Matthew Kelly's 10 Challenges

We've posted the 10 Challenges that Matthew Kelly presented to us this fall.  Please check it often.  We can all make our lives dramatically different a year from now.  The link is to the right under "Our Links" or you can get to it by clicking here:  Matthew Kelly's 10 Challenges.

Announcements from Saturday, December 6, 2014

This week's (12/6) announcements:

• Thanks to Group 5 for breakfast.  We will not meet again January 24, 2015, at which time Group 6 will provide breakfast.
• There is a choir concert at 2:30 p.m. on December 14.  Please consider attending.
• The Denver Catholic Biblical School will begin at Our Lady of Fatima in the fall.  This is a great program and prayerfully consider attending.   For more information go to http://sjvdenver.edu/programs-of-study/biblical-school/
• The homily theme for Advent is "He is Coming."
• If you have not yet paid for the retreat in January, please contact Rich Phillips.
• Please continue to pray for our Parish and for all of our prayer requests.  Please especially keep Todd Browne and his family in your prayers.

Last Session of the Fall Semester - Saturday, December 6, 2014

Brothers in Christ,

Saturday we will view the last presentation of Living Everyday with Passion & Purpose.  This will also be the first Saturday of the month so we will be doing a Rosary in the Church at 7:30 a.m. as well.

This will be our last session until after the Men's Retreat in January.

Looking forward to seeing you Saturday.

In Christ!

Announcements from Saturday, November 22, 2014

 This week's (11/22) announcements:

• Thanks to Group 4 for breakfast.  Group 5 will do breakfast in two weeks.
• We will not meet next Saturday (11/29) for Thanksgiving.  Our next meeting is December 6, which will be our last meeting until after the retreat in January.
• Please consider attending the retreat in January.  Registration is due now.
• Mass on Thanksgiving Day is at 8:15 a.m.
• G.I.F.T. Program on December 2 is by Father Denis Garrou, chaplain to Colorado’s prisoners, who will speak on "The Sacrifice of Inconvenience: The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy."  Soup supper at 6 p.m., followed by the presentation.  Bring a hat, scarf or gloves for the Samaritan House.
• The Parish penance service is on Wednesday, December 3, at 7 p.m.
• Please continue to pray for all of our prayer requests.

Session 6, Part 1 - Living Everyday with Passion & Purpose

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."  Mother Teresa

This week Matthew Kelly talks in depth about the necessity of making a difference in other peoples lives if you want to be happy.  "The greatest power you have is the ability to make a difference in other peoples lives.  Yet it’s the most unemployed ability of humankind."

Challenge of the Week –during the next week each day when you wake ask yourself; “who’s day can I make today”?  After the question is answered in your mind, make it an objective to make that persons day.  Do this for a minimum of seven days and thank God for the opportunity to express that part of you which is him.

Looking forward to seeing you Saturday!

Announcements from Saturday, November 15, 2014

This week's (11/15) announcements:

• Thanks to Group 3 for breakfast.  Group 4 will do breakfast next week.
• Please consider attending the retreat in January.  Registration is due now.
• Thanksgiving boxes are available for pick up this weekend.
• We are wrapping up Stewardship Commitment.  Please return your commitment card if you haven't done so already.
• G.I.F.T. Program on December 2 is by Father Denis Garrou, chaplain to Colorado’s prisoners, who will speak on "The Sacrifice of Inconvenience: The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy."
• The Band of Brothers will not meet on Saturday, November 29 (Thanksgiving Weekend).  We will meet again on December 6, which will be our final meeting until the New Year.
• Please continue to pray for all of our prayer requests.

Living Everyday with Passion & Purpose Session 5, Part 2 - November 15, 2014

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, of course, you fail the test. 2 Corinthians 13:5

This week Matthew Kelley expands his discussion about the seven levels of intimacy and how we need to apply them them to self and God.

Challenge of the Week – write a list of key relationships in your life and determine the level of these relationships. Is it on the level of cliché, facts, opinions, or is it into hopes and dreams, feelings, needs, faults and fears?  Ascribe a level to each of those relationships and determine where you actually want that relationship to be and how you will change it.

