A No-Nonsense Valentine’s Guide For Single Catholic Men

As seen on Faith, Hope & Love - The Official Blog of CatholicMatch.com

Is it me or has St. Valentine’s Day become all about spending money, the color red, flowers, chocolate, lingerie, sex and little teddy bears?

The marketing and commercialization of it all seems to imply that love is only about erotic passions and material romantic gestures.

For some of us it has become Single Awareness Day. Let’s start a singles’ revolution. We are created for love and if you want love, then may I suggest that we celebrate this day by becoming a genuine gift. Our creed and battle hymn: “Come to know Love, give Love and be Love.”

Let me elaborate a bit.

God is love. We are His sons and daughters, and here on earth we are laborers in His vineyard: His hands and feet. Draw close to Love: Christ, his mother, Mary and the Church.  As singles, we all too often dwell on heartache in the past or focus on the wreckage of a future that hasn’t happened.
Trust me. I know it all too well. We fret, worry and lose hope.  So I urge you to have courage! Nurture what you have; don’t dwell on what you don’t. The very next chapter of the book of your life may have a spouse in it. Are you ready? How are you preparing yourself?

This is the single most shocking question that changed my attitude and life as a Catholic single. I was told, “You can travel all around the world and change lives in every continent, but if you are not doing God’s will, you’re missing the bull’s eye. If you are called to be a husband, then do everything you can to be ready to get married. If you’re called to be a priest or brother, then how are you preparing yourself?”  Since then I have been living quite differently.


Heavy lifting

Here’s how.

Instead of posing as a model on a Hallmark Valentine’s Day card – yeah, it’s funny and worthy of an eye-roll, but true; it was about 10 years ago – I am now letting others model for me.

Read more.  CLICK HERE

National Catholic Singles Conference is just about here!

National Catholic Singles Conference is just about here!

We  hope you had a great Thanksgiving and an even better start to your  Advent season.  This is a busy time of the year and it's easy to let  things slip by, so we thought we'd drop you  quick note and remind you  that the deadline for the early registration discount  for the National Catholic Singles Conference is just about here.

After  Wednesday, November 30th, it will be too late for the early-bird  special and we'd hate to see you miss out on this great deal or all the  fun!  

Did  you know the NCSC 2006 in Denver had nearly 500 people in attendance?   We are looking forward to just as great of a turn out in January and  we're sure it's going to be an inspiring weekend!  Space is limited  though, so register now! Have  you hear that we coordinated a day of skiing for NCSC attendees on the  Monday after the conference?  You won't find a better deal that the low  price of $30 we've been able to negotiate for you at Eldora Ski Resort.   The price covers your life ticket and lunch for the day.  If you need  skis, they can help you out there at the mountain.  Don't know how to  ski?  You won't be alone and they can help you out with that too! To  make even easier, we've convinced the Westin to extend the great rate of  $99 dollars to until Wednesday!

Not enough fun yet? 

Want more opportunities to socialize with other conference attendees?  Did you hear about our Denver Catholic Speed Dating?  They will be an NCSC sponsor this year and are hosting events before and after the conference!  Learn more and register here. Those things not your speed?  Check out  our website for other great ways to enjoy Denver after the conference!  More post-conference events will be posted soon! There is something for everyone at the NCSC with singles of all ages already registered, so don't delay!. 

NCSC Denver 2012

When: January 27-29, 2012
Where: The Westin Westminster
10600 Westminster Boulevard
Westminster, CO 80020

Register now for only $129 with the pre-registration Special before time runs out!What to see the NCSC be an even greater success?  Forward this email to your friends!  Like us on Facebook!We're looking forward to seeing you in Denver, in the mean time, pray for us and know we are praying for you. 

Darin Ries

NCSC 2012
Denver Coordinator

Anastasia Northrop
NSCS Director

U're INVITED: Unlocking the Hidden Keys to Becoming a Saint.

“Discovering The Immaculate Conception: Unlocking the Hidden Keys to Becoming a Saint.”
The following is information on how to VIRTUALLY attend Fr. Calloway’s FREE Talk this saturday, via TELEPHONE. Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, a convert to Catholicism who was a die-hard agnostic turned into a fervent apostle of Christ!

