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 The only requirement to starting a small men's group is simply someone who has the energy to talk with your pastor about starting the group, contacting a few friends and fellow parishioners, and then holding your first meeting.
You don't have to be a faith expert to start a men's group; you only need to want to grow in your Christian vocation by discussing faith and life with other men.
The first suggestion is to go to a men's small group in another parish and get a feel for how they get together.
E-mail Tom Moorkamp at Moorkamp@aol.com
If you are a new men's group, or you are not sure where to start, we recommend starting with Signposts, How to be a Catholic Man in the World Today by Bill Bawden and Tim Sullivan.
Signposts was specifically developed by two Catholic deacons who are heavily involved in the Catholic men's movement, and is ideal for a small-group setting or individual study.
This is by far the most popular of our men's resources. Thousands of Catholic men have used, or are currently using this workbook, in Catholic men's groups all across the US.
This powerful resource uses Scripture and Catechism references, short real life stories, and challenging questions to aid in the group discussion. The individual lessons are broken down into four different categories: Man and God, The Measure of a Man, Man and Family, and Man and His World.
If your group wants to go deeper into what it means to build strong relationships with other Catholic men, as brothers in Christ, consider using Calling Catholic Men into Vital Relationship by Geoff Gorsuch. This book is a Catholic version, sponsored by the National Fellowship of Catholic Men (NFCM), of a very popular book written by in 1994 for small men's groups.
The book uses the baseball diamond to represent the process of building vital relationships with other Catholic men.
Thus, we need to get to first base where we learn to "accept one another," to second base where we develop our friendship as we "encourage and build up one another," to third base where after much time and practice, we feel free to "exhort one another" as we face life's challenges together, and finally we help one another reach home plate as we grow in Christ likeness.
Each chapter ends with excellent discussion questions for the men's group.
If your group wants to go deeper into what it means to live a virtuous life as a Catholic man, consider using Boys to Men, The Transforming Power of Virtue by Tim Gray and Curtis Martin.
Each chapter is on a different virtue, with challenging questions at the end of each chapter. This book is ideal for Catholic men's groups who want to find out why "real men" choose the virtuous life.
If your group wants to grow deeper spiritually, consider using Spiritual Workout of a Former Saint by Danny Abramowicz, former All-Pro wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints.
This is the newest book offered by the NFCM and is an excellent resource for Catholic men's groups. It is more than the story of a recovering alcoholic grabbing onto - and working hard at - his second chance at a happy, spiritually rich life.
This book, based on proven NFL workout techniques, is a practical, encouraging, step-by-step method to help you grow spiritually; add new life to your relationships with the your spouse, family, and friends; and re-energize your soul as you deepen your love of Christ.
This Man is You! is a men's leadership program with a small men's group component attached in the format. Please see their website at www.paradisusdei.org/tmiy/ for more information.
The program is currently very successful at Holy Infant Parish in Ballwin. There is more information on the website for the dates and times it is held on Saturday morning. It is well worth you time to check it out!
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