Announcements from Saturday, November 8, 2014

This week's announcements:

• This week is Stewardship Renewal Week.  Look for your card and return it.
• Let's all remember to thank Vinny for the often overlooked and underappreciated job of opening on Saturday morning and getting the coffee going.
• Thanksgiving box signup is this weekend.
• The men's retreat is January 16 - 18, 2015.  Please prayerfully consider attending. 
• Thanks to Group 2 for breakfast.  Group 3 will provide breakfast next week.
• Please pray for all the intentions on our prayer list.

Session 4, Part 2 -Living Everyday with Passion and Purpose

This week Matthew Kelly touches on two major obstacles we each face in the journey from point A to point B.  I look forward to continuing the journey with you this Saturday.

This is the first Saturday of the month so don't forget your Rosary as we will pray it at 7:30 a.m. in the Church.  Also we have been asked to spread wood chips in the playground after the session so don't forget your shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows. 

Challenge of the Week – Journey through this week in a state of awareness that critics determine the direction of your lives.  This week make the determination that your critics will not change the direction of your life and keep in mind that your life will be the measure of your courage.

Session 4, Part 1 (10/25)

Brothers in Christ,

This week Matthew Kelly asks, “What holds us back? What stops us from becoming the best version of ourselves?  What are the obstacles between us the way we are right now and our best self.” 

If we are honest with ourselves, the answer(s) to this question is one we don't like to face and probably try to ignore.  In the session this week, some of the small group questions may pose a personal challenge.  Put thought to the questions, resolve to answer them, ensure those answers change and take another step toward point B.  

Challenge of the Week - The challenge this week titled "First Things" comes from group 5 and was developed during the group discussion last week.  When you wake each morning, what is the first thought that pops into your mind?  Is it family, work, God?  This week start the habit of waking up in prayer and thanksgiving.  Make that first thought the first step of the day toward being the best version of yourself.

Passion and Purpose - Session 3, Part 2 (10/18)

I have come so you could have life and have it abundantly - John 10:10

This week Matthew Kelly talks with us about  how we've let the fullness and simplicity of life escape us.  He encourages us to reawaken ourselves to the simple things in our life and enjoy them. 

Challenge of the Week – On Sunday, (or the one day a week you have off), what one thing can you do physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, that will make you a better version of yourself.  Think about it, determine it, DO IT.  Step back from the hustle and bustle of life and look at the whole picture.  Think about it, determine that one thing, DO IT.

Save the Date - Band of Brothers Retreat - January 16-18, 2015

The Band of Brothers Retreat will be from January 16 - 18, 2015.  More details will be forthcoming, but please save the date in the meantime.

Session 2 - Part II - 10/4/14

“Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.” Pope John XXII

This week we will continue the journey of Living Life with "Passion and Purpose" with a focus on prayer.  This coming Saturday is the first Saturday of the month so a Rosary will follow this weeks session. Please join us in prayer.  We are also praying at Planned Parenthood at 10:00 a.m. Saturday.   

Next Week Challenge – “Life is short and we are dead an awfully long time.”   Continue the habit of spending 10 minutes in silence each day but this week spend it in greater union with God.  If you haven’t begun the 10 minute habit, start it today.

Planned Parenthood Vigil - October 4, 2014

Brothers in Christ,

I realize it is short notice; however, the men's group is signed up for the 10:00 a.m. hour @ Planned Parenthood this Saturday (10/4).  If you are not committed to pray during another time slot please join the group in praying for the "Right to Life." 

No one has signed up for the 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. hours and I've been asked to solicit volunteers for these hours as well.  If you are available and would like to commit to one of these hours please respond to this email and let me know or contact Annette Brice.

In Christ!

Weekly Challenge

“Our lives change when our habits change.”  

In order to foster a stronger relationship with Christ, we must make a concerted effort to dedicate time to him on a daily basis. The challenge presented this week entails developing a daily habit of spending 10 minutes a day in the “classroom of silence” with God and only God.  Optimally, this ten minutes is a time set aside that is above and beyond any other times spent in the presence of God such as Mass, Adoration, etc.

