEO of DaRue of California - Manufacturer of women's sportswear. Rich played Division 1 college basketball at Utah State and was also head basketball coach at College of the Desert 1981-1983. Rich and his wife Barbara have been married since July 1, 1987. Their son, Austin, attended Our Lady of Refuge School and is currently attending Servite High School. Our morning will start with mass at 8 am followed by breakfast & fellowship in the cafeteria. As a involved OLR parishioner, Rich has proven himself to be a true Rock and an inspiration to others. Please bring your wives, sisters, mothers and friends as we celebrate Rich and his journey to grow closer to Christ.

December 2008 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 12/10/09

2009-02-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

"Embracing Bethlehem." Tom Silva will present an Advent meditation in story and song on Saint Joseph as a model for learning to always trust God in spite of ourselves. We will gather for Mass in the Church at 8 AM. Breakfast and fellowship will follow at 8:30 AM in the OLR Cafeteria. Come hungry and bring a friend.

October 2008 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 10/11/08

2008-10-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

We are honored to have our new Pastor, Fr. Ray Morales, as our keynote speaker for the October Catholic Men's Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 11. Fr. Ray will challenge us with the question, "What Now?" For more than two years, OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship has been providing food, faith, & fellowship for the men of our parish, their families and friends, and the parish at large. These first years have been spiritually informative and inspirational. We have journeyed far together as a community,and yet we know that Christ calls us to continue moving ever closer to Him. Fr. Ray will lead us in considering the next steps our CMF community is being called to take, and to discern where and how Christ's Spirit is leading us to invest the blessings we have gained. What actions can we take, what work can we embrace to move us forward in growing as a family and community of faith and making a real difference in our homes and communities? As always, we will start with 8 am mass and then gather in the hall for breakfast, song, and fellowship. PLEASE RSVP to Rob at rob@jroseassoc.com or Steve at sshanklin@verizon.net .

July 2008 Family BBQ - Saturday 7/12/08

2008-07-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Summer Family BBQ. OLR's Catholic Men's Fellowship is inviting the whole family to join in a summer celebration of food, fellowship and fun on Saturday, July 12 in the Parish Hall Patio. Burgers, hot dogs, drinks and all the trimmings will be provided, along with live music and games. All are invited! It is suggested that you bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please RSVP to Steve Shanklin at 562-505-8238 or email at olrcmenf@ourladyofrefuge.org, including the number of guests you will be bringing, so that we can plan for food. See you there. Bring sunscreen.

June 2008 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 6/14/08

2008-05-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

We are excited to welcome Coach Lynn Rogers, president of Coach’s Oats, as our June Guest Speaker. Coach Rogers knows about persistence and excellence. He began the women’s gymnastics program at California State University, Fullerton, and coached the Titans for 24 years. Under his tutelage, Fullerton won a national championship and six regional championships, producing 66 individual All-American awards.

Coach Rogers next focused that same persistence towards excellence on his quest to develop a better oatmeal. He and his wife Bonnie experimented with tasting, grinding and cooking their own oatmeal, and in the process discovered a way to make oats tasty and hearty while cooking in fewer than five minutes. When friends tried Coach’s oatmeal, they didn’t want to go back to regular oatmeal, and Coach’s Oats was born. That was 1992. Before long, Coach and Bonnie were grinding oats all weekend long just to fill their friends' orders. They incorporated Coach’s Oats as a company in 1993. In 1995, Coach received two U.S. Patents on his oatmeal and Roman Meal began milling Coach's Oats.

Coach turned his attention full-time to running Coach’s Oats in 1999. Since then, Coach’s Oats products have been on store shelves throughout the United States and selected international locations. Today, you can find items such as Coach’s Oats oatmeal, cookies and pancake mix on the market (see http://www.coachsoats.com/ for additional information).

Lynn and Bonnie live in Brea, California, with their children, Nolan, 14, and Calvin, 12, and their dog, Jack, 8. The family is active in their church in Fullerton and is involved in the FAST swim team in Fullerton. Lynn loves to swim, surf and play guitar.

As always, we will start with Mass at 8 AM, and follow up with breakfast at 8:30 AM. Chef Lawrence will again be heading the Breakfast Crew. Come hungry, and bring some friends. Please RSVP to Steve Shanklin at 562-505-8238 or email at olrcmenf@ourladyofrefuge.org, including the number of guests you will be bringing, so that we can plan for food.

