Living an authentically Catholic life can feel like swimming upstream against the current, but one thing that really helps is finding like-minded friends who understand what you’re going through, both the good and the hard.
It’s heartening to meet other men who care about similar issues and have similar interests. Connecting with other Catholic men can be the boost of encouragement you didn’t realize how much you needed.
But how are you to find these friends? Especially if you’re a transplant in a new city, or entering a new phase of life, it can be really difficult to make new friends at all, much less ones who can be an encouragement to you in your Christian vocation.
Fortunately there are some great organizations for men that offer both faith formation and a strong sense of community. Hopefully one of these 5 organizations is just what you’ve been looking for.
1Knights of Columbus
With 2 million members around the world, the Knights of Columbus almost certainly have a chapter near you. The Knights do amazing service work and offer many enjoyable opportunities for Catholic community.
2That Man is You!
That Man Is You! addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program “harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive!” Find a local group to get encouragement in your vocation.
3The Men of St. Joseph
The Men of St. Joseph is an association of Christian men, united under the Catholic Church, who meet weekly to pray together and encourage each other to be the spiritual leaders of their families. “The purpose of the Men of St. Joseph is to instill holiness in men and facilitate spiritual leadership in family and community life.”
4Fraternus
Fraternus offer “brotherhood for all ages,” mentoring, and support in a Catholic context. Check their website to see if there’s a local chapter near you!
5Exodus 90
Exodus 90 is a 90-day spiritual exercise for men that “provides a path to freedom through prayer, asceticism, and fraternity.” It’s a great way to build and strengthen bonds with local Catholic men!