Strengthened by Christ’s real presence

Early in the Catholic Watchmen movement I did not realize how often the term watchman appears in sacred Scripture.

Yet I soon discovered that it is referenced around 30 times in singular or plural form, found most frequently in the Old Testament prophetic books and the Psalms.

Watchmen were guardians of the faith for the people of God, those who would “stand in the breach” (Ezek 22:30).  Modern-day watchmen are to pray, read the Bible daily, be a spiritual father, attend Mass regularly, serve others, go to confession monthly and have regular fellowship with a band of Christian brothers. Of these disciplines, especially attend Mass regularly.

Why the Mass? It is a weekly Sunday obligation (at a minimum). In addition, compelling, active discipleship means that as Catholic men we are to follow disciplines that witness to the love of God and love of neighbor, acting on the two greatest commandments that Jesus gave us. We press on with that biblical responsibility by the way we live for the glory of God, starting with our highest prayer. Men who lead, provide and protect the faith for their family, friends and those in need, and especially spiritual fathers who gain spiritual strength at the Mass, truly ignite the real presence of Jesus in their lives. It helps men feed themselves and others in their sphere of influence. This is why the highest prayer of the Church — the Mass — is a major focus at the 2025 Archdiocesan Catholic Men’s Conference hosted by the Catholic Watchmen.

Men of Christ — Strengthened by His Real Presence is the theme. In lockstep with Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s pastoral letter released over two years ago, “You Will Be My Witnesses, Gathered and Sent From the Upper Room,” parishes across our archdiocese are implementing the chief shepherd’s current year two plan with its emphasis on the Mass. The archbishop states, “our focus turns to the Mass — particularly, the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.” Our active and vibrant lives as Catholics need to reflect this.

The conference will run from 7 a.m. for registration to 1 p.m.  March 22, at Epiphany in Coon Rapids. In the morning, before Mass is celebrated by Archbishop Hebda, there will be opportunities to participate in the sacrament of confession, visit booths and visit with each other, and have some quiet time.

Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney will concelebrate the Mass, be at the conference and lead us in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Breakfast will be available after the opening Mass. Luke Spehar’s musical talent will pave the way transitionally and effectively as we move through the conference.

To register, please use this link: secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=NYiyxd.

As we proceed through the day in solidarity, men at the conference will hear from Edward Sri, a nationally acclaimed speaker, author and co-founder of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) ministries. Sri also is provost and professor of theology and Scripture at the Augustine Institute in Colorado. Several best-selling books by this family man will be available for purchase.  His two talks will address being spiritually fed and strengthened by Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist to better live virtuous and vibrant lives of faith.

Please spread the news to men you know. “As iron sharpens iron…” (Prov 27:17) men will be strengthened to provide, protect and lead as disciples of Jesus.

Deacon Bird ministers to St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville and assists with the archdiocesan Catholic Watchmen movement. See heroicmen.com for existing tools supported by the archdiocese to enrich parish apostolates for ministry to men. For Watchmen start-up materials or any other questions regarding ministry to men, contact him at gordonbird@rocketmail.com.