May 2008 Breakfast meeting - Saturday 5/10/08

2008-05-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

Our May guest speaker will be Drew Marcos. Drew is an alumni of OLR (97) and St. John Bosco (01) and is currently pursuing a degree in Special Education. Drew has been active in Youth & Confirmation ministry for 10 years. He is also an accomplished percussionist who has played with OLR's 5:30 contemporary ensemble and the CSULB Catholic Newman Club. Drew's talk will be titled "Broken, Fallen, Risen," which will detail his personal struggles and victories with his Catholic faith, and how his involvement in parish & campus ministry has provided a sure path for his journey. Drew is currently the percussionist for the 12:30 Life Teen Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Long Beach. He also finds time to play with his own, as yet unnamed band, as well as playing with Catholic bands the Perfect Cry and Walking Refuge.

The morning starts with the 8:00 am Mass, followed by breakfast and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Drew's message is powerful to all of us; however, we believe that this will really hit home to the Catholic high school and college age kids. You can RSVP by responding to this email.

April 2008 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 04/12/08

2008-04-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our April Catholic Men's Fellowship Breakfast on Saturday April 12 will mark the 2nd anniversary of CMF at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Long Beach California. In recognition of this milestone, the focus of the April breakfast will be an open forum on the "state of the fellowship." What does CMF mean to our parish community, to our families, and to our own personal journeys? This will be an opportunity for each of us to hear and to share how CMF has helped us over the past year, and to envision together the path that we should set for the coming year.

The speakers who have inspired and challenged us this last year include lay and religious scholars and theologians, fellow parishioners, San Pedro RegionAuxiliary Bishop Alex Salazar, former Angel pitcher Dave Frost, and of course our own Fr. Al Scott. These speakers have touched our lives in different ways. The April breakfast will provide an opportunity for us to consider together the impact that these men of Christ have had on our lives and on the life of our community. (Scroll down through this page, and checkout the archives for a full review of the past year's keynote speakers.)

It has been said that the "Open Forum Saturdays" have provided some of our best breakfast gatherings. April's breakfast should be no exception. Come prepared to be fed and to "feed" our community with your presence. Prepare yourself by meditating on the following question: How have you benefited from CMF and how can CMF benefit from your participation?

It is our belief that Catholic Men's Fellowship has been a gift and a work of the Holy Spirit here in our parish. God has blessed our parish with great pastoral leadership and a great community of men. As a member of our parish community, your input is a vital ingredient of this ministry. Answer the call, and join us as we venture forward, united with our parish family, seeking to become the people of God that our Heavenly Father has envisioned in us.

We'll see you all next Saturday! RSVP soon so that we know how much food to buy.

March 2008 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 03/08/08

2008-02-23T13:00:00.001-08:00

Please join us on Saturday, March 8th, for the 8:00 Mass, breakfast, fellowship, and Fr. Thomas Rausch, S.J. of Loyola Marymount University's Department of Theological Studies.

Rev. Thomas P. Rausch, S.J., Ph.D. in religion from Duke University (1976), is the T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. A specialist in the areas of ecclesiology, ecumenism, and the theology of the priesthood, he has published 13 books and over 100 articles. He is co-chair of the Theological Commission of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; he is also a member of the Editorial Commission for The Tidings and serves as co-chair of the Los Angeles Catholic-Evangelical Committee.

Fr. Rausch will talk to us about understanding and living the Apostles Creed as a Catholic Man. All men are welcome, as this is sure to be a great Lenten experience. Please RSVP Steve Shanklin at 562-505-8238 or email at olrcmenf@ourladyofrefuge.org.

February 2008 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 02/09/08

2008-01-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

In honor of our spouses and with deep respect for the Sacrament of Matrimony, OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship is teaming up with World Wide Marriage Encounter to host an introduction to the Marriage Encounter Weekend. Ginny & Boon Hazboun will be our guest speakers, representing Marriage Encounter in the Los Angeles area. There are many couples in our parish who have benefited from this very powerful experience and many more who have not. All couples are invited to learn and to share how the Marriage Encounter movement is helping to turn good marriages into great marriages. Please join us on Saturday, February 9th, starting with the 8:00 am Mass, followed by breakfast and a presentation on the Marriage Encounter Experience. RSVP to Steve Shanklin at 562-505-8238 or email at:
sshanklin@verizon.net

