A little over ten years ago, I began a pastoral letter on the subject of fathers and fatherhood by acknowledging that it can be a struggle to be a good Christian man in a challenging contemporary world.
 
     I think we all can agree that today the challenges and struggles can seem even more difficult and daunting.  But our Holy Father’s recent trip to the United States, vividly called us to remember that, indeed, there is hope, and that Christ is our Hope. 

     When the apostles gathered in the Upper Room during the period between Jesus’ Passion and Pentecost to comfort, console and strengthen each other, they sought to understand Jesus’ call to serve Him and His Church. Similarly, I believe it is imperative that we, too, must seek opportunities to gather in worship as a community of men of faith, to pray for guidance and strength, and to develop avenues of good Christian fellowship so that we can be fathers, sons, uncles, friends and business associates who follow the words of Jesus to “go into the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mk. 15:16). 

     I therefore invite each of you today to prayerfully consider becoming part of the Men’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Newark, and to take an ever-active role in the life of your parish community. Further, I welcome your participation in our first Day of Fellowship to be held at the Essex County Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange on Saturday, March 28, 2009. 

     The speakers, workshops and interaction scheduled for the day are designed especially with you in mind – to help you deepen your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ; and to shape your roles in families, in the Church, and in society as men of God and men for others. 

     It is my hope that, through participation in the Men’s Commission and Day of Fellowship, you will experience a new perspective on your personal discipleship and journey toward Christ and, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, experience a heart burning within you as you encounter Jesus in a special way. 

With every good wish, I remain 

XMost Reverend John J. Myers 
Archbishop of Newark

The Archdiocese of Newark seeks to develop a Men’s Commission to offer a structure of fellowship and support to deepen men’s faith and relationship with Jesus Christ; and to help guide their roles in their families, in the Church, and in society as men of God and men for others.

• A public celebration of a Mass of Fellowship
• Eucharistic Adoration (throughout the whole day)
• Opportunity to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• A presentation from a keynote speaker on some aspect of being a modern day Disciple and Brother in Christ (or meeting the challenge of living one’s faith in contemporary society)