“God is glorified when men are fully alive” - St Irenaeus

menALIVE was founded in 2003 by a small group of Catholic lay men: some married, some with families, some single. They shared a common desire to respond to the question concerning the composition of current Catholic congregations, "Where are all the Men? They considered themselves to be “ordinary” men who had experienced something powerful through the Church. They were convinced that there is something greater than themselves to live for. The group wanted other men to encounter what they had experienced. Out of this desire was founded menALIVE: A National Catholic Ministry for men. It is built on the belief that a man is not alone and that he can see where God is at work in his life and in the life of the world around him. A man does not have to 'battle' through life on his own. God meets each man at whatever stage or circumstance he is at. For more information about the national movement visit: https://www.menalive.org.au

menALIVE was established in both St Paschal’s and St Gerard’s churches in March 2021 after a men’s weekend was arranged at the OLA parish hall. It was a grace-filled experience for the 32 men who attended this weekend event. Since then, small groups of men have met weekly, to share their stories, reflect on scripture and pray together.

In December we had a Christmas BBQ get together and these are some of the comments brought forward on the day about what the Men were saying:

I'm part of the new small group which was set up after the men alive weekend in March and I've barely missed a meeting so far. I love the fact that you can just be yourself, with no masks, no pretence, just say how you really are. You don’t often get that chance and with people you really trust. I've got so much from the group, I was living in my own bubble, imagining I was the only person who was feeling a certain way. Time and time again after sharing something, I would find out the I'm not the first man to go through these things or feel that way. And more importantly, to hear this from other normal guys, makes me feel like there’s no shame, I am normal too. (Mike)

I enjoy getting to meet people in a different setting than I would normally be at, and hearing from people who are at different stages of life. (Peter)

I enjoy hanging out with men to share your ups and downs. Some men think it's not for me when it’s described to them, the thought of getting up early in the morning to go through the Bible is a bit off-putting, then they find out the true value of the meetings and then they’re hooked. (Jono)

The menALIVE group in very welcoming and the fact that you can be fully vulnerable without being judged, is great, no matter what you say, you are accepted back the next week. (Tim)

One of the most amazing parts of the small groups for me is the bible study. The readings speak to us all in different ways, this really is the living word in action. I hadn’t really experienced that before. There’s always gold in other experiences. I love that the group gives me a chance to sit with the bible, and teachings for a while, in a way you can’t do on your own. We’re learning from Jesus’s life and applying his lessons to our current times. (Mike)

Currently there are four menALIVE meeting groups listed below that all men are most welcome to come to.

Dark Tonic Roasters 18 Corrie Street every Wednesday 6.30 - 7.30 am

Ph Chris Scharf 0411 12576 

Dark Tonic Roasters 18 Corrie Street every Tuesday 6.30 - 7.30 am

Ph Tim Jones 0420 799876

Brendan Scarce house Geebung Saturday afternoon group ph. 0432 148025

Tim & Chris Saturday bike ride 6am Fox Coffee Ellison Rd ph. 0420 799876

The Parish is blessed with a great group of parishioners who support the musical component of our Masses each week. The music for Masses is organised separately for each venue but the two groups come together for combined Parish celebrations and for special occasions.

If you gift is music, our Choir groups would love to hear from you.

St Gerard’s Contact Margaret 3359 1332

St Paschal’s Contact Deborah 0418 756 136

Meditation touches something very deep, very central, very universal in us. It is more than a skill. It is more than a technique. I’d like to reassure you that meditation is not about success or failure. It’s about practice – like all of the most important things in life. Sometimes you will succeed, sometimes you will fail, but you stay with it. Staying with it reveals a whole different, broader, deeper, more integrated understanding of meaning. We are programmed of course to think about success and failure. So that will click in very often as you are learning to meditate – am I succeeding, am I failing? So we are constantly going to remind you that it is not about success or failure – it is about practice. ( The Work of Selfless Attention Laurence Freeman OSB )

Everyone is welcome to attend the Christian Meditation Group on Mondays from 5:45pm to 6:30pm at St Paschal’s Church, Wavell Hts.

Any enquiries contact Susie on 07 3359 8997

St Gerard Majella Ladies’ Group is an informal group of 35-40 ladies who meet each week.

Place: St Gerard Majella Hall

Time: Thursdays – 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Cost: $2.00 (for morning tea)

All Welcome