Last March, the start of the pandemic had a profound effect on the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Maryland Conference, canceling the annual gathering for the first time in more than two decades. But a year later, the fellowship has returned with a new virtual format and a message to men who have endured the unique challenges of the last 12 months: “Be fearless. You are never alone.”
From job losses to lack of social connections to even increased childcare demands, the pandemic has affected Catholic men in many ways, said Ed Roberts, board president for the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Maryland. Therefore, seeking a stronger connection to Christ is more vital than ever, he said.
“Our Lord is seeing us through this because there has been so much fear and anxiety and worry and concern, but we look to our faith, reach into our souls and rely on our Lord,” Roberts said.
Roberts said the conference’s message of fearlessness – taken from a passage in the book of Joshua – is not meant to dismiss the hardships of the pandemic but rather to provide hope and strength.
“We’re not overlooking the fact that so many people – men and women – have lost their jobs to this. We haven’t lost sight of the fact that they are facing hardships financially or otherwise,” Roberts said. “Our Lord will help us get through all of this so that we need not be afraid, so we can move forward.”
While the virtual format consisting of pre-recorded videos will require some sacrifices, Roberts said, the change provides men who may not have normally attended the conference in person an opportunity to experience it from the comfort of their own homes.
During the conference, the fellowship will pray five decades of the rosary focusing on the themes of zeal, courage, gallantry, humility and loyalty.
“The conference will continue to have a very deep spiritual meaning,” Roberts said.
Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, who normally celebrates Mass for the conference, will deliver a video message of encouragement and a blessing to the men of the fellowship.
“We hope that it all resonates through the computer screen, television screen, monitor or whatever the men are using to view the conference on Saturday,” Roberts said.
Speakers include Deacon B. Curtis Turner, principal of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore; Father Roger Brito Fernandez, associate pastor at St. Philip Neri in Linthicum, St. Clement in Lansdowne and St. Gabriel in Woodlawn; and Mike Skinner, founder of Gratia Reflections.
Roberts said the virtual nature of this year’s conference does not mean an end to the social connections that have defined previous gatherings.
Small groups of men are encouraged to gather at local parishes to experience the conference together. Parishes require that participants wear masks and maintain social distancing.
The conference runs from 9:15 a.m. to noon March 20 and will be available on YouTube and Facebook. A donation of $25 is suggested. For more information, visit www.catholicmensfellowship.org.
Email Tim Swift at tswift@CatholicReview.org
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