ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH
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Saint Michael’s Men’s Breakfast Group Contact: Parish Center (908) 276-0360 The Men's Breakfast originated at St. Michael's more than 20 years ago (1987) when a group of men from the school father's club participated in a weekend retreat held by Father Lew Papera, who was then at St. Michael’s. The retreat was beneficial and the men wanted to continue on a monthly basis. Since that simple beginning, the Men’s Breakfast meet faithfully, year round, the first Saturday of each month in the Parish Center following mass (8:30AM-10:00AM). The purpose of the group is to provide fellowship and an opportunity to discuss matters of faith. Men rarely get the opportunity for this type of discussion and sharing. Jon Falkowski who has been attending the breakfast for about 4 years said “I have taken something spiritual from every meeting; some very profound…I love the atmosphere of being around other people that share my spiritual values-that is rare in life.” Each month, about a week before the meeting, simple reading material and a discussion question are sent out. Publications such as Catholic Digest, The Word Among Us, Spirit and Life, Catholic Update, Pecos Benedictine, and occasional books are used. On numerous occasions outside speakers have presented a variety of faith related topics. Bill Prendergast, who is a St. Michael’s parishioner and attending breakfasts since around 1994 says “This is a group that has diverse opinions; but where you always find out something new or get a different perspective.” Homer Brawley, a long-time parishioner of St. Michael’s and a “founding” participant in the Men’s Breakfast said “The Men's breakfast provides a forum to share our lives with one another and to continue to grow spiritually. The group is very diverse and you learn that you have to be very open, patient and understanding of one another.” Most recently articles and information available on the internet have been provided and discussed. The aim is not to teach, but to encourage openness and sharing of perspectives on the challenges confronting men trying to live a Christian Life. In fact, Lou Brigando who currently coordinates the meetings, said: “Over the years more than 600 men have participated or received articles from our group. We meet every first Saturday in the same place throughout the year, rain or shine. Even men who haven’t joined us for many months come back and know we can be found same time, same place each month. An atmosphere of stability, and acceptance has helped us survive these many years…as Father McGovern has said…longer than Miss Saigon!” A small group format is used so that everyone feels comfortable. Spiritual support is provided for our group by Deacon Dan Wilverding, Father Ed Jocson, or the numerous other priests who have attended. The meetings are informal and fun. In past years some of our group have participated in weekend retreats at Loyola in Morristown, and Weston Priory in Vermont. Our members have also been active in Cornerstone and many other areas of service to our Parish Community. Rich Bingham, a parishioner of St. John the Apostle and active participant since 1989 sums it up “Many have come through in the past 15+ years, with a common thread being openness and willingness to share diverse opinions…we leave as friends to return the next month for another round of sharing.” He recounts a quote heard at one meeting “Darkness can’t stand the light, but the light has no problem shining in the dark.” At this point the group has stood the test of time and the format is useful for men at any stage of spiritual development and walk of life. Father Steve Brosche visited our group at one of our meetings and was pleased to tell us that he has modeled several groups in the military overseas after ours. Further information may be obtained by calling the Parish Center (908) 276-0360.
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