Meeting This Saturday (9/20) / Retreat Planning

Just a reminder that we meet again Saturday (9/20) to continue with "Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose."  Group #1 is making breakfast.

For those interested in planning the Men's Retreat this year we will meet right after the meeting Saturday.

In Christ!
Sam Berning

Band of Brothers Registration for 2014-15

The 2014-15 weekly sessions begin on September 6, 2014, at 6:00 a.m. in the Parish Center.

To register or for more information, please complete and return the following form: Registration Form, or send your name, telephone number and email address to FatimaBandofBrothers@gmail.com.

We are looking forward to a holy and educational year and hope to see as many men as possible there.

Weekly Sessions Begin Again On September 6, 2014

We will begin our weekly sessions again on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 6:00 a.m., in the Parish Center.  We will be doing Matthew Kelly's series Living Every Day With Passion & Purpose.  Contact Sam for details.
Enjoy the rest of the summer and we look forward to seeing everyone again.

Thanks for Leading the Rosary this Weekend

Thanks to those who led the Rosary this weekend (5/24 & 5/25) on behalf of the Band of Brothers.  The Parish appreciates your prayers and leadership.

Final Meeting and Group Photo - May 10

Please be sure to join us Saturday for the final meeting of the year when we will also take a photo of the men's group.  It is our hope there will be a good showing as this is a tribute to the success of the group and the lives it has touched. The sacrifice of getting up early is always worth it.

This week the Symbolon session is "Mary and the Saints: Our Spiritual Mother and the Communion of Saints."  The session will cover:

• Why Catholics pay so much attention to Mary and the saints.
• The four basic dogmas the Church teaches about Mary
• What Catholics really mean when they say they pray to Mary and the saints.
• Why Catholics believe Mary remained a virgin all her life if the Bible says Jesus had "brothers and sisters"
• Why Mary is the "Queen of Heaven"
• The Rosary

There are people and nations, Mother, that I would like to say to you by name. I entrust them to you in silence, I entrust them to you in the way that you know best."  St. John Paul II

In Christ!

May 3 Session - The Holy Spirit and the Life of Grace

Gentlemen,

The topic this week is "The Holy Spirit and the Life of Grace" and will cover:

• Who the Holy Spirit is
• How the Spirit operates in our lives and in the life of the Church
• Why it is absolutely essential that we come to know and love the Spirit
• The gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit
• The ways the Holy Spirit makes us holy

The Holy Spirit is an integral part of each of our lives.  Take a moment to discern what he is asking of you and where he is leading you

In Christ!

-- "O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart.  Enlighten the dark corner of this neglected swelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams."

Annual Dinner - May 10

Brothers in Christ,

Please note, you'll soon be receiving an evite to the annual Band of Brothers dinner to be held on Saturday May 10th at 6:00 p.m.  This year marks the 10th year of the Band of Brothers and we wish to encourage all men who have attended at one time or another through the 10 years to join us in this event.  Many Brothers have moved away or for some other reason been unable to continue with the group, you are missed but not forgotten and it is our sincere hope you will reunite with us for this special night.  We are a Band of Brothers now and always and much like a family you are required to visit once in a while.

A slide show of the last ten years has been put together for this event and as I viewed it I realized how truly blessed we have been to have the Holy Spirit as our guide through this journey together. 

The dinner will be a potluck with the entree, drinks, appetizers, and incidentals funded by a $20.00 fee for couples and $10.00 for individuals.  Though the years this event has been an excellent opportunity to cater to our wives or significant other and express our appreciation for putting up with us.  This year we will display our talents on the grill with a formal dinner of kabobs.  Areas of assistance that will be needed are setup, cooking, entertainment, busing tables, and clean up.  We do this right including using the good china so clean up is the area where most help can be utilized.  I may have missed several guys so spread the word to those who you haven't seen in the group for awhile. 

At this time there are no plans for child care and in a later email you'll be informed of what to bring, i.e., a side dish, salad, dessert, etc.  I look forward to spending an evening with a great group of guys and their wives and sincerely hope you will be available to attend.

