“LOVE – for men” was the title for Steve Biddulph’s talk given in Brisbane some years ago. Steve has published and lectured in the area of personal development and relationships throughout Australia.
I attended, and experienced two surprises. First, 200 men attended his talk, on a Sunday night!
Second, there was deep anger, hurt and frustration associated with marriage and family relationships voiced by so many of the men during small-group and plenary segments of the evening.
Several renewal movements (of which Archbishop Francis Rush used say that the Church itself is the most important) have served the Brisbane and Australian Church well.
These movements have mostly addressed the Catholic, Christian and spiritual dimensions of people’s lives.
However, the dimension of personal and relational development in people’s lives has only been minimally addressed in the Church and the broader civil community of Brisbane and Australia.
This is surprising, especially in the Church, because the key to understanding God’s grace in our lives is personal relationship. As well we readily accept the teaching that “grace builds on nature”.
Very recently I had a long discussion with one of the leaders of the “menAlive experience” and came away impressed. I was also given a brochure and DVD.
I have registered for the menAlive weekend retreat for November 8 and 9 (advertised in “Happenings” of The Catholic Leader on October 19) at Holy Spirit Church, Auchenflower.
RSVP is by October 27 on 0439 209 332 or email mike@menalive.org.au
My learnings so far about menAlive are: it is not a movement; does not seek membership; does not seek donations or funds; is initially but not exclusively parish-based; is approved by Archbishop John Bathersby; is not charismatic in origin, aim or expression; and does aim to help participants find their purpose and mission in the various environments of life such as marriage, family, work and parish.
Perhaps menAlive will address the great need for personal and relationship development obviously evident today in society and the Church.
FR JAMES HYNES
Lutwyche, Qld