January 2008 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 01/12/08

2008-01-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

For our January gathering, we will be hosting an open forum discussing a wide range of topics concerning our Catholic faith. The world we live in grows more complex each day. The fields of science, politics, economics, ethics and the environment present each of us with new and challenging decisions and choices which impact our lives and the lives of our families. What answers does our shared faith have for these questions? How should our Catholic faith inform our choices? Where is God in the mix? We have assembled a panel to respond to the questions you have submitted. The panel consists of Monsignor Bill, Dr. Nick De Los Reyes, and John McGlynn. This will be an open forum, which means that all of the gathered will have the opportunity to add their voices to the insights provided by our panelists. As always, we will start with Mass at 8 AM, and follow up with breakfast at 8:30 AM. Chef Lawrence will again be heading the Breakfast Crew. Come hungry, and bring some friends. Please RSVP to Steve at sshanklin@verizon.net including the number of guests you will be bringing, so that we can plan properly for food.

Christmas Greeting 2007

2007-12-27T14:24:00.000-08:00

On behalf of our Catholic Men's Fellowship community, we would like to wish each of you a Christ-filled Christmas season. Monsignor Bill, Fr. Al, and Fr. Tom, have each reminded us that the holiday season presents an opportunity for either much anxiety or much peace. The world tells us that we need to make our Christmas gift list our central priority, which will usually create unneeded anxiety. We have been gifted with the Advent season as a means to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, a renewed appreciation of the "tidings of great joy," the Incarnation, which is Jesus’ saving love offered to all people and all nations. We pray that the spirit of Advent helped to distance you from the anxieties of the "holidays" and to promote the love of our God in your life through his son Jesus.

The Church calendar is masterful in knowing when we need help. Our local church community, our Scared Traditions, the Sacraments, and the Holy Scriptures offer much to help us grow closer to Christ. We hope that our group, Catholic Men’s Fellowship, has helped in your personal journey.

We gathered ten times for mass, breakfast and fellowship during 2007. Our attendance at the meetings ranged from the high 30s to the mid 50s. We had approximately 97 men from the parish that attended at least one of our gatherings and 16 men who were visiting from surrounding parishes. Our topics were designed to help us grow closer to Christ, framed within our seven core principals: be a man of Jesus, be a man for others, be a man of integrity, be a man of forgiveness and discipline, be a man of prayer and responsibility, be a man of humility and love, and be a man on a mission.

We have had some wonderful speakers, testimonies, and discussions this past year. It’s time to thank everyone involved, as this is a community effort. Also to everyone who has attended, you have been called to attend for a reason. Let us know your thoughts on where we’ve been together in 2007, and where you think we should head in 2008. Please take a moment and share how CMF has helped your spiritual life as well as ideas on how we can make 2008 even more enriching. You can do this now by clicking on the word “comments” below or you can email your comments to sshanklin@verizon.net.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

CMF planning committee

December 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 12/8/07

2007-11-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

This December, the whole family is invited to breakfast and to hear guest speaker, former MLB pitcher Dave Frost.

Dave pitched for the California Angels from 1978 to 1981. In 1979, his first full season with the club, he won sixteen games and helped lead the Angels to their first division championship. At the conclusion of the season he was chosen as the team’s most valuable pitcher by the Baseball Writer’s Association of America. Dave also pitched for the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals.

Upon retirement from baseball, he worked as a floor trader at the commodities exchange in Chicago. Dave has also presented seminars and training to businesses on a wide range of topics such as motivation, team building, attitude, and stress management. He has been a columnist for the Orange County Register in which he wrote a weekly feature on "sports and family issues." He has also been a frequent guest on radio talk shows discussing subjects such as life transitions, family sports issues, and athletes in crisis.

Dave received his Bachelors degree in Political Science from Stanford University. He also has a Master’s degree in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. He and his wife, Alla, have one child and reside in Long Beach, Ca.

We will begin as usual with 8 AM Mass, followed by a fantastic family breakfast at 8:30 in the Cafeteria. Dave will speak immediately following breakfast. The event will conclude at 10:30 AM. Please RSVP to Steve at sshanklin@verizon.net including the number of guests you will be bringing, so that we can plan properly for food.

So take a break from stringing house lights, setting out the the snow domes and twinkling reindeer, and trying to find a parking spot at the mall. Faith, food & fellowship for the whole family! Bring a friend (and his family too.)