Fr. Calloway’s FREE Talk
Posted: 16 Nov 2011 02:50 PM PST

Here are the details needed for Fr. Donald Calloway’s “Discovering The Immaculate Conception: Unlocking the Hidden Keys to Becoming a Saint.”

Phone Number: 1-712- 432-3066
Pin Code: 5788616

Arrive early. The call is limited to 1000 telephone lines.
Call the number: 1-712-432-3066

Enter the pin code: 5788616

To mute your line press 4*You can introduce yourself, if you desire. The host will direct you. First name and location is sufficient.

You will want to stay till the end, as Father has some special announcements to make.

DATE: Saturday, November 19th – Bookmark this date!5:00 PM Eastern 4:00 PM Central3:00 PM Mountain 2:00 PM Pacific
Who: Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC; hosted by John Quinn co-founder of Courageous Priest

Cost: FREE, well the phone call may not be free for some people

Why: Kick-off for “Immaculate Conception Bootcamp: How to be a Saint in a Sinful World”

Why Only Subscribers? It is a thank you gift to our faithful 3500+ subscribers. Subscribers are the life blood of this little apostolate. And, yes, it is an honest bribe to get more subscribers.

How do I do this? Dial the number above. Enter the pin code as directed by the receptionist. You will then be live on the call. Please hit 4* to mute your line. That’s it. Father Calloway will be on the line for about an hour. Who knows, maybe longer.

Can I bring a friend? Of course, the preferred way is having them sign up as a subscriber (remember to have them verify their email address). You can three way a friend. Or you may also give out the phone number with the pin code if you feel the need is warranted.

Warning: The conference call service only holds 1000 lines. The conference call will open up at 20 till the hour; therefore, some people might not make the call. I apologize in advance if this happens.

Please three way a friend(s) if you have the capabilities.

We can’t wait! See you there.

Cosmo Called Me A ‘Most Eligible Bachelor’ – I Disagreed

Cosmo Called Me A ‘Most Eligible Bachelor’ – I Disagreed

From the moment I took my first solo flight at age 9 to South America, my heart was set as a traveler. I was off to see the world!

Eventually I began dreaming the Hollywood dream and around the age of 18 I actually started living it.
After eight years as a professional model and actor my soul was body slammed by God and I was stunned before the Eucharist; I was called by name and transformed!

My life had a new passion – the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Two years before my conversion, Cosmo magazine had selected me as one of America’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors.

But it wasn’t true. I wasn’t such a catch; I didn’t have God in my life.
A man with God is certainly more of a prime candidate. Being “in the world, not of the world” was as hard for women to understand as it was for me to explain.
As a model I would see things in the auditions, runways and photoshoots that the world calls “sexy and hot.”

But for me, the most attractive thing was modesty!

And no, I don’t mean turtle necks and potato sacks! It’s more than just necklines and dress lengths, but modesty of dress, of conversation, of music and of lifestyle.
One day I heard the phrase “modest is hottest,” and while the word “hottest” shocked me, I couldn’t help but identify. While skimpy outfits turn my head, nothing turns my heart and mind to the person before me like modesty!

‘A gem among virtues’

St. Bernard of Clairvaux exclaims: “How beautiful then, is modesty, and what a gem among virtues it is.”

I echo his words. I see great beauty in women. They are gems.
Blessed John Paul II talked about our bodies revealing God to us. I also learned from him that true love and sexual union are a gift of one person to another which is FTFF (free, total, faithful and fruitful).
We are in the world, and often what I see of others’ bodies is not appropriate for me and everyone to see, but rather for the beautiful intimacy that spouses share. Our bodies are such beautiful mysteries that lose their enticement when so easily visible and accessible to any passerby.

I like how Alice von Hildebrand put it: “To dress modestly is the appropriate response that women should give to their ‘mystery.’“

When I see a woman, I sometimes picture her as my future wife and the mother of my children. I want the woman I spend the rest of my life with to be a model of chastity and purity. The imagination shouldn’t have to be so stretched in order to see that as a possible reality, but in so many cases that’s the way it goes.

