SEARCHING for life’s deeper meaning does not come easily to many men in today’s hectic world.
However, more than 200 men from across Australia and New Zealand took time out to attend menALIVE to the MAX, a national Catholic men’s gathering in Brisbane from July 14-16.
Described as the largest “Catholic gathering of men in Australia or New Zealand”, attendees at the weekend retreat, at St Leo’s Catholic College, University of Queensland, were Catholic, non-Catholic and Catholics returning “home”.
Regardless of where they were on their faith journey, participants were challenged to deepen their faith in God and explore practical ways that lead to transformation.
They took part in workshops, group discussions, fellowship and personal prayer.
Workshops included Church Renewal; Tuning into God and Taking Purposeful Action; Family, Fun and Faith; Living Purposefully as a young man or as an older man.
Seven priests were available for Reconciliation.
Participants delivered strong feedback after attending the weekend event.
“I will never be the same again. I highly recommend this to every man in Australia,” David, from Victoria, said.
“Great to be with Catholic men. Loved the fellowship. You guys are awesome,” Queenslander Rick said.
“I have been re energised and reordered in my faith. I will go home and make the necessary life changes,” South Australian Chris said.
Since the founding of men-ALIVE in Brisbane in 2003, the menALIVE message, delivered at parish gatherings, conferences and retreats, has spread far and wide.
A team of lay men have run more than 350 events for 20,000 men across 26 diocese in Australia and New Zealand.
“The purpose of menALIVE is to bring men together to renew their faith in God and to encourage them to be an active force of renewal of the Church,” a member of the menALIVE founding team Peter Gabauer said.
“We hope to reawaken the zeal in men’s hearts by fostering daily prayer, fellowship, service and the support of our priests.
“Recognising that a man’s spirituality can often flourish best in the company of other men, menALIVE provides men opportunities to share faith and review what matters most in their lives.”
MenALIVE hold regular events, conferences and workshops. Visit its website at www.menalive.org.au