Catholic Men's Fellowship of California - Leadership Gathering

2007-10-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Bishop Alex Salazar, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles San Pedro Region will be the keynote speaker at the Catholic Men's Fellowship of California's Leadership Day "Walking the Walk as a Catholic Man: Taking the Next Step". The 1 day retreat will be held on Saturday November 3, 2007 at Our Lady of Refuge in Long Beach. The day will be divided into two sections: the General Session will begin with 8:00 am Mass and end at 11:20 am; the Leadership Session will start at 11:30 am and conclude at 2:00 pm. Great speakers, including Bishop Alex Salazar and Deacon Roger Faubert, live music by Pillar, small and large group discussions, and fellowship are some of the items on the agenda. Breakfast & lunch will be provided. All men are welcome. To register for the event online, CLICK HERE. For more information email OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship at olrcmenf@ourladyofrefuge.org .

September 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 9/8/07

2007-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

September's Guest Speaker will be Dr. Bradley Hawkins. Dr. Hawkins is a specialist in the early religious history of South and Southeast Asia. He received his Hons. B.A. in Islamic and Asian Studies, and a Master’s degree in South Asian Studies from the University of Toronto where he studied under such teachers as A. K. Warder and A. L. Basham, a Master’s degree in Catholic theology from Loyola University and his doctorate in comparative religions with an emphasis in Southeast Asian religions under the supervision of Ninian Smart.

Dr. Hawkins is currently a full time lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at California State University Long Beach. He has authored a number of books including Buddhism: Many Paths, One Goal and Introduction to Asian Religions. He is working on a new book, The World Religions and the Challenge of Modernity, to be published by Longman. Dr. Hawkins will speak to us of his conversion to Catholicism at the age of 50. We will begin as usual with 8 AM Mass, followed by breakfast at 8:30 in the Cafeteria. Dr. Hawkins will begin immediately following breakfast, and conclude at 10 AM. Please RSVP to Steve at SShanklin@ verizon.net including the number of guest you will be bringing, so that we can plan properly for food. Faith, food & fellowship. Come and get fed. Bring a friend.

36th Annual SCRC Charismatic Renewal Conference

2007-08-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Anaheim, California, August 31, 2007 - September 2, 2007 Trust in the Lord, the 36th Annual SCRC Charasmatic Conference will be held in Anaheim this coming Labor Day Weekend. Guest speakers include award winning recording artist John Michael Talbot, Fr. Michael Manning SVD, TV Host and President of WordNet Productions, and Fr. Robert Faricy SJ, Professor Emeritus, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. This year's conference will include additional special tracks for children, Young Adults & Teens, featuring Matt Maher live in concert. For full details on speakers and events visit the SCRC Site by Clicking Here or view the pdf convention flyer by Clicking Here. Life changing talks, spiritually inspiring speakers, powerful prayer experience, soul stirring music, dynamic masses & healing service. All in all, the SCRC Convention is always an awesome way to spend quality time with the Lord among His people. If you've never been, then Trust in the Lord and give it a try.

17th Annual National Catholic Family Conference

2007-07-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

July 28-29, 2007 at the Anaheim Convention Center Join Fr. Bill Casey, Bishop Andrew Francis from Pakistan, Michael Barber, Jesse Romero and many more speakers at this year's conference. Each session will offer 3 concurrent Adult Presentations, plus a Teen/Young Adult Session and a full Children's program. Faith, family & fun! Read and print the Conference Flyer. Find out more and Register

Catholic Men’s Fellowship of California Summer Retreat 2007

2007-07-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

August 10-12, 2007 The California Catholic Men's Fellowship invites you to spend a weekend away from the world in fellowship with your brothers in Christ. Recharge your spiritual batteries and enjoy the presence of the Lord. Prayer, reflection, worship - even free time relaxing by the pool. The retreat leader for 2007 will be Fr. Charbel Grbavac, a young, dynamic Norbertine priest from St. Michaels Abbey in Orange County. Fr. Charbel received his BA degree in Philosophyat St. John's Seminary and later reveived his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University in Rome. He presently is presently secretary to the Abbot and teaches religion at JSerra Catholic High School. The retreat will be held at Mission San Luic Rey. For registration information Click Here.

July 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 7/14/07

2007-07-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

The July OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, July 14th. This month our guest speaker will be Cliff Armstrong. A long time OLR parishioner, Cliff will discuss the story of his Father's quest to reunite his family, fighting to reclaim his children who had been made wards of the court. The family's heartwrenching yet triumphant story was dramatized in the 1987 film After the Promise, starring Mark Harmon.

