Have a Blessed Christmas

Best wishes for a blessed Christmas for you and your families.  Enjoy the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

Saturday, December 19 - Living in the Present Moment

KEEPING THE FIRE ALIVE, Session 5 – Living in the Present Moment.

This week is the last session of 2015 and the topic is “Living in the Present Moment.” Father Albert asks us “why live in the present moment” and provides reasons for doing so as well as a four step technique to do it. The techniques include Recollection, Attention, Reflection, and Adoration-in-action. Join us this week and learn how to live in the moment this Christmas season.

Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matt 25:13

Pretty Presents - Video

Brothers,

Last week Mike Capone sent out a link to his Christmas tune "Pretty Presents".  The bigger present is that it is now associated with a video which includes many familiar faces.  Click the link to watch and please share.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqUM83DphpQ

Courage in Faith Retreat - February 19-21, 2016

Further to Deacon Glenn's comments today, the tentative itinerary for the Courage in Faith retreat hosted by some west Denver men's groups on February 19 - 21, 2016, can be found here: Retreat Flyer, or in the links to the right.  We are still working on details for our retreat.

Saturday, December 12 - Group Photo / Making Sense of Suffering

Brothers in Christ,

The topic of this week’s presentation is “Making Sense of Suffering.”  Suffering is a controversial subject for many people and Fr. Albert discusses the reality that suffering is a virtue which can help us develop a closer relationship with God.

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  But let no one among you be made to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer.  But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name. 1 Peter 4:12-16

This Saturday we plan to take a group photo with a Christmas theme to put on the Band of Bros. website.  Join the group Saturday with a Christmas spirit and decorated as such.

The last session of the fall semester is December 19^th, and will resume in January on a date to be announced.

Group #1 has the privilege of serving breakfast this week.

Christ is the Reason for the Season!

Saturday, December 5 - The Four D's of the Spiritual Life

This week Fr. Albert Haase discusses the four D’s of the Spiritual Life, dryness, darkness, desolation, and depression.  Fr. Albert emphasizes the fact that we must be aware of the four D’s and how we are to navigate through the challenges they present in order to keep the fire alive. This is an excellent presentation about prayer and the challenges we face with it, you won’t want to miss it.

Group 5 has privilege of serving breakfast this week.

Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not undergo the test.”  After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.  And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him.  He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.  When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief.  He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.” Luke 22:39-46

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving

Best wishes to all for a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.  Let us all give thanks for the many gifts He has given us.

Session 6 - Catching Fire - Becoming Flame: The Challenge of Forgiveness - Saturday, October 24

This week Fr. Albert tells us as we have been forgiven, so we are challenged to forgive other people.

This weekend is the final session of the series Catching Fire, Becoming Flame.  If you haven't joined us this year, take this opportunity to renew the commitment of joining men of like mind in fellowship and spirituality.

In Christ!.

   His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.  Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’  Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.  So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”   Matthew 18:32-35

Session 5 - Catching Fire - Becoming Flame: God's Will & Decision Making - Saturday, October 17

In session 5, Fr. Albert informs us that we don't follow a master blueprint set forth for us by God.  Instead, God provides us free will and we must learn to make good decisions.  In making decisions, we listen to: our head, our heart, and our gut; however, we also need to consider our past, our potential, our present identity, our passion, and our faith.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Session 4 - Catching Fire - Becoming Flame: Seven Principles of Prayer - Saturday, October 10

Brothers,

In this 4^th week of the series “Catching Fire, Becoming Flame” Fr. Albert introduces us to Seven Principles of Prayer:

1.       Prayer should heighten your sensitivity and make you more aware of
          God.

2.       Pray from where you are, not where you think you should be.

3.       The best way to pray is the way that works for you.

4.       Frustration in prayer is a (good) sign that you are trying too hard.

5.       Growth in prayer is growth in silence.

6.       Dryness in prayer is a (good) sign that God is calling you to “let go” of
          your way of praying, so that the Spirit can pray within you.

7.       Listen to your distractions; learn from them, and pray from them.

The Holy Spirit has an individual plan for each of us; let us pray that as we journey together through this series we become aware of this ultimate plan.  Only when we allow ourselves to be fully immersed in the magnificence of God can we fully experience him and be open to do his will. 

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13

Session 3 - Catching Fire - Becoming Flame: The Examen - Saturday, October 3

Session 3 - The Examen

This prayer practice, designed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, has a 500 year history  It will deepen your sensitivity and awareness of the presence of God in your life.  the Examen focuses on God, not you:  you look for where God has been in your life over the last twelve hours.  Join us this Saturday to discover the five steps of the Examen, gratitude, petition, review, forgiveness, and renewal.

Keep in mind also this is the first Saturday of the month and as such we will pray the Rosary in the Church immediately after the session.

In Christ!

SB

Wagon of Spirits - Sundancer

Brothers,

As I mentioned last week our group has been requested to fill a "Flyer Wagon" with different Spirits for raffle at the upcoming Sundancer.  The idea is to have participants of the raffle purchase a card(s) from a deck of playing cards.  A drawing will then be held where the winning card will be drawn. 

Please consider purchasing a liquor to add to the wagon.  In order to prevent the duplication of liquors, please email me @ stsjberning@q.com and let me know what you plan to purchase prior to purchasing it.  As I receive notifications I will formulate a list and communicate it to everyone so the same liquor is not purchased twice.

Purchases will be collected on Saturday mornings for the next two weekends.  If you wish to participate but can't make it to group please let me know so we can make other arrangements to collect your donation.

Viva Papa!

Sam B.

Session 2 - Catching Fire - Becoming Flame: Your Image of God - Saturday, September 26

Your Image of God

Brothers In Christ, In this 2nd session Fr. Albert summarizes:  "The most important aspect of a person's spiritual life is their image of God.  How you think about God.  Because if you have a healthy image of God it will catapult you to holiness." "Our image of God should challenge us to move beyond ego, to die to ourselves, to challenge us to pour our lives out in love."    So then, my brothers, we have no obligation to human nature to be dominated by it.  If you do live in that way, you are doomed to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the habits originating in the body, you will have life. All who are guided by the Spirit of God are sons of God; for what you received was not the spirit of slavery to bring you back into fear; you received the Spirit of adoption, enabling us to cry out, 'Abba, Father!' Romans 8:12-15 In Christ! SB

Small Groups 2015-16

The small group roster can be found at this link: Small Groups 2015-16  or at the link on the right under "Our Links."

The Spiritual Journey as a Process of Transformation

Brothers in Christ,

We begin our year of "Catching Fire - Becoming Flame with Fr. Albert Haase, OFM by discerning the process of transformation.  Father Albert summarizes: "The spiritual journey is a process of being transformed by the Spirit of God into a 'little Christ' for the loving service of the present moment."  The moment is now and there is none other like it.  Do we remain with the status quo or do we take the next step to become one with Christ?

Looking forward to seeing you this Saturday!

Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3

In Christ!

Sam B.

Band of Brothers - Sessions Resume This Saturday (9/12/15)

Brothers in Christ,

It's that time of the year to gather as a group men dedicated to Christ on Saturday mornings for Breakfast, Prayer, Spirituality, and Fellowship.  The year begins this Saturday, September 12th at 6:00 a.m. in the parish center.  The first session will consist of Petitions, Liturgy of the Hours, Registration, Highlights of the upcoming year and Registration.  If you can't make it this Saturday but do plan on attending, even if it is sporadic attendance, please email me at stsjberning@q.com with your intentions so we have a good count to make up small groups.

I look forward to seeing each of you again and continuing our journey together discovering the light of Christ!

Sam B.

Have a Blessed Summer

Have a blessed summer.  See you in September (or at Davie's Chuck Wagon on Colfax).

Weekly Session - Saturday, May 2, 2015 - A 22:32 Man is One Who has Daily Prayer and Commitment to the Holy Spirit

Jesus fill me with your Holy Spirit and strengthen my resolve to do your will. 

This is a short prayer we should pray each morning before we begin our day.  This week Fr. Larry  discusses how prayer deepens our relationship with God and the necessity of knowing how to pray. 

This weekend is the last session of the spring semester so be sure to join us as it will be the last time until next fall.  We will also take a group picture and it would be great to have as many guys in the photo as possible.

At 7:30 a.m. spring cleanup of the church campus begins.  It shouldn't take more than 2 to 2-1/2 hrs. especially if there is a lot of help.

Looking forward to seeing you Saturday!

Group Picture - This Saturday, May 2

Just a reminder that our group picture will be this Saturday, May 2.  Brush your hair.

Weekly Session - April 25: A 33:32 Man is One Who has Repented and Surrendered His Life to JESUS

Have we as a group of men truly surrendered our lives to Jesus??  Sometimes maybe, sometimes maybe not, the question is whether maybe not has a bigger time frame than maybe.

Two more weeks to go before breaking for the summer, make the best of it and make a vow to join the group the two weekends. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

A Man and His Family A Man and His Family - Saturday, April 18, 2015

Brothers in Christ,

You won't want to miss the session this week.  This session is based on Ephesians 5:21-6:4, my favorite scripture verse regarding the family. 

Including this Saturday we will meet for three more weekends and then break for the summer.  We'll take a group picture on May 2nd, the last session of the spring semester.  May 2nd is also spring clean-up day for the church and everyone is asked to help spruce up the church campus.

See you Saturday!

"As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live." St John Paul II

The Last Four Things - Saturday, April 11, 2015

The Last Four Things.

We are all going to die and at that time we will deal with The Last Four Things; Death, Judgement, Heaven, or Hell.  If your time on this earth ended now, what legacy would you leave?  How would you be judged?  Will your final destination be Heaven or Hell?

We'll give Fr. Larry and the online presentation a go once more.  I thing it will work this time.  See you Saturday morning!

SB

Whiy is this night different than any other?

"Why is night different than any other?"   Brothers in Christ, "Today, the Church enters liturgically into its greatest mystery, the Sacred Triduum, in which we celebrate the events that, together, have brought about our salvation.  At the close of tonight’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper, there will be no final prayer and closing blessing or dismissal. After the Sacred Body of the Lord is carried to the Altar of Repose, and venerated there, the ministers will depart in silence. Tomorrow, at the beginning of the Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, the ministers enter and leave in silence and there is no “In the name of the Father…” at the beginning of the liturgy and no closing blessing at the end. After the profound reverence before the cross, the presider immediately intones the opening prayer. At the end, all is silence. On Saturday evening, at the Great Vigil, the service again begins abnormally, with the lighting of the Paschal fire. Only at the end of the Vigil Mass do we return to normal when the presider imparts a blessing and the people are dismissed by the deacon. The Triduum is one, long, continuous prayer just as the work of salvation, the Paschal Mystery, is one event, one mystery of his passion for us." Michael Sean Winters, National Catholic Reporter This Holy Saturday the Band of Bros. will not meet but have the opportunity to participate in Tenebrae at 5:00 a.m. in the Church.  Tenebrae is a profound blessing in that it continues on Holy Saturday morning what began on Holy Thursday.  It's early and it may be a sacrifice to attend that early but there is no better sacrifice that to rise and praise our Lord for his utmost sacrifice.  I can pretty much guarantee the blessing you experience is worth the time.  Afterwards we will go to breakfast at the Sunrise Sunset Restaurant at 6th and Garrison.  I look forward to seeing you Saturday morning and wish you a joyous Easter!  In Christ! Sam Berning

Informal Poll

I am conducting an informal poll to see who reads the BOB blog and get an informal head count..  If you do, and if you read this, please send me an email letting me know. Just send an email to KBrady@JekadaFinancial.com, with Blog in the subject line.  Thanks.

Announcements from Saturday, March 14, 2015

This week's (3/14) announcements:

• Thanks to Group 1 for breakfast.  Group 2 will provide breakfast next week (3/21).
• Todd is home from the hospital and his recovery seems to be on track.  Please keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
• Band of Brothers will pray at Planned Parenthood today (3/14) at 10 a.m.
• Help is needed to deliver the Easter Boxes next Sunday (3/22).  Please meet at the parish center around 11 a.m.
• Help is needed with the Knight of Columbus Beer Pairing on April 11.  Help is needed for prep and setup on April 10 at 2 p.m., and for the event itself on April 11.
• There are still open slots for the Band of Brothers' Adoration.  Please sign up.
• Please prayerfully consider helping out with the RCIA program, especially as the gear up again in the fall.
• Please continue to pray for our Parish and for all of our prayer requests.

March 14, 2015 - Instruments of Evangelization

Go, therefore,and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

As the verse above instructs, the presentation this week reflects on Evangelization or more specifically "Instruments of Evangelization."

This week the Band of Brothers. is signed up to pray at Planned Parenthood at 10 a.m. Saturday morning.  Hopefully many of you can make it, a good showing of men speaks volumes against the atrocity of abortion.

See You Saturday,

Sam Berning

http://thereasonforourhope.org/2232menstrengtheningsummit/september-2014-instruments-of-evangelization/

Announcements from Saturday, March 7, 2015

This week's (3/7) announcements:

• Thanks to Group 6 for breakfast.  Group 1 will provide breakfast next week (3/14)
• Todd's surgery went well yesterday.  Please keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
• The Parish Mission is this week.  Sunday through Wednesday at 7 p.m.  Father Greg Cleveland.  Please try to attend.
• The Knights of Columbus Beer Pairing is on Saturday, April 11.  Tickets will be on sale following the Masses this weekend. Help will also be needed for preparation, setup and cleanup on 4/10 & 4/11.
• St Joseph's Parish is contemplating starting a men's group.  Some members of that parish may be attending some of our meetings - please make them feel welcome.
• Please continue to pray for our Parish and for all of our prayer requests.

March 7, 2015 - A Man and His Money

Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.  Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.  Luke 12:29-34

Brothers,
We are again privileged to listen to the no holds barred instruction of Fr. Larry Richards.  This week it's in regard to our monetary habits.

http://thereasonforourhope.org/2232menstrengtheningsummit/august-2014-a-man-and-his-money

This Saturday is the first Saturday of the month so please plan to recite the Rosary after the session at 7:35 a.m. in the Church.  The Rosary on Saturday will be dedicated to Todd Browne's speedy recovery.  Please keep him in your prayers.

In Christ!
Sam Berning

February 28, 2015 - Living as a Temple of the Holy Spirit

Brothers in Christ,

This week Father Larry will present to us the idea of living as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

As we journey deeper into this Lenten season, let us pray for the wisdom to realize we are not our own.  Let us also pray for the strength and resolve to do God's will with the charisms he has graced us with.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  1 Corinthians 6:19.

http://thereasonforourhope.org/2232menstrengtheningsummit/july-2014-living-as-a-temple-of-the-holy-spirit/

Announcements from Saturday, February 14, 2015

This week's (2/14) announcements: 

• Thanks to Group 3 for breakfast.  Group 4 will provide breakfast next week (2/21).
• RCIA is looking for sponsors and mentors.  Please contact Rich Phillips for more information and to sign up.
• Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday.
• 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.

Our Lenten Journey Begins - Father Larry Richards

Brothers In Christ,

Our Lenten Journey starts NOW and Fr. Larry Richards is back!  This Saturday we will begin Fr. Larry's series of talks for the 22:32 Men Strengthening Summit.  This week we start the series with a presentation titled "How to be a Disciple of Jesus."  Again the Holy Spirit has answered our prayers and lead us to a great series of talks and I am excited to share this journey with all of you. 

If interested the link to Father Larry's series of talks is below and can be viewed at any time if for any reason you are unable to join us on Saturday morning.  Each talk is complete with group prayers and questions. 

http://thereasonforourhope.org/category/2232menstrengtheningsummit/

On another note we talked briefly last Saturday about the annual Valentines Dinner and decided to proceed with it again this year.  Unfortunately I am unable to spend the time necessary to put this event together again this year.  If anyone would like to step up to the plate and organize this event I will help were I can but my time will be limited.  If the Valentines Dinner doesn't develop maybe we can plan a BBQ after Easter and include the whole family.

Looking forward to seeing you Saturday.  I believe group 1 is providing breakfast.

In Christ!

Saturday Morning Sessions Begin Again Tomorrow (1/24)

Men of Christ,

This week we start Saturday morning meetings for the second semester.  Group 6 is responsible for breakfast.  I'm don't have the list of who is leader of this group but please get together and organize the breakfast if you haven't already. 

The retreat was a  blessing with many graces and I pray everyone will take the opportunity to attend one in the future.  We'll talk more about it this Saturday.

This Saturday the presentation will be by Curtis Martin on New Leaders for the New Evangelization.  I hope to see  your there. 

In Christ!

Men's Retreat

Thanks to all who planned and participated in the men's retreat this past weekend.  We all had a wonderful weekend of spiritual growth and fellowship.  To see some of the pictures from the retreat, click here.