Catholic Men Of The Cross

Winter Retreat 2012 - Save The Date

2011-09-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the video

The Men's "In-Motion" winter retreat is scheduled for

the President's Day Weekend in February.

A group of 20 men will leave Redding, CA on Friday February 17, 2012 at 5:00 pm and drive up to Lake Almanor for a 3-day weekend of Fellowship, Spiritual Enrichment, Excitement, a few challenges, and as always with the "In-Motion" retreats, there will be an environment that fosters authentic Catholic Manhood.

The retreat will be limited to only 20 men so be sure to reserve your spot.

The minimum age requirement for the retreat is 18 years of age, but with the approval of the organizing team a 16 or 17 year old may be approved if there is adequate maturity and the young man will be accompanied by their father.

The retreat begins on Friday - February 17, 2012 at 5:00 pm in Redding as we drive to Lake Almanor and will concluded Monday - February 20, 2012 Midday.

There will not be a fee for the retreat but there will be a modest cost for the food that will be shared by the retreatants ( $30).

Please e-mail Deacon Pat Kearns (patkearns@sbcglobal.net) for more information and to reserve your spot.

Men In-Motion Retreat Agenda

Be the Man You Were Created to Be!

Friday (February 17, 2012)

5:00 pm Depart from Our Lady Of Mercy

7:00 pm Arrive at the Retreat Site / Secure sleeping area

7:30 pm Retreat overview / Opening prayer

8:00 pm Fellowship (Snacks / Adult Beverages)

Saturday (February 18, 2012)

Early Birds Coffee / Shooting the Breeze

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Morning Prayer

9:30 am Talk #1 - Followed by silent reflection

11:00 am Activity

12:30 pm Lunch

1:30 pm Activity

3:00 pm Talk #2 - Followed by silent reflection

5:00 pm Dinner

6:00 pm Groups – The day in reflection

7:30 pm Fellowship (Snacks / Adult Beverages)

Sunday (February 19, 2012)

Early Birds Coffee / Shooting the Breeze

7:30 – 8:30am Light Breakfast (Please observe 1 hour fast before Mass)

9:10 am Depart for Mass

9:30 am Mass - Our Lady of the Snows (Fellowship after Mass)

12:00 pm Lunch

1:30 pm Activity

3:00 pm Talk #3 - Followed by silent reflection

5:00 pm Dinner

6:00 pm Groups – The day in reflection

7:30 pm Fellowship (Snacks / Adult Beverages)

Monday (February 20, 2012)

Early Birds Coffee / Shooting the Breeze

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Morning Prayer

9:30 am Mini Talk #4 – (Putting it all together)

10:00 am Clean up / prepare to depart

11:00 am Retreat concludes – Return Home.

A Real Men's Retreat (No GIRLS!)

2011-09-13T18:47:00.001-07:00

Men In-Motion (Kayak / Canoe River Adventure)

2011-08-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

It is time again for another Men's "In-Motion" Retreat.

We will be leaving Redding on Friday - September 9th at 5:00 pm and ending the journey in Red Bluff on Sunday - September 11th.

For those that can't make the Friday Afternoon Departure, you can meet us at The Sacramento River RV Park (Anderson) Friday evening or early Saturday Morning. (We will be camping at the RV park Friday Night.

There will be a planning meeting on Saturday - September 3rd in the parish hall after the 5:00 pm Mass. We will discuss the specifics of the trip, gear, supplies, and use of Kayaks, Canoes, etc.

There has already been a nice response to this trip and this should prove to be another rewarding and exciting "In-Motion" retreat.

If you are planning to attend, please e-mail me (patkearns@sbcglobal.net) so I can get an idea of the number of men attending for planning purposes. And if you need to borrow a Canoe / Kayak also let me know, Mike Goodyear has a few 2-man canoes that can be borrowed.

A Work'n Man's Retreat

2011-05-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Men's Retreat in Shingletown a Huge Success

On May 28th, 35 men gathered in Shingletown for what was called "A Work'n Man's Retreat." There were chain saws, tractors, shovels, and almost every kind of tool that you could imagine.

The goal was to transform the forest into a spiritual place that could be used for retreats, gatherings, and a sanctuary for private meditation.

The distinct projects were identified:

1. Clearing and thinning of the forest.

2. Beautification and improvement of the amphitheater, including the erecting of a two-story high cross.

3. Completing the outdoor Stations of the Cross with establishing a comfortable walking trail, beautification of each station, and placing numbered posts at each site.

A core group of men with knowledgeable team leaders arrived at 7:00 am and began work. As more and more men arrived they chose a project to join. It wasn't long and the overgrown forest began to take shape.

