When we think of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, many speak of it in terms of the economy and the impact on the health of citizens. The truth is what this really means is the impact on families; in Church language, the domestic Church.
Financial, health and relationship tensions have been the reality that most men face on a daily basis in our country and Church. The National Catholic Men’s Ministry (NCMM) in an attempt to strengthen men of the Archdiocese has hosted two leadership retreats for men and will host a third.
The retreats are titled ‘Building Men to Build Strong Families’. The aim is to empower, enrich and journey with men who will in turn do the same in their own parishes.
With the constraints imposed by COVID-19, the sessions were all online (Zoom). Mature and young men from Trinidad and the two parishes of Tobago delved deeply into what our roles as men of God should be in our homes, Church, and nation.
For those in various ministries of the Church it is as difficult in reaching out as a result of all the limitations of physical distancing due to the pandemic. The NCMM is no different, but we are aware that our brothers need us just as we need them and so we press on in our joyful task of accompanying each other on our journey to eternity.
To all the men in our Archdiocese we say, ‘look to St Joseph’, he understands struggle and hardship; he understands sacrifice for those in his care, his family. Ask him to walk with you.
If there was ever a time when we truly needed a model of faith for us men in our families it is now, and so we join with all of you in asking the strong ‘Terror of Demons’ St Joseph to be our protector and mentor in this time of uncertainty. He lived in complete faith and trust in God and will surely teach us to do the same.
To all our brothers who have been courageously fighting to keep your families united, we commend you. We are all a work in progress and so ask for your prayers to this ever so important ministry. We will be in touch soon. Keep fighting the good fight! St Joseph, pray for us! —NCMM