October 25, 2024

Men’s ministry enriches faith and friendships at three parishes

REGIONAL
Story and Photo by Nick Morganelli

SPRINGFIELD–Paradisus Dei is a ministry founded in Texas in 2001 to support the faithful in discovering the superabundance of God within family life. The program they have for men, called “That Man is You” is currently active on Saturday mornings in three parishes in the Diocese of Springfield. Deacon Andrew Hogan leads at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield, Deacon Mike Pray at St. Stanislaus Basilica in Chicopee, and Deacon John Murray at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown. 

“Anyone who is willing to start the program can lead it and bring it to one’s parish. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a deacon, it can be a layperson,” said Murray. “We have help with a coordinator in Texas at Paradisus Dei. The program runs thirteen weeks in the fall and thirteen weeks in the spring.”

All the videos are available online if someone misses a week, but the brotherhood developed in these groups is one of the biggest benefits, according to participants.

“One of the best benefits of the program is building these absolutely strong relationships with other men in the parish,” said core team member Steve Corbin, a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi in Belchertown.

Deacon John Murray said his core team is instrumental in making the program a success

“I have six core team members and they help us facilitate the small group discussion and get things ready before the men arrive,” he said. 

Deacon Mike Pray recently added the Saturday daily mass to his program prior to the group meeting.

“It worked out really well. The guys are really happy with the change because they wanted something more than just the program that we could do together,” said Deacon Pray.

One of the participants at St. Stanislaus, David Bergeron said arriving earlier to attend mass sets the tone for the meeting.

“We’re all doing the most important prayer human beings can do, worshiping God the best way we can with the Mass, and then it leads beautifully into the program. The Holy Spirit is with us,” said Bergeron. He said three, key components to the program that are enriching his life are spirituality, mentorship, and friendship.

“When you have a campfire, there’s always that coal that’s off to the side that goes black really quickly. Then there’s those three or four core coals in the middle that stay hot and glowing. That’s kind of the analogy of men’s ministry, the burning coals help the others,” concluded Bergeron.

All are welcome to join one of the active groups. Information is available at https://paradisusdei.org/

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.