After five hours of work the lunch bell was rung and the men gathered for a break. As the men nourished their bodies the theme of the retreat was introduced: "Living as Authentic Catholic Men in the World Today." Deacon Pat Kearns (Founder of Catholic Men of the Cross "In-Motion" Retreats) explained the importance of relationships in men's lives, and what type of relationships are needed for our unique journeys. Then the men, now fed, and given some spiritual food to ponder as well, quickly returned to their projects.

Many of the men who attended the retreat did not previously know each other, but there was a bond forming as they worked side by side established friendships.

At 6:00 pm there was no need to ring the dinner bell since God took care of that by delivering an abundance of snow. Escaping the flurry of white powder, the men retreated to the Mary Queen of Peace church that is adjacent to the retreat property and partook in a dinner feast worthy of kings.

After dinner, the weather improved and the men returned to the forest for campfire fellowship. Enjoying a few beers, stories were exchanged, jokes and laughter emerged, and the men reflected on the day's experience.

Some of the men remained on the property and camped, while others chose to drive home.

Morning came with beautiful clear skies and the final touches of the projects were completed. The men then prepared for the arrival of the Shingletown Catholic community for the planned 11:00 am outdoor Mass and picnic.

Families began to arrive and quickly gathered in the amphitheater. The retreat bell was rung and Father Jonathan Molina (Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, and Mary Queen of Peace churches) along with Deacon Pat began Mass. The beauty of God's creation surrounded the community with the chirping of birds, the mild breezes whispering through the trees, and as Father shared his homily the sun's rays were as a spotlight beaming upon him and illuminated his being. It was glorious.

After Mass the community enjoyed a traditional Bar-B-Q with hamburgers and hot dogs, and a variety of fixings. Then the forest was filled with the visitors enjoying the fruits of the men's retreat. They were walking the Stations of the Cross and enjoying the newly enhanced trails.

"This is just the beginning for the retreat property" declared Deacon Pat, further stating "This is a holy place that will in time, be a place of healing, rest, and inspiration for thousands."

To watch a short film of the retreat please visit: www.DeaconPat.net

For more information about the Corpus Christi Retreat Center please contact Our Lady of Mercy Parish at 530-222-3424.

A Work'n Man's Retreat

2011-04-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

Where: Mary Queen Of Peace Retreat Center, Shingletown, CA.

When: May 28th (Sat) and May 29th (Sunday)

Usually you must be 16 or older for the retreats, but since we are stationary at the retreat center, it is open to males 13 and older as long as the 13, 14, 15 year olds are with their dads.

A group of men will gather early Saturday morning at the retreat property for a real Men's Retreat. None of that touchy-feely stuff, but rather, men working side by side in fellowship and doing what men love to do best, work, laugh, and create something.

The majority of the work will be done on Saturday May 28^th and will consist of cutting down some small trees, removing new growth, and cleaning the grounds. It will not be difficult work, but the more hands we have working the more we can accomplish. We would like to invite as many men and male youth to come and participate in the retreat (even for a few hours). Sunday morning we will finalize the projects and prepare for the community outdoors mass and picnic.

Our main projects for the retreat will be:

The dirt road leading to the amphitheater - Clearing brush along the sides and road improvement.

The amphitheater area – clearing brush, over all clean up, sawing level seats on log benches.

Stations of the Cross - clearing brush along the sides of the road and at each station, establishing an upper trail for easy walking to the stations.

Equipment to bring if available:

Chain saws

Pole saws, manual or power

Rakes, leaf

Pruning sheers, Loppers

Shovels

Wheel Barrels
Survey tape

any other related items

We are searching for anyone with:

A power chipper
ATV with cart

Food

(Feel free to also bring anything special you might like)

Saturday

Lunch – Bring your own lunch

Dinner – We will provide a feast
(Taco's, Burritos, Beans, Mexican Rice, Chips, Salsa)

Evening – Campfire Fellowship
We will provide snacks, soda, and beer

Sunday

Breakfast- Food provided for those who camped on the property.

Lunch- Picnic / Bar-B-Q provided by Shingletown community

Camping

You are more than welcome to camp on the retreat center grounds. There is a bathroom but no showers. Please bring your own gear.

*If you live locally: you may also choose to return home Saturday evening and rejoin us Sunday morning.

For more information please call or e-mail Deacon Pat Kearns. 530-224-1499 and patkearns@sbcglobal.net

Agenda

Saturday - May 28th

7:00 am - Arrive at the Retreat Center, Team Assignments

7:30 am - Begin work

12:00 pm - Lunch

1:00 pm Work

6:00 pm Clean -up / Dinner

7:00 pm Evening Reflection

7:30 -Fellowship / Music / Camp Fire / Beer

*Retreatants have the option of camping on the retreat grounds or

driving home and returning in the morning.

