For the men of the SS. Faith, Hope, and Charity in Winnetka: Faith is more than personal devotion— it is a shared journey. The parish’s Men’s Group, founded in late 2019 and run by Kevin McCaughey and John Iberle, has evolved into a vibrant community where men gather to deepen their faith. An idea for a Lenten breakfast blossomed into a dynamic ministry that welcomes men from across the area.
A Gathering That Grew
The Men’s Group began when Pam Coster, former Adult Faith Formation Director, saw a need for men to connect spiritually. She invited a small group of ten to twelve men to consider forming a ministry, and from that initial gathering, the idea of a Lenten breakfast took shape. On February 29, 2020, just before the pandemic, 50 men gathered for the inaugural Pre-Lenten Breakfast. It was clear that there was a deep hunger for these conversations.
During the pandemic, weekly Saturday morning meetings moved to Zoom. Men from different locations—including seasonal “snowbirds”—could stay engaged year-round. The format became clear: an opening prayer, the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, a reflection from Bishop Robert Barron, and group discussions. This structure created space for personal reflection and shared faith. “Being in dialogue with others on the same faith journey can be very helpful,” says Iberle.
Today, the group thrives with a mix of virtual and in-person gatherings. In addition to the weekly Saturday Zoom meetings, they host two large in-person events each year—a Pre-Advent and a Pre-Lenten Breakfast. These events consistently draw between 75 and 100 attendees from over 15 parishes. The gatherings feature a speaker, small group discussions, and a Q&A session, offering a rich exchange of ideas.
The group also meets in person twice a year for smaller gatherings, ensuring that relationships deepen beyond the virtual space. “One of the biggest benefits is the conversation in small groups,” said McCaughey. “It is directed conversation. You are doing it with brothers. It is healthy. It is cathartic.”
A Simple and Replicable Model
Its straightforward structure makes the Men's Group successful and can be easily replicated in other parishes. McCaughey is passionate about sharing their knowledge: “Consistently, this could be run in other places. We are happy to help others put it all together, coach them on this, and help train the trainer.” The group has already seen organic growth, spreading the word through parish bulletins, email lists, and word of mouth.
Iberle reflects on how the ministry has deepened his faith: “I’ve heard these readings so many times, but there isn’t a Saturday that goes by where I don't see something new—sometimes from something very specific that someone else said.” McCaughey’s journey has also been transformative: “It has lit me on fire. Our relationship with God and Jesus is a bottomless well. I am re-learning scripture at a more significant level.”
The weekly effort is managed with many hands taking a role. Kevin curates and provides the communications to the group. Each week, a volunteer dives into the readings to offer some questions to help guide the small discussions. Others engaged behind the scenes include Nidhir Ivan, Jack Smyth and Tom O’Donoghue.
Looking Ahead
The Men's Group at SS. Faith, Hope & Charity continues to grow, and they hope to involve more young fathers. The group commits to creating a welcoming space for men to explore their faith and deepen their relationship with God. Their format offers a model of faith-filled brotherhood that other parishes can embrace. The Men's Group is about embracing a spiritual community where men can walk together in faith.