If you are a new men's group, or you are not sure where to start, we recommend starting with one of two basic resources.
The first is a scripture based approach. Each week on our front page we provide a link to the upcoming Sunday readings. By clicking on this link you will find not only a list of the readings, but also a commentary about the overall theme of the week, as well as several discussion questions written for me to discuss in small group setting. This approach is used by hundreds of groups around then nation and is a great way to get men reading scripture and having the reading then re-emphasized when they go to Mass the following Sunday. Great for any size group.
The second is Signposts, How to be a Catholic Man in the World Today by Bill Bawden and Tim Sullivan. This is a topical approach to subject of interest to men. 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. 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.
Additional Resources We Recommend
Crossing the Goal provides two different ways of assisting small groups. The first is to have your group members individually watch the weekly television show on EWTN or on the CTG website at their home. At your next meeting, have each participant share what he learned most from the program and what he found most challenging. The meeting can then move to a modest accountability meeting with each man committing to engage in specific actions the following week to reinforce the subject covered in the meeting.
The second resource from CTG is to order their series packaged together with group questions. Again, these can be ordered through the Crossing the Goal website.
A new online resource for basic Catholic Catechisis is My Catholic Faith Delivered. This new online service seeks to offer online learning on various subjects including online learning of subjects including:
-FAITH FOUNDATIONS: An interactive learning format covering the basics of the faith including the Mass, Sacraments, Mary, the Bible and much more.
-THEOLOGY OF THE BODY: Christopher West's online presentation of the most important work in the past century on the proper understanding of our sexuality.
-THE DIDACHE SERIES: Acknowledged as one of the finest explanations of the living doctrine of the Catholic Church in light of the Catechism. The series currently offers Our Moral Life In Christ, Understanding the Scriptures and the History of the Catholic Church.
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 enjoys sports and 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 and His Church.
If your group wants to go deeper in understanding solid principles on how fathers and grandfathers can have a positive effect on their children's (and grandchildren's) lives, consider using Velvet and Steel, A Practical Guide for Christian Fathers and Grandfathers by John Ream. This book also provides practical ways for husbands to be more effective fathers and to relate to their wives as full partners in marriage and family life.
If your group wants to use audio tapes on fathering, marriage, and family, two 3-cassette tape series are available: Restoring the Hearts of Fathers by Curtis Martin and Safeguarding the Family by Philip Gray, Curtis Martin, and Marcus Grodi. In a day when so many men fail to meet the challenges and responsibilities of marriage and family life, Curtis Martin speaks a clear word in Restoring the Hearts of Fathers, At the same time lighthearted and heavy hitting, Martin calls modern men to be true men, husbands and fathers. Three of today’s most insightful Catholic apologists light the way for families in the modern age in the Safeguarding the Family series. In the first of three tapes, "Marriage, the Forgotten Sacrament", Philip Gray (who holds a licentiate in canon law) speaks to us where we really live. In the second tape, Curtis Martin challenges men to be real men, in other words, to become men of God. In "Keeping Our Kids Catholic", Marcus Grodi (well known convert and host of EWTN’s "The Journey Home") outlines the seven essentials every parent needs to know and apply to ensure our children become and remain faithful Catholics.
If your group has never done a Bible study, or are experienced in Scripture reading and study, consider using Embracing the Kingdom: A Bible Study on Conversion by Rich Cleveland. This study emphasizes applying God’s Word in Scripture to our daily lives, importance of prayer, importance of being part of a community of believers, ongoing work of conversion, and deepening of our faith.
If your group wants to do a bible study on the Gospel of Luke, consider using Mission of the Messiah by Tim Gray. This study presents the messianic mission of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It also shows how the plan of God revealed in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The review questions at the end of each chapter provide fresh material for group discussion (or individual reflection).
If your group wants to do a bible study on the Gospel of Matthew, consider using Mystery of the Kingdom by Edward P. Sri. This study focuses on the "kingdom of God" and why it is the heart of Jesus' teaching. The provocative study questions at the end of each chapter make this book ideal for group study (or individual study).
The National Fellowship of Catholic Men is committed to providing high quality resources for use in men’s fellowship groups, or for individual study, including many new ones in the past years.
Sexual Integrity
If you are struggling with pornography or simply want to protect your family from online porn, the NFCM has entered a relationship with Covenant Eyes software to address either or both of these issues. You can click HERE for information. If you are severely struggling with porn addiction please contact our hotline and we will return the confidential call from a certified Catholic counselor to help you. Just call 816-735-5712 or email Help@nfcm.net. There is help and hope-don't despair.