FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

Irons Sharpens Marriage

Being part of a Catholic men’s group can strengthen your vocation as a husband and father.

By Jay Wonacott

ABOUT A YEAR and a half ago I invited several male coworkers to attend our annual Idaho Catholic Men’s Conference. One keynote speaker, Chris Stefanick — a brother Knight — stressed the importance of being part of a Catholic men’s group. Such fellowship, he argued, is central to human and spiritual growth, and it counters the isolation that many good men experience.

Since then, I have met biweekly with male coworkers at the Diocese of Boise to share our faith, our lives, our work and personal struggles. We also discuss the joys, beauty and challenges in faithfully living the vocation of marriage. A friendship has developed with these men, as we encourage each other in our lives of faith. I see the difference this has made, and I’m sure our wives and loved ones see the difference, too!

With the development and expansion of Cor, the Knights of Columbus is giving all Catholic men a similar opportunity for men to dig deeper, growing in faith and friendship with other men.

Men are often reluctant to share their spiritual thoughts and feelings, yet the biblical adage that “iron sharpens iron” (Prov 27:17) is true. Take the leap and get involved in your parish as a man seeking community. Participate in Cor with your council. Knights are better servants to their families and their councils when they are part of a band of brothers striving to be better men. This requires courage to be vulnerable, but the reward is worth it — for your spiritual life, your marriage, and your family.