Cliff will relate the events from a child's perspective, using various clips from the film to help illustrate the story. All men are welcome to attend. We will start with 8:00 am Mass, followed at 8:30 by breakfast and fellowship in the parish Cafeteria. Bring a friend. RSVP to Steve Shanklin at sshanklin@verizon.net with expected headcount so that we can be prepared with enough food.

National Fellowship of Catholic Men - Audio Reflection on Upcoming Sunday Mass Readings

2007-06-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

The National Fellowship of Catholic Men (NFCM) and the Catholic Men's Fellowship of Pittsburgh (CMFPitt) have joined forces to provide a 10 minute weekly podcast reflection on the upcoming Sundays Mass readings. This podcast is available to men worldwide, including all men who register on the NFCM website (http://www.catholicmensresources.org/) and all those who have subscribed on the CMFPitt website (http://www.cmfpitt.org/).

Listen at your computer by clicking on the link below, or download it to an iPod or MP3 player. The weekly podcasts are provided by clergy, who are gifted men of God who know how to speak to men. We are encouraged to listen each week. The Podcast page also provides a link to the corresponding readings so that you can scan the readings in conjunction with listening to the podcast.

Click here to go to the web page with the podcasts.

June 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 6/9/07

2007-06-07T08:24:00.001-07:00

The June OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, June 9th. This month we are celebrating Fatherhood. All attendees are invited to bring their fathers and children along to join us for our monthly breakfast and fellowship. The morning will begin with Mass at 8 PM in the Church, followed by breakfast at 8:30 in the Cafeteria. After breakfast there will be an Open Forum on fatherhood, with all present invited to take part in small and large group discussions. During the Open Forum, alternate activities will be offered for the younger children, including music and crafts. So - bring your father (grandfather, godfather), your kids, and some friends (and their fathers . . .) and everyone's appetites. RSVP to Steve Shanklin at sshanklin@verizon.net with expected headcount so that we can be prepared with enough food. ALSO - visit AmericanCatholic.org for some Father's Day articles.

Pentecost Sunday

2007-05-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! "Did you know that the feast of Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the Church? It is called that because Pentecost is when the apostles went out among the people and began spreading Jesus' message, thus establishing the beginning of the Church." from St. Anthony's Messenger at AmericanCatholic.org. To read the online article Click Here.

Thank you to our Parish web site for the following Pentecost links:

Pentecost Story in Acts 2

Read the story of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Mary and the Apostles from the Book of Acts, Chapter 2.

The Life of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the World

Encyclical letter of Pope John Paul II on the work of the Holy Spirit.

Catholic Teaching on the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Charismatic Gifts

Series of articles from EWTN on the feast of Pentecost and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit

Meditation for Pentecost by Father Victor Hoagland, C.P.

Prayers for Pentecost

Liturgical prayers, personal prayers, novenas, litanie

1st Annual Men's Pentecost Vigil

2007-05-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Join us as we greet the Feast of Pentecost! Beginning with dinner at 6 pm, followed by the lighting of the Pentecostal fire, music, large and small group discussions, fellowship and prayer.

May 26
6 pm to Midnight
Our Lady of Refuge Church
(Parish Hall Patio)

BYOLC - Bring Your Own Lawn Chair

RSVP at olr.dad@gmail.com

May 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 5/12/07

2007-05-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

Father Michael Heher is the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Orange. His essays have appeared in America, Church and Image. He is the author of The Lost Art of Walking on Water; Reimagining the Priesthood. He has a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Join us for Mass at 8 Am. Breakfast will be at 8:30 in the OLR Cafeteria, followed by Fr. Michael's talk, music, and fellowship. All men are welcome. Bring a friend. Please RSVP to Steve Shanklin at sshanklin@verizon.net .

Catholic Men's Fellowship of California Leadership Day

2007-04-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Walking The Walk As Catholic Men
Corpus Christi CMF will be host to the next Catholic Men’s Fellowship Day - April 28th, 2007.

Featured speaker - Fr. Steve Sallot, Pastor of St. Edward the Confessor Chruch in Dana Point.
Fr. Steve’s theme will be “Walking The Walk As Catholic Men: Living The Adventure And Challenging The Struggles.”