Taking action
 
So what can a man do about it?

Well, after being shunned out of the living rooms and off the party invite lists of disgruntled women who don’t understand my desire for purity, one response I have adopted is to stand up – or rather, to push up – for purity and modesty.

Around the world, using the power of Facebook, I am part of a movement that is exercising as an intercession for ourselves and for others to see the beauty of purity and modesty and, in turn, to practice it.

Why?

Why not?

Fasting on bread and water has been a customary mortification of mine, but when I heard about Push-Ups for Purity, I joined the club immediately.  It requires no official ceremony or ritual. Just do the 100 push-ups daily and offer them up that chastity and modesty may become the “norm” in society.
Actually, Push-Ups for Purity was last month, this month I started a continuing event called Sit-Ups for Purity (or Abs 4 Abstinence). I am proud to be one of many men (and women) who is standing up for purity and modesty!

I am proud to do this for the love of purity and modesty, while at the same time getting our heartbeats going and muscles chiseled. It may seem superficial, but it’s a love revolution!

We don’t have to neglect our body or place it on the altar as a new deity. Balancing exercise with prayer is one way to make an offering for our society in desperate need. I need it, our future spouses need it and so do our friends, brothers and sisters.

Pope Pius XII issued a stark call to action, saying: “As long as modesty will not be put into practice, the society will continue to degrade. Society reveals what it is by the clothes it wears.”

Ouch!

Until next time, I’m offering my sit-ups and push-ups for you and me.  Honor the mystery. Make a sacrifice, offering and reparation. Modest is hottest!

Will you join me and put it into practice?

http://bit.ly/A2CcGD

Send me anywhere you like - even to India!

Many, many people hereabouts are not becoming Christians for one reason only: there is nobody to make them Christians.

I wish the university students would work as hard at converting these people as they do at their books, and so settle their account with God for their learning and the talents entrusted to them.

This thought would certainly stir most of them to meditate on spiritual realities, to listen actively to what God is saying to them. They would forget their own desires, their human affairs, and give themselves over entirely to God's will and his choice.

They would cry out with all their heart: "Lord, I am here! What do you want me to do?" Send me anywhere you like - even to India!

--from letters to Saint Ignatius Loyola from Saint Francis Xavier

Our Talents are God's gifts to us...what we do with them are our gifts back to God.  

The Greater the Man, the more humility needed!

From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope.  "The command has been written: Cling to the saints, for those who cling to them will be sanctified. There is a passage in Scripture as well which states: With the innocent man you will be innocent, and with the chosen one you will be chosen also; likewise with the perverse you will deal perversely. Devote yourselves, then, to the innocent and the just; they are God’s chosen ones...

We should put an end to this division immediately. Let us fall down before our master and implore his mercy with our tears. Then he will be reconciled to us and restore us to the practice of brotherly love that befits us. For this is the gate of justice that leads to life, as it is written: Open to me the gates of justice. When I have entered there, I shall praise the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the just shall enter through it. There are many gates which stand open, but the gate of justice is the gateway of Christ. All who enter through this gate are blessed, pursuing their way in holiness and justice, performing all their tasks without discord. A person may be faithful; he may have the power to utter hidden mysteries; he may be discriminating in the evaluation of what is said and pure in his actions. But the greater he seems to be, the more humbly he ought to act, and the more zealous he should be for the common good rather than his own interest." Seek the good of all, not personal advantage!

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope.) Read more at the Divine Office website: http://divineoffice.org/?date=20110704

Happy Birthday America

"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan


The right to religious freedom is rooted in the very dignity of the human person, whose transcendent nature must not be ignored or overlooked. God created man and woman in his own image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:27). For this reason each person is endowed with the sacred right to a full life, also from a spiritual standpoint. … Respect for essential elements of human dignity, such as the right to life and the right to religious freedom, is a condition for the moral legitimacy of every social and legal norm. 


– Pope Benedict XVI, 2011 World Day of Peace Message




Happy 4th of July!

Abs 4 Abstinence, Sit-ups for Purity!