Sunday - May 29th

6:30 am - Rise and Eat

7:00 a.m - Morning Prayer

7:15 am -Begin Work

11:00 am - Community Outdoor Mass with Father Jonathan Molina

(Attended by Retreat Men and whole Shingletown Community)

12:00 pm - Community Bar-B-Q / Picnic

3:00 pm - Retreat Concludes

Tommy Shamrock Riding Club

2011-04-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Kearns Clan and others met in Lincoln, CA. on April 2, 2011 for a spectacular 45 mile bike ride through rolling hills, country roads, and beautiful scenery.

The group had a blast while climbing over 2 thousand feet and then soaring at speeds of 40 miles per hour down the curving country roads.

The Tommy Shamrock Riding Club was initially started in Honor of Thomas Kearns and has grown from his 6 boys to numerous participants.....

Catholic Men's Group (Fatherhood Series)

2011-02-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

After a period of respite, I am excited to announce that we will be resuming our Monthly Men's group gatherings in March. Here is the information that will be posted in the bulletin:

The “Men of the Cross” - Catholic Men’s Group will be resuming their monthly gatherings on March 14th (Every Second Monday of the Month) at 7pm in the parish hall.

These gatherings are for men interested in Fellowship, Spiritual Formation / Nourishment, and Positive Assistance and Guidance as we travel through life as authentic catholic men.

We will be beginning a new series “Fatherhood – A Call To Holiness.” This series is designed for Men who have raised a family, are in the midst of raising a family, and those who will be a father in the future.

There is no cost and no commitment.

The group is facilitated by Deacon Pat Kearns and open to all catholic men from the local parishes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to surround yourself with Men of like values, commitments, and desire to fight against the evils of the world while growing in virtue and holiness.

Please call Deacon Pat Kearns at 530-605-6699 or e-mail at patkearns@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Men In-Motion Winter Retreat 2011

2011-01-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

Check out our adventure

The 2011 Winter Men's Retreat

What a great time being with such a great group of men.

Yes - we did build 3 Quinzies and slept in them.

First you build a foundation.

Then you mark off the floor area.

This is an important step so you can find the floor level once you start digging....

Then you start building the mountain of snow.

Then we had a little help from Mr. Snow Blower......

It wouldn't of been a true men's retreat without a few power tools!

We work as a team.

Time to start digging in and then up to the floor level.

Everyone took turns as the tunnel rat!

It wasn't long and then we had 3 Quinzees.

A little tired but happy with a job well done.

Don't tell the other guys.... but.... our Quinzee was the best.

See, Even Dennis thought our Quinzee was the best.

A few custom features began to pop up.

Go Paul!

What a great day!

Mark and Father Jonathan

Cliff and Mark

The final results

What a blessing to have Mass each day.

We all took turns participating / assisting at Mass.

The Eucharist.... Source and Summit of our lives.

Mass was casual, but reverent and Holy.

It would not have been an authentic "In-Motion" retreat without some motion.

The Cross-country experience.

Snow Shoeing.

Yes... Danger is our middle name.

2 hours later, almost back to the cabin.

Time for Food and Fellowship.

Each meal was a feast.

Those Macho Men can also cook.

Don't you just love the head lamp..... Cooking in the dark is no problem at a Men's Retreat!

Each man was part of a team responsible for one meal prep and cleaning...... Great job guys!

And then we had the "Men Games," how high could two teams of 8 men build a tower in 5 minutes?

and when we looked up, what did we see, but a statue of Mary and the King?????

We could not believe it....... Miracle?

You be the judge....... the men just threw the last chunk of snow on the top in the last few seconds of the challenge to see who could get the highest tower within the 10 minute limit and what does it look like to you?

Who said "We should go sledding?"

I think we mastered the art of downhill sledding.

But all good retreats leave a little time for rest.....

Relaxing by the fire

3 1/2 days of Adventure, Prayer, Fellowship, Good Eating, A few spirits.......And we have be nourished and ready to once again fight the good fight...... Live as Catholic Men: Strong, United, and Fervent for our Faith.

