Men in Motion - Deadfalls Lakes - Northern California (July 2025)

 

Men-In-Motion Has Come to Idaho!

Catholic Men’s “In-Motion” Retreat

Outdoor adventures

Mass in the forest

Manly spirituality

Campfire fellowship

Fishing / hiking

Where:   Cold Springs Campground (along Hwy 55, 6.5 miles north of banks), Boise National Forest

When:     May 26-28, 2017 (Friday 5 pm – Sunday 12 pm)

Cost:       Free* (A free-will donation of $5 will help cover the cost of the camping site)

Men provide their own food and camping gear.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to grow in your faith while spending time with fellow Catholic men in the beautiful outdoors.

For more information or to RSVP contact:

Deacon Pat Kearns 832-488-6240 DeaconKearns@gmail.com

Mike Roberts 208-789-4034 CMikeRoberts@gmail.com

Kevin Ryan 208-890-7319 Kevpry@gmail.com

Catholic Men-In-Motion Retreat

(Men in the Wilderness)

Friday

 5:00 pm                      Leave parishes (Caravan to retreat site)

 6:00-8:00 pm              Arrive at retreat site (Set-up camp)

 9:00 pm                      Opening Prayer

Welcome talk – Introduction of retreat theme          

10:00pm                      Campfire fellowship (Sharing of Spirit and spirits, music, fish stories, etc.)

Saturday

  6:00 am                     Morning prayer

  6:15 am                     Morning campfire and coffee

  7:00 am                     Holy Mass

  8:00 am                     Breakfast

  9:30 am                     Spiritual talk # 1                                 

10:00 am                     Hour of silence: In-Motion Activity (i.e. Hike, walk, etc.)

11:00 am                     Activity of choice (Fishing, hiking, spiritual reading, siesta, etc.)

  1:00 pm                     Lunch

  2:30 pm                     Spiritual talk # 2                                                         

  3:00 pm                     Hour of silence: In-Motion Activity (i.e. Hike, walk, etc.)

  4:00 pm                     Free Time (Fishing, hiking, spiritual reading, siesta, etc)

  6:00 pm                     Dinner

  8:00 pm                     Spiritual talk # 3                                             

  9:00 pm                     Campfire reflection followed by fellowship:

(Sharing of Spirit and spirits, music, fish stories, etc.)

Sunday

  6:00 am                     Morning prayer

  6:15 am                     Morning campfire and coffee

  7:00 am                     Holy Mass

  8:00 am                     Breakfast

  9:30 am                     Spiritual talk # 4                                             

10:00 am                     Breakdown camp                   

12:00 pm                     Closing prayer – return home

* Listed times are a tentative guide, adjustments will be made as necessary and desired.

Lake Juanita

Juanita from The Day's End on Vimeo.

I feel so blessed.

Many years ago I had a dream of forming a Men's group that could meet in the outdoors and enjoy nature while at the same time allowing the men to grow in their faith. With the help of a few friends, especially Mike and Dennis, we formed the Men-In-Motion retreats where Catholic Men came together to do manly things while still experiencing God and adhering to our Catholic life principles.

We have climbed mountains, traveled down rivers, built snow shelters, and even lived in caves. With each adventure Jesus was present in our hearts, prayers, and personally in the Eucharist thanks to Fathers Jonathan, Mauricio, and Memo.

As I pulled away to become a full-time missionary Mike and Dennis kept the movement alive and even grew it larger than before. 

I hope I can form a new chapter of Men-In-Motion in Idaho, my new missionary adventure. :)

Here is a short video or the most recent Men-In-Motion retreat.

Sincerely,

Deacon Pat

Lava Beds National Park

Men-in-Motion Retreat (Lava Beds) from The Day's End on Vimeo.

Spring Retreat 2015 (May 29-31)

Lava Beds National Monument is located in northeastern California, in Siskiyou and Modoc Counties. The Monument lies on the northeastern flank of the Medicine Lake Volcano, with the largest total area covered by avolcano in the Cascade Range.

The region in and around Lava Beds Monument is unique because it lies on the junction of the Sierra-Klamath, Cascade, and the Great Basin physiographic provinces. The Monument was established as a United States National Monument on November 21, 1925, including over 46,000 acres (190 km2).

Lava Beds National Monument has numerous lava tube caves, with twenty five having marked entrances and developed trails for public access and exploration. The monument also offers trails through the high Great Basinxeric shrubland desert landscape and the volcanic fields.

The retreat will be May 29th-31st, 2015.

We will meet at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Friday (May 29th) after work and car pool to the site.

This will be a drive in site with no hiking.

We will explore the caves and have Mass underground (Catacomb-style).

This is an amazing place with many adventure opportunities as well as fellowship and spiritual exercises to deepen and nourish your faith.

For more information please contact: fourgoodies@hotmail.com or dsgrady@snowcrest.net

The Summer Retreat at Dead Falls Lakes

What a great and spiritual retreat! 

20 Men attended the retreat and had a great time filled with spiritual nourishment, activities, Holy Mass, fishing, camping, hiking, and so much more!

Packing List for September 12-14 Retreat to "Dead Fall Lakes"

How to Pack

There are many ways to pack for a trip. Here is one example. 

However, you are the one carrying the pack, so pack it how you like.

2014 Fall Men's Retreat (September 12-14)

Join the Men-In-Motion in their 2014 Fall Men's Retreat. They will be traveling to Deadfalls Lakes September 12-14, 2014. They will meet at 4:00 pm on Friday at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Redding and car pool to the trail-head. There is no cost for the retreat and each man will provide his own gear and food. 

For more information contact

 Dennis Grady at: dsgrady@snowcrest.net 

or Mike Goodyear at:  fourgoodies@hotmail.com

Men "In-Motion" Winter Conference

"Be A Man" Catholic Men's Conference from Deacon Pat Kearns on Vimeo.

Men's Winter Conference

______________________________________________________________________

Click Here for the "Men of the Cross" Web Page

Mini-Retreat in Oregon

Mini-Retreat (Wood Cutting at the Hermitage / Monastery) from Deacon Pat Kearns on Vimeo.

Summer Retreat 2012

Summer Retreat 2012 from Deacon Pat Kearns on Vimeo.

Summer "In-Motion" Retreat 2012

 The Men's "In-Motion" Retreat for the Summer of 2012

will be held on Labor Day Weekend (August 31- September 3rd).

The group of men will depart from Our Lady Of Mercy Parish at 4pm Friday and Return by 12pm Monday (Labor day).

The intensity of this "In-Motion" retreat will be mild to moderate. With the exception of a six mile hike upon arrived, allowing  access to base camp, all other activities will be optional.

We will have base camp set-up near a lake that offers fishing and daily excursions (optional).

This will be primitive backpacking / camping.

There will be daily mass, spiritual talks, "In-Motion" meditations, evening reflections, and lots of free time for rest and relaxation

For those interested, there will be daily excursions, Spiritual mountain climbing, swimming, and other activities.

There is no cost for the retreat, but each participant is responsible for supplying their own food and gear.

There is no limit to the number of participants for the retreat.

For further information and to register, please contact Deacon Pat Kearns: deaconkearns@gmail.com

Winter Retreat 2012

The Men's "In-Motion" Winter Retreat
 President's Day Weekend in February.



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!)

Men In-Motion (Kayak / Canoe River Adventure)

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

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:  http://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

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:

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

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

3. 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

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.....

Men In-Motion Winter Retreat 2011

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.