Men Encountering Christ Ministry
A Ministry of Reflection, Growth, and Faith
At St. Norbert and Our Lady of the Brook Parish, a men's ministry creates a space for deep spiritual discussion, intellectual engagement, and personal reflection. Men Encountering Christ (MEC), a loosely organized group formed post-pandemic, that gathers every six weeks to discuss spiritual literature, share experiences, and explore their faith in a welcoming setting. The ministry, coordinated by Dev Kennedy, offers a flexible and open approach to deepening one's relationship with Christ, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
A Ministry Born from Change
MEC emerged from a previous men's ministry at the parish that focused on bringing in speakers to discuss spiritual and religious topics. As that group aged out, a small community of retired executives decided to come together in a new way—through reading and discussion. "Sometimes ministries end not because they fail, but because they've run their course," Kennedy explains. "It's important to make room for new ministries that meet people where they are."
This spirit of openness and adaptation has shaped MEC into a spiritual literary discussion group that fosters deep conversations on a variety of books. They have explored works such as Learning to Pray by James Martin, S.J., a guide to deepening one's prayer life, The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen, a reflection on forgiveness and reconciliation, and He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, a memoir of faith and survival. Their upcoming selection is Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Fr. Greg Boyle, a book that explores the power of compassion in transforming lives.
Spiritual Stimulation for a New Chapter of Life
For many MEC men, retirement presents both an opportunity and a challenge. "People are looking for spiritual stimulus, thoughtful prayer, and a way to navigate life in retirement," Kennedy notes. "They've spent years working hard and need intellectual and spiritual stimulation to keep growing."
Through their discussions, members explore how faith evolves. The group's reading of The Return of the Prodigal Son sparked powerful reactions. They delved into the parable's nuances, discussing how it changes with age and personal growth. "The parable changes as you age," Kennedy explains. "Young people read the parable and see themselves as the sons, but as you grow older, you see through the eyes of the father. Why can I forgive something in my 50s and 60s that I couldn't in my 30s? Age humbles you. It teaches you that there's no room in your heart for a grudge."
A Journey of Faith
Men today face unique challenges in integrating faith into their lives. "Most men feel like they have to solve all the problems," Kennedy observes. "But sometimes, we just need to let the Holy Spirit take a crack at it."
One of the members recently returned to the group after suffering a major heart attack. His first meeting back was a discussion on the Rosary, and he shared how he had made peace with the possibility that his time here might have ended. "That kind of openness and reflection is exactly why this group exists," Kennedy says. "It's another workout—another way to sit with people of like mind and spirit and hear what they feel, understand, and think. It impacts our regular spiritual growth."
The group encourages practical, everyday faith practices, even in small ways. "Take five minutes in your car to say ten Hail Marys. It will help calm you down and bring Christ into your problem."
Kennedy's advice is simple for those interested in starting a men's faith-sharing group: start. "Pick a book that moves people spiritually. It doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't have to follow a rigid structure. Co-ed groups may work better for your parish." As the group continues to evolve, Kennedy hopes that its model—of open discussion, flexible participation, and spiritual growth—can inspire other parishes to create their own spaces for men to encounter Christ in meaningful ways.
"Our job," Kennedy says, "is to keep our spiritual life stimulated. If we don't, we start to sink. We need to be spiritual sharks—always moving, always growing."
