"In-Motion" Retreats (Men of the Cross): We Made It - 150 miles of Kayaking (A Men's Spiritual Retreat)

Sunday, July 11, 2010

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

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

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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

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Why A "Men's Spiritual Group?"

Most men will not gather for a prayer group or have in-depth discussions with other men on spiritual issues, at least not often. I don't mean to say that men are not spiritual, it is just that men's spirituality is much different than women and youth.

So you can't apply the same programs or approaches that work for youth groups, and church prayer groups (mostly attended by women) to men.

Men are more private and stoic by nature. They have a tendency to internalize private things and quietly evaluate them mentally and often not sharing the thoughts and issues related to such.

However, if you combine work or an activity with spirituality, you allow men to fulfill an innate desire while providing fellowship, friendships, creativity, honor, exercise, accomplishments, etc., while also nourishing the spirit and the soul.

Once men can be connected in a common activity that is purely seen and identified as manly, it not only allows comfort levels to form, but instantaneously allows any protective guards that might have been present to be lowered because the men feel a unity and a bond.

It is at this point that the manly spirituality, or the man's spirit can be nourished, cultivated, and grow in the context of a "Men's Group."

Once the bonds are formed, trust is established, and comfort levels are obtained, then God's word can be accepted and can penetrate into the Men. This penetration is not superficial, it is deep and life lasting. One might assume that men are not spiritual, or at least keep a reserved spiritual demeanor, but I would like to say that one must understand a man's spiritual nature before making such a statement.

Even though the modern world has attempted to blur the unique roles, charisms, and qualities of men and women, blurring them into a somewhat unisex and identical being, their souls and spirits remain as different as ever.

Men are strong, mostly quiet and reserved when it comes to deep feelings, and have an inner desire to protect, provide, and produce. They are deeply spiritual but externally reserved, and many have not had role models that taught them how to be a man and express his spirituality to others. This external expression of love of others and of God is foreign in the modern world, at least foreign to most men.

Yet, when seen, it is awesome. To see a man grounded in his faith, sharing his spirituality with others, confident in his manhood, it is not only exhilarating, but contagious and leaves other men jealous for what he has just seen. This type of Man can change the world.

It was once said: teach a child the faith and it might just rub off on his mother or siblings.

Teach a mother the faith and it just might rub off on some of the family.

But teach the faith to the father, help him live a life of faith, nourish that faith, and the whole family will be converted.

It is Fathers, Men, who can and will change the world that we live in. It is through "Men of Faith" that the world can be seen for what it is and God's light and truth can be made present.

That is why there is such a need for "Men's Spirituality Groups." Gatherings of men with a unique purpose. Men given opportunities to unite, form friendships, partake in projects and activities that are not foreign but familiar and comfortable. To allow opportunities for God's word to penetrate into their being and then be nourished and cultivated forming them into Men of Action, men who begin to look much different than the other men in society. Men who are envied for the confidence they resonate, for the joy that surrounds them, for the fortitude they expel, for the charity that has become such a huge part of their being.

As God grows within these types of men, the evils of the devil begin to diminish.

The sins of:

Lust

Masturbation

Pornography

Pride

Anger

Laziness

excessive drinking, eating, and self-pleasures

begin to lose their hold on these men and are all of the sudden finding themselves free from the bonds that held them as slaves for so many years. Most men will never openly talk about their shortcomings, but they will listen to the truth when presented by a Man that they trust and admire. The might not openly show much emotion when such a sensitive issue is presented, but mark my word, they are listening and it is deeply internalized and applied.

These Groups are more necessary than ever before and the devil with use every weapon he has to try and stop them..... but he will not win! The truth will set us free!

Join a Men's group, a real Men's group. Not just a fraternity, or a club, but a group that looks at the whole man; feeds him, helps him evaluate himself, incorporates activities and pleasure, but always maintains a balance and allows the man to grow spiritually.

Because when it is all said and done, It really has only been about our spiritual journey with God and having Christ close to us, leading us, and showing us the way.

Can you see him? Is He leading you?