In Christ!

Next Session - April 26

Brothers in Christ,

I pray your Lenten journey was a spiritual experience and you are having a great Easter season.

Over the next three Saturday mornings we will preview sessions of "Symbolon-The Catholic Faith Explained".  This program, developed by the St Augustine Institute and presented by Dr. Edward Sri, focuses on our encounter with God in the sacraments and moral life.  The sessions we will review are The Paschal Mystery, The Holy Spirit, and Mary and the Saints.  If the series is received well we will continue the program as the main curriculum next year.

On another note we are over due for the annual Band of Brothers dinner and need to assemble a planning team for it.  If you are interested in being part of this team please attend the planning session after group Saturday morning.

We have also received a request to help a parishioner move Saturday morning.  Both manpower and pickups are needed so please let me know if you can help.  The more guys we have to help the quicker we can complete the move.

In Christ!

"We adore you O Christ and praise you because, by your holy cross you have redeemed the world." St Alphonsus Liguori

Happy Easter

May you and your families have a holy and blessed Easter.  He is risen.

Easter Altar Setup

Please help set the Altar up for Easter tomorrow (Saturday, 4/19) at 9:00 a.m.  As always, many hands make light work.

Tenebrae

We won't have group tomorrow but there will be the Tenebrae service which I highly encourage you to attend.  The Tenebrae Service will begin at 5 a.m. in the Church and is a power tradition of the EasterTridum.
 
“On this Good Friday may we never forget the true meaning of Easter - 'For when He was on the cross, I was on His mind." -- Unknown

Fifth Week of Our Lenten Journey

As we've journeyed through "The Passion of the Christ" I hope it has been as powerful for you as it has been for me.  I can't think of a better way to wrap up this joint journey than to traverse together the steps Jesus took during his passion by praying the Stations of the Cross.  This Saturday (4/11) we will begin the session by praying the Office of the Hours and then the Stations of the Cross...after breakfast.  If time allows we will adjourn to the Parish Center and break into groups to share Lenten experiences.

Don't forget that at 11:00 a.m. The Band of Bros. is scheduled to pray together at Planned Parenthood in observance of the Forty Days for Life.

"When you feel the assaults of passion and anger, then is the time to be silent as Jesus was silent in the midst of His ignominies and sufferings." St John of the Cross

Reminder - Easter Box Table Setup

Just a reminder that we need help tomorrow (4/5) following our session to set up the tables for the Easter Box intake.  Please give a few minutes of your time.  We will also need help on Sunday with the delivery.  Thanks.

Help With Easter Box Setup on April 5

Please plan on sticking around for a few minutes after Saturday morning's session to set the tables up for the Easter boxes intake this weekend.  Many hands make light work, and it should only take a few minutes if there is a lot of help.


Help is also needed delivering the boxes on Sunday  (4/6) around noon.  Please consider adding this important mission to your Lenten preparation.


Todd has additional information if you have questions.

Session 4 - The Carrying of the Cross

Lord, grant us strength of purpose that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.

The above prayer is from stations of the cross celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991.  Through this prayer we are presented with a challenge to reflect more deeply about how we carry the crosses we bear.  Join the group this Saturday as we reflect on Jesus' carrying of the cross in "The Passion of the Christ."

Passion of the Christ - The Scourging

This was for the week of 3/22.

Brothers in Christ,

This week we will view what is the most difficult part of the movie for me to watch.  Before "The Passion of the Christ" I accepted the scourging as being akin to a harsh whipping but as it turns out it was so much more.   

Jesus knew he would be scourged. He knew that before he died from the torture of the cross he would have to endure a brutal beating at the hands of the Romans. He accepted that beating, and his body was ripped open at the post. He was taking the punishment of the sins of the world so that we might not have to suffer the consequences of our transgressions. By his stripes we are healed.

 

See you Saturday!

The Passion of the Christ, Session 2

I greatly appreciated the opportunity to view and discuss the first session, the of the movie with the group.  This week the session will cover the time between the Agony in the Garden and the Scourging when Jesus was accused of blasphemy.

