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Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
1
Section1:ExecutiveSummary TheCentralTexasFellowshipofCatholicMen(CTFCM)isadiocese1-wideorganizationconceivedin2005whenRobertTunmiremetwithBishopGregoryAymondtodiscussstartingamen’sfellowshiporganization.ThefirstkickoffmeetingwasheldinJuneof2006. TheCTFCMisdedicatedtoevangelizingallCatholicmenintheDioceseofAustintoJesusChristandrootingthemintheChurchbyassistinginthedevelopmentofmen’sfellowshipgroupsandactivitiesaimedatenrichingtheirspiritual,sacramental,family,andcommunitylives. TheCTFCMvisionisfortheretobeNoCatholicManLeftBehind. TheCTFCMmissionis:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholicfaithineverydaylife.Itiscarriedoutthroughthesourcinganddevelopmentofmaterials,programs,andeventsdesignedtoleadmenalongthepathofconversion,transformation,andmobilizationsothattheirfaithandlifebecomeoneinChristandinsodoingbecomealