Men of Saint James

CONTACTS: Terry Conley ♦ (908) 500-1626 ♦ tike1@yahoo.com; Lou Chiafullo ♦ (973) 229-6177 ♦ chiafullo@optonline.net

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reports: “From Los Angeles to Chicago, from Manchester to Miami there is a growing hunger for God among Catholic men. They are sharing their burdens, listening to each other's stories, and celebrating Eucharist Call it a revival, an awakening. Call it a work of the Holy Spirit at the grassroots level. The emergence of new ministries with men is a welcome development within the Church.”

This movement of the Holy Spirit has also blessed Saint James Church. Group leader Terry Conley explains, “As the iterations of the men’s ministries before us, the Men of Saint James seeks to help men balance their busy lives with God in the center.  As we immerse ourselves in the daily demands of commerce, we seek to tether ourselves to the Truth. Our goal is to become better husbands, fathers, sons, leaders, workers and parishioners through prayer, sharing and support.” As one retreatant recently put it, “These are regular guys, the kind you would play football with!” The men’s ministry provides an opportunity for men to understand the spiritual needs and experiences that are particular to them, by spending time in prayer and fellowship with other men who are at various stages of their faith journey.

The Men of Saint James meets for community prayer every Saturday morning from 7:15 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. All are welcome and embraced. It is a time to be one with the Lord, with fellow men. It is a time to praise Him, surrender to Him, pray for His forgiveness and mercy, and seek His guidance.

Mini retreats (three hours) are offered four times a year and feature guest speakers.

The Men of Saint James also holds an annual overnight retreat in October at Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham. All men of the parish are invited to take this rest from the daily demands and be rejuvenated for the journey ahead.

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  — Psalm 25:4-5