So last month Anton Kallungal posed a challenge on Facebook to some of us to try to offer up 100 push ups every day for the purity of our brothers in Christ.

Since we all could probably use the extra support, we thought we could try to continue something similar into this next month with 100 sit ups a day in July- in honor of His most Precious Blood; and probably keep it going month after month! Plus you probably wouldn't mind getting in better shape for our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, so we should be taking care of it! :)

If you can't do 100 sit ups off the bat, please don't be discouraged. You can even break it up into sets. Regardless off how you do it just keep make sure you keep pushing!

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

Offer your sit ups as a prayer and a sacrifice for an increase in the virtue of Purity! Think of everyone who needs it, think of it for yourself and those that struggle most...

JOIN THE EVENT ON FACEBOOK (CLICK HERE) or just make the personal commitment!

you can also use the following link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184574474932739

We need Courageous Men: THE MOVIE

I saw a screening of this movie in San Antonio and feel that this is a powerful call to men which is much needed in this day and age.  We need to find this courage!  GET OUT AND WATCH THIS MOVIE!


After seeing Courageous, church and business leaders in Georgia talk about the film's impact.

For more information on Courageous visit:
http://www.courageousthemovie.com
http://www.facebook.com/courageousthemovie

We need modern hero's

We need hero's of faith, of virtue, of modesty, of encouragement! Today we celebrate the early (first) Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Be INSPIRED! "Walk in the ways of the Lord in the land of the living!"

Trials, temptations, disappointments

 "Trials, temptations, disappointments – all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fibre of a character, but strengthen it. Every conquered temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before." - James Buckham


Come what may, let us persevere. Cling to God, surround yourself with good counsel and friends who care not only for your material good, but your spiritual good.  Dance, sing and play.  Listen to music and sing in your car with the window down.  Trials, temptations, disappointments will come, don't be surprised, rather be prepared like a warrior for battle.  Be not afraid, you are not alone!  

Sexual Healing

A poem originally wrote for an open mic at Pacific University. The poem highlights our culture's blind obedience to sexual norms, when it only seems to reap destruction. Pleasure is more at our fingertips in America than ever before, and yet depression steadily rises every year. It only shows that sex as recreation, or just for fun, is unable to satisfy us the way we were meant to be satisfied. Sex is good, in it's proper context. This poem mainly focuses though on anyone who has been deeply affected, hurt, and damaged by sexual sin. Forgiveness and mercy are given freely by Jesus. He cleans, restores, and heals us beyond measure and asks nothing in return. He saw all our sin and filth before he went to the cross and it was still his joy to go get us.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."-Matthew 11:28

Video by Matt Robertson: http://www.youtube.com/mrob7

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jefferson.bethke

Word Doc. of Poem: http://www.box.net/shared/h3i8865ipi

A world in denial about pornography

A world in denial about pornography: 7 out of 10 men incl Osama Bin Laden. Why ignore this? http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=17687

As the pornography epidemic has reached greater and greater proportions, news organizations have been writing about it less and less.

Push Ups for Purity - JUNE challenge

So last year Matt Weeder posed a challenge to some of us guys at UMD to try to offer up 100 push ups every day for the purity of our fellow brothers. Since we are going into summer and we all could probably use the extra support, plus probably wouldnt mind getting in better shape for the pool or beach or what ever we could take this up.

If you cant do 100 push ups off the bat, please dont be discouraged. Honestly I know im not going to be able to do that and will probably have to break it up into sets. Regardless off how you do it just keep make sure you keep pushing!
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

Check out the event on FACEBOOK (CLICK HERE) or make a personal commitment.  You can also follow the link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176782675710796

Sept 8th, Birthday of Mary, Mother of God!

     Mary was born to be the mother of the Savior of the world, the spiritual mother of all men, and the holiest of God's creatures. Because of her Son's infinite merits, she was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. Through her, Queen of heaven and of earth, all grace is given to men. Through her, by the will of the Trinity, the unbelieving receive the gift of faith; the afflicted are tendered the works of mercy; and the members of Christ grow in likeness of their Head. In Mary all human nature is exalted. We rejoice in her birthday, as the Church has done from the earliest times.
       The Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been celebrated in the Church at least since the 8th Century.
        In celebrating the nativity of Mary, Christians anticipate the Incarnation and birth of her Divine Son, and give honor to the mother of Our Lord and Savior.