As I think about what to draw out of this part of the movie two main things come to mind, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the rejection of Jesus.  When applied to my own life I must admit there are instances when I've been much like the Pharisees in these two areas.  I pray we all receive the grace to increase our faith and strengthen our resolve to do God's will.

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus has spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three time."  Matthew 26:75

Lenten Journey - "The Passion of Christ"

Brothers in Christ,

Our Lenten Journey this year will revolve around the movie "The Passion of Christ."  This journey through the passion which will be viewed in five separate sessions:

• Agony in the Garden
• Accusations of Blasphemy
• Scourging at the Pillar
• Carrying the Cross
• Crucifixion

As we embark on this journey and witness the price Christ paid for our sins, I pray each of us gain virtue and prove to be the men God created us to be this Lenten season. 

I look forward to seeing you Saturday!

In Christ!

Sam Berning

Lenten Journey - Passion of the Christ

As part of our Lenten journey, we will be watching the Passion of the Christ over the next five weeks, beginning this Saturday (3/8).  Although this can be a difficult movie to watch, it is a small sacrifice to make to commemorate the much greater sacrifice made by our Savior, and will certainly help us to begin to appreciate the magnitude of that sacrifice.

Planned Parenthood Vigil - April 12, 2014

As part of the commemoration of the 40 Days of Life, Our Lady of Fatima will be conducting a vigil at the Planned Parenthood facility at 7155 E 38th Ave, near Stapleton, on Saturday, April 12, 2014.  Band of Brothers will be covering the 11:00 a.m. to noon time slot.  All are strongly encouraged to support this important ministry.

Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality - Week 3

Brothers in Christ,

In the last couple of weeks we discussed four of the seven pillars of Catholic spirituality, Confession, Contemplation, The Mass, and The Scriptures.  This week you don't want to miss discussion of the remaining three, Fasting, Spiritual Reading, and Praying the Rosary.  I'm looking forward to the final session and pray this series is good preparation to Lent for everyone.

In Christ,

Sam Berning

Matthew Kelly's Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality

Brothers in Christ,

You are invited, and encouraged, to join the group over the next three weeks in a journey through the Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality as presented by Matthew Kelly.

Matthew Kelly is a dynamic and motivational speaker with a passion for increasing the faith of Catholics.  If you are unable to join us you're encourage to view the program on You Tube...but be aware, if you view it yourself it won't come with breakfast.

In Christ!

Sundancer Winter Interlude

Gentlemen - as you know the Sundancer Winter Interlude is being held on Saturday Feb 8th here at OLOF and is being chaired by Woody Ritchey. The details below are what will appear in this week's bulletin:

Join us for the

WINTER INTERLUDE

An evening of music, wine tasting

live & silent auction items

February 8^th – 6:30 to 10pm

Being held in Our Lady of Fatima Gymnasium

Tickets are $35/person

Purchase tickets after each mass or in the parish office

or online at www.blacktie-colorado.com

All proceeds benefit our Lady of Fatima School

Woody will be bringing tickets for sale this Saturday at the BoB meeting and I am sure he would appreciate the men's group showing their support by purchasing tickets for this worthwhile event. Please bring cash or checks if you are inclined to support the event.

Many thanks

Meeting This Saturday (1/18)

Join us for Scott Hahn's presentation on the Real Presence and the Second Coming this Saturday morning.  There is an enlightening relationship between the two.  Group 3 is handling breakfast.

In Christ!

Reminder - Band of Brothers Photos

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Band of Brothers at OLOF, so now would be an opportune time to put together a slide show of the times we've shared together as a group.  I know many of you have taken photos of the group over the years and ask that you forward them to me so we can all enjoy them.  If anyone has a flair for putting together slide shows and would like to undertake this task please let me know.
Thanks!

 

Sam

Meetings Resume This Saturday (1/11)

Our weekly sessions resume this Saturday (1/11) at 6:00 a.m.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

A Holy, Healthy and Happy New Year to All

May you and your families have a holy, healthy and happy New Year!  Best wishes for a wonderful 2014.