Developing a spiritual programme for men

Catholic Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit organised a spiritual development programme for men so that they can openly discuss spiritual matters.

Nov 27, 2014

By Gregory R Warrier
Catholic Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit organised a spiritual development programme for men so that they can openly discuss spiritual matters.

Fr Gerard Theraviam was invited to provide input, facilitate and guide the 36 participants who were divided into groups of six for the eight-week workshop sessions.

The first session began with a revisit and reflection of our Baptism. After a brief introduction and input the sub-groups gathered to discuss and reflect on the significance and meaning of our Baptism. “Has it since diminished to be merely a major past event in my life? Or, has my rebirth into new life led me to live daily as a practising Catholic, renouncing beliefs and ways of the past, adopting a prayerful life, being of service to my parish church and her community, as well as a disciple by sharing the good news of the Gospel to people around me?”

At the beginning of the session, the participants were asked to select a photo from a wide range displayed on a table. They had to keep the photo over the eight weeks and see, if during and at the end, there were any changes in the way they looked at their choice.

The subsequent sessions took a similar pattern of discussions, tea/coffee, jokes . . . Some of the topics looked into were the sins of pride: “surrendering to our wants and desires, sins of anger and whether God helps us to reign in our temper; our sexuality and how one deals with pornography and addiction.” Prayer life — as men — its frequency and quality was another important topic that was discussed. In all these discussions relevant scripture passages were our guides. Copious amounts of scripture passages were also designated as “homework,” to be read and reflected on over the week.

For the final session, Fr Gerard celebrated Mass. Sitting in our usual circle was rather unique for many. Also different was that instead of a set of common prayer of the faithful, each participant prayed aloud his own intention.

From the feedback received, it was clear that the programme was beneficial. Most of them are looking for more. Simon Wong testified that “after having gone through the Man Alive programme, I found it very meaningful and spiritually enriching. For once in my life I openly shared and discussed with other men issues related to the struggles of my heart. I find that others were equally comfortable in sharing about theirs too. I also benefitted greatly from the facilitator’s guidance and participants’ comments. Overall, the concept of a free and easy atmosphere plus a Spirit led experience made Man Alive achieve its objectives.”

“Through intimate sharing, we managed to break down the barriers, be vulnerable to articulate our feelings and subsequently learn to trust, bond, love and care for each other as brothers. These takeaway values and experiences are simply priceless,” said Nigel Felix Cheong.

“Man Alive provided the environment and a rare opportunity for men to discuss spirituality issues and share personal life experiences. Fr. Gerard provided direction without undue influence, giving us a controlled forum to share openly in confidence. A renewed sense of caring, sharing and praying was ignited from the fellowship, and brotherhood of Man Alive providing much needed continuing support for men today to live and love as Christ did. Praise God,” testified Daniel Goon.

Old friendships have been strengthened and new ones have been made. The group continues to communicate and pray for each other through Social media networking. Another gathering of the group is scheduled for early December to see where we go from here.

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