Morning Session Will Include:

Mass at 8 A.M.
Breakfast
Keynote Speaker
Discussion Groups

Afternoon Session will focus on men’s ministry leadership topics.

All men are welcome to attend both sessions. For more information and to Register online CLICK HERE.

April 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 4/14/07

2007-04-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

The April OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 14th. This months guest speaker will be parishioner and clinical psychologist Dr. Nick De Los Reyes.

Dr. Nick De Los Reyes is an accomplished professional with over 27 years of experience in the field of psychological counseling, consulting and training. Dr. De Los Reyes received an Associate of Arts Degree from St Mary's College in Moraga, CA, Bachelor Degrees in Philosophy and Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Santa Clara in Santa Clara, CA, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the International College in Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. De Los Reyes is licensed by the State of California as both a Marriage and Family Therapist and as a Clinical Psychologist. He holds certification as an Anger Management Facilitator from Anderson & Anderson, the first global anger management trainer. He also has a diplomate from the American Association of Anger Management Providers.

Over the years Dr. De Los Reyes served in many capacities as a counselor, teacher and advisor. He was a counselor to staff personnel and a chaplain to dying patients and their families at Kaiser-Permanente Hospice in Norwalk. For more than six years he worked for Olive Crest Group Homes in Orange County, providing psychological services to abused and neglected children and teens. He provided inpatient services to the American Psychological Institute in Anaheim and outpatient therapy at Pacific Resources Psychological Group in Long Beach, where he also conducted training in Effective Parenting. Prior to this, Dr. De Los Reyes worked with the Catholic Church doing parish and vocation ministry and high school teaching. Dr. Nick and his wife Mary have been OLR parishioners and OLR School parents for many years. They have been active in many parish school and parish organizations and ministries including RCIA and music ministry.

In his presentation this Saturday morning, Dr. Nick will be exploring the human need in each of us to belong, to feel connected, and the drive to know and encounter our creator. Dr. Nick will be illustrating his talk by drawing comparisons with creation gone wrong in Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein. Bring a friend and your appetites. RSVP to Steve Shanklin at sshanklin@verizon.net.

March 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday March 10

2007-02-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

GREAT SCOTT! This March we are very excited to announce that our very own Fr. Al Scott will be the keynote speaker at our monthly Men's Fellowship Breakfast. Fr. Al will share with us the story of his earlier years, especially the influence of his grandfather, "Mr. Los Angeles," attorney Joseph Scott. The day will start with the celebration of the Eucharist at 8:00am Mass and then move to the cafeteria for breakfast and fellowship. ALL parish men are invited. As always, bring some hungry friends. REMEMBER - friends don't let friends sleep in and go hungry on the 2nd Saturday of the month! Please RSVP your planned attendance and any guests to sshanklin@verizon.net .

February 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 1/10/07

2007-02-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

February's OLR Catholic Men's Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 10th. As usual we will begin with 8 AM Mass in the Church followed by breakfast & fellowship in the Cafeteria from 8:30 to 10. This month the OLRCMF Core Team will be taking the lead during the Speaker Segment, as team members will look back on our first months together, and relate how one particular meeting, event or speaker profoundly impacted their own faith life. Eucharist, food, music and a chance to hear and tell our storys. All parish men are invited. Bring some hungry friends. Please RSVP your planned attendance and any guests to sshanklin@verizon.net .

NOTE: There have been some new links added to our Blog site, including a link to our own Chef Lawrence's "Green Parrot Cafe." Lawrence definiely cooks up more than a great breakfast. Check them out.

Thank you

2006-12-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to Tom Silva for his time and expertise in setting up this site. As we close 2006, I would like to thank all who have participated in our men's fellowship. On behalf of the core team, I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Prosperous, and Faith-Filled New Year!

January 2007 Breakfast Meeting - Saturday 1/13/07

2006-12-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

Father Herbert Ryan, SJ will be the Guest Speaker at our January OLRCMF Breakfast. Fr. Ryan is Professor Emeritus of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He has an MA in History from Loyola Chicago, a Ph L in Philosophy from West Baden and he earned his Doctorate in Theology from The Gregorian University in Rome. He has served on Vatican Commissions for Ecumenism and has been for many years a theologian for the US Bishops’ Conference. Fr. Ryan has written or edited seven books and published over 75 scholarly articles in Theological Journals world wide. The presentation topic will be “Eucharist and Mission: A Church Alive.” Please RSVP your planned attendance and any guests to sshanklin@verizon.net .