Gathering of 9 September 2025

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The concept of "Masculinity" in 21st Century society has connotations of "toxicity" and "misogyny."  Certainly, there are levels of behavior conducted by men that are overly aggressive to the point of physical assault and mental cruelty.  However, the traditional roles of men as husbands and fathers as defined by Catholic tradition are called to question in many segments of American communities, such as when people get offended with the terms "father" and "mother" and substitute with the term "co-parent."    In his speech to Benedictine University in 2024, NFL kicker Harrison Butker stated, "Part of what plagues our society is this lie that has been told to you that men are not necessary in the home or in our communities. As men, we set the tone of the culture, and when that is absent, disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in. This absence of men in the home is what plays a large role in the violence we see all around the nation."

How can we as Catholic men publicly live lives of true masculinity, as husbands and fathers, meek yet strong, and loving and responsible?

Our Gathering program includes the Into the Breach episode on "Masculinity," along with discussion points from the lesson's workbook.  We will also review Saint Paul's letter to the Ephisians, Chapter 5, verses 21 - 33.