January 'Winter" Retreat

2010-12-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

(Click on agenda to enlarge)

Packing List for the January Retreat

2010-12-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

Men of the Cross

January retreat – Lake Almanor

Retreat Gear (Everyone)

1. Sleeping bag

2. Snow Shoes or Cross Country Skis and boots (You might want to rent)

3. Ski or Treking Poles (You might want to rent)

4. Snow Boots

5. Snow Pants / Rain Gear / Jacket

6. Gloves

7. Hat

8. Day – Back Pack (water, trail food)

9. Gators (Optional)

10. Lots of warm / dry clothes, toiletries, towel, etc

Shared Items

Not everyone will need to provide – we will pool our resources

1. Snow Shovels (Various sizes) for building Quinzee’s

2. Flagging tape - for building Quinzee’s

3. Sleds - for building Quinzee’s

For those man enough (or insane enough) to sleep in the Quinzees

Fleece Liner or second sleeping bad
2 sleeping pads
Tarp (Minimum 5 x 8 ft.)
Nalgene-type water bottle (optional)
Dry Sleeping clothes

Food

We are going to have 3 substantial meals per day. We will split the cost of the food between the attendees, should not be excessive in cost.

Attendees should plan to provide for their own snacks, any specialty items, and adult beverages (if so desire) for the evening socials (i.e. Beer, Brandy, Whiskey, etc)

Housing (For those who choose to forego the Quinzees) Did someone say Whimp!!!!

We have a beautiful, large, and warm home to stay in that can easily sleep all the men and comfortably accommodate our needs.

Beds assigned for: Father Jonathan, Danny B., and Paul Mc., all others will sleep on the Floor / Couches (Air mattress / Pad would be a good idea).

A Catholic Men's Christmas Challenge

2010-11-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

In an effort to avoid the holiday traps of consumerism, excessive gorging, and the clouding of the true Christmas Message, I have a 4 week challenge for any who feel the desire to experience a Christmastime like never before.

4 Week "Christmastime" Challenge
(Begin: Saturday November 27th - End: December 24th)

Daily

Early Morning

Morning Prayer
Exercise:

Push-ups / Sit-ups / Lunges,
Run 1 Mile (or more if capable)

Evening:

Family Evening Prayer,
Exercise:

Push-ups / Sit-ups / Lunges
Weight Lifting (45 Min)

Sunday - Friday

Daily Mass

Wednesdays

1 Hour Eucharist Adoration

Thursdays

Fast ( 1 Meal of Bread / Water only)

Saturdays

Weekly Confession

Winter Retreat - Jan 2011

2010-09-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have already received numerous e-mails about the January 2011 Winter "In-Motion" retreat and the requesting of additional information.

We will be posting more information in October and will be having a planning meeting in November.

For those of you worried about the intensity of the retreat; we are stepping the physical intensity down a few notches, but stepping up the spiritual exercises...... so it still stands... "No Pain / No Gain!"

However, for now, plan for a retreat like no other.

We will leave Redding at 5 pm on Friday, January 14, 2011 and return on Monday, January 17th around 5pm. (This is the Martin Luther King Jr. 3-day Weekend).

I'm sure this retreat will be popular but we will make room for you....... so don't worry!

We will also post a great shopping list of supplies that someone might want to buy you for Christmas. Hint, Hint!

Our Toughest Retreat Yet!

2010-09-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we completed our toughest "In-Motion" Retreat Yet.

We hiked 36 miles in 3 days wearing 40-48 lb backpacks.

As I mentioned, It was tough, brutal, but soooo spiritually rewarding and nourishing.

Part 1
Of the Adventure... Check it Out!

Part 2
Of the Adventure

We are already planning our next adventure, however we will step if down a notch or two.

I don't want to kill anyone. I will give you a little hint:

January,

3 day Holiday weekend (MLK Jr),

Mountain Cabin,

Snow Shoes,

Mass,

Building Snow Caves,

etc....

Have You Made A Spiritual Climb Lately?

2010-08-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here is Mount Lassen, Less than an hour drive from Redding, California, standing 10, 500 feet tall.

Yes - It is still considered an Active Volcano.

May 22, 1915 - The final and most major eruption, as seen from Anderson, California.

Anderson is 40 miles from the summit.

The trail-head begins at an elevation of 8500 feet.

And peaks at 10,500 feet.

Check out The Spiritual Climb

Are You Man Enough?

2010-07-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

Don't Miss the Planning Meeting:

Wednesday, September 1st at 7pm at Our Lady Of Mercy Parish Hall.

We will be discussing the specifics of the trip,

packing needs, expectations, and pick-up and drop off.

Check This out!

The real question is: Are you man enough for a spiritual adventure that just might change your life?

Along with the “Men of Faith” Catholic Men’s Group, Deacon Pat Kearns from "Our Lady of Mercy Parish" in Redding, CA. will lead another Spiritual “In-Motion” Retreat while backpacking on the famous and beautiful Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

A group of Men (16 years old and above) will journey along the trail while incorporating spiritual exercises and manly adventures.