Lord God,

the day of our salvation dawned

when the Blessed Virgin gave birth to your Son.

As we celebrate her nativity

grant us your grace and your peace.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Things to do today: 

1) Learn some hymns or prayers to Mary. Sing and recite some today!

2) Take flowers to a chapel or statue of Mary

3) Have a birthday party in honor of Mary.  Teach someone else a little about her.

information was taken from CatholicCulture.org as well as Women for Faith and Family

Pointed in the right direction?

"We must try to keep our hearts continually, unshakably serene throughout the vicissitudes of life. Even though everything turns and changes around us, we must ever remain steady-always looking, striving, and aspiring toward God! No matter what..." - Golden Counsels of Saint Francis de Sales

Speaking clip from Boston LIFT

Clip of Mario St. Francis speaking in Boston, at the LIFT event. This months series is entitled BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER with guest speaker Mario St. Francis. Before his conversion, Mario was a top fashion model and actor and was even named one of America's Most Eligible Bachelors by Cosmopolitan Magazine in 1999. All that is behind him now and today, he travels the world as a Catholic evangelist and missionary. We are excited to have him share his story with us! LIFT is an exciting monthly worship event which includes vibrant praise and worship music, dynamic, challenging speakers and Eucharistic Adoration. LIFT is for all ages from young adults to adults to teens to entire families. For more information about LIFT, visit the website at www.LiftedHigher.com and join in worship with hundreds of Catholics from around the Boston area!

Boston youth give feedback after conference

After the event "LIFT" in Boston, some audience members share their reactions of the main speaker, Mario St. Francis. LIFT is an exciting monthly worship event which includes vibrant praise and worship music, dynamic, challenging speakers and Eucharistic Adoration. LIFT is for all ages from young adults to adults to teens to entire families. This months series is entitled BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER with guest speaker Mario St. Francis. Before his conversion, Mario was a top fashion model and actor and was even named one of America's Most Eligible Bachelors by Cosmopolitan Magazine in 1999. All that is behind him now and today, he travels the world as a Catholic evangelist and missionary. We are excited to have him share his story with us! For more information about LIFT, visit the website at www.LiftedHigher.com and join in worship with hundreds of Catholics from around the Boston area!

Watch the video also using this direct web address http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjunCIh05o0

New Delhi, India - Magazine interview

Open publication

Delhi, India. While on India for 2 months a magazine featured the following story. This is a brief look into a book, which is in progress, detailing the events that have brought me to where I am and what I am doing.

MODELS – SUPERHEROES – BROKEN BONES and MORE! by Mario St. Francis

“Monkey-see…monkey-do.” Ever hear that saying? It means that we imitate what we see. I think it is true for most people. We imitate, that’s a fact, but WHO? and WHY? THE FASHION MODEL: A life of Magazines and Photo-shoots. After years of photo-shoots, commercials and fashion shows, I re-examined who I was as a model, how I influenced others and who was influencing me. You should too. Don’t wait for a “near death experience” to get your attention. That’s what it took for me!...

Topics highlighted in the article:

- The Fashion Model, a Life of Magazines and photo-shoots.

- My broken hand. Soap-opera cancelled

- Monkey see, Monkey do

- New Life, New Name

- Man on a Mission

- Real Heros

- Know Your Faith

- Use the Media

To read the article click on the image to the Right or visit the following link http://issuu.com/mario_st_francis/docs/malankara_voice

Movie about Pope: Under the Roman Sky

Watch the trailer for the Movie called Under the Roman Sky. A movie about Hitler's treatment of the Jews in Rome and his attempt to kidnap Pope Pius XII. The film, made by the Italian production company Lux Vide, also illustrates the Church's efforts to protect and save Jews during the war, the very subject that raised a considerable amount controversy after Pope Benedict declared Pius XII "Venerable" on Dec. 19, 2009.