Each Day will consist of:

Morning and Evening Prayer

A teaching by Deacon Pat or another clergy on aspects of “Manly Character”

“An Hour of Silence” meditating on the lesson of the day while hiking

Evening Group Reflection and Sharing

As well as fellowship, laughing, joking, fishing, eating, campfires, and nourishment that feeds the soul.

When: Labor Day Weekend. The group will meet at Our Lady Of Mercy Parish in Redding, CA on Friday, September 3, 2010 in the afternoon and caravan to the drop off point. The Spiritual Adventure will end on Monday, September 6, 2010 (Labor Day) midday.

Where: The Pacific Crest Trail North of Castle Crags State Park. The Adventure will begin at Scott Mountain Summit and then journey south.

Cost: There is no cost. You are only required to supply your own food and supplies.

Information: For more information you can contact Deacon Pat Kearns at patkearns@sbcglobal.net or 530-605-6699

Now more than ever, Catholic Men need to unite, create friendships, support each other, and obtain spiritual nourishment in a method conducive to authentic manhood, as Godly Men!

We Made It - 150 miles of Kayaking (A Men's Spiritual Retreat)

2010-07-11T19:07:00.001-07:00

Here is the group of men who had enough guts to set out on a 150 mile "Men's Spiritual Kayaking Retreat."

We packed our kayaks with gear and off we went. Here is my son Sean.

Here is my rig, a double kayak packed with everything you could think of......

Here we are leaving on the adventure.

We had some great camp spots.
Sometimes in campgrounds, and sometimes like here on a sand (or boulder) bar.

We fished

We ate

We laughed

But we also experienced many moments of pure holiness and were engulfed in His Grace.

Here we are 150 miles later.....

Tired Yes, But A group of men changed in many ways.

Check out the videos below and see why.

Part I of the Adventure

Part II of the Adventure

Part III of the Adventure

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This was the information (Sent Out / Posted) Prior to the Trip

Our next adventure will be in July of this year. A group of men will travel down the beautiful Sacramento river in Kayaks and Canoes while experiencing spirituality unique only to men. The open slots are filling up quickly, so please contact Deacon Pat if your are interested so you can secure your spot.There is no cost, you will only need to supply your own food. We have enough Kayaks and Canoes for 16 men.

Deacon Pat can be reached via e-mail: patkearns@sbcglobal.net

Please Note: This retreat is NOT for anyone and everyone. It is designed for Men seeking a truly manly adventure in the wilderness. No you don't have to be in the best shape, nor perfect health, but if you are looking for a "cushy" lazy vacation, this retreat is Not for you. It will be rewarding beyond your imagination, for some - life changing, but you will work, endure, and probably push yourself more than you thought possible.

Again, this retreat is not for everyone, but for some, this is one retreat they have been waiting years for.

Here is Our Schedule.

Here is a rough map of the Adventure.

What to expect on this spiritual adventure?

The purpose of this Men's excursion is to be a spiritual retreat "In Motion."

Most men have an adventurous spirit and can find enjoyment while "experiencing and doing."

This retreat under the direction of Deacon Pat Kearns will incorporate daily reflections on the Cardinal and Theological virtues as they relate to Men in society, specifically Catholic Men called to transcend the pagan society and be true spiritual leaders.

The Men on the retreat, young and "Older" will experience the holiness of Mass in a variety of natural settings (i.e. Campgrounds), prayerful self-reflection and discernment periods, awesome fellowship, sportsmanship, exploration, campfire stories, sleeping under the stars (Tents if you prefer), all while participating in a once in a lifetime experience.

There will be a Planning / Informational meeting on Wednesday June 30th at 6pm in the parish hall regarding the Men's Kayak / Canoe Trip.

We will be discussing the route, activities, packing needs, coordination specifics for drop off and pick-up, etc...

Many have asked about what an average day

might look like on the adventure.

Well here is an example:
.

7:00 am

Wake-up, bathroom, breakfast, coffee
Morning Prayer
Get gear ready
.

8:00 am

Quick reflection on the daily virtue prior to getting in the kayaks....
Shove off and 1 hour silence.....for reflection.

10:00 am

(30 minute break )

Eat Something

12:30 pm

(30 minute Break)

Lunch

3:00 pm

(Break)

Eat Something

5:00 pm

Arrive at campsite, set up tents etc.

6:00 pm

Mass (As Scheduled)

Evening prayers (When No Mass Scheduled)

7:00 pm

Dinner and fellowship

Shared reflection on the day

Catholic Men Climb Half Dome - Yosemite

2010-06-15T10:10:00.001-07:00

The Adventure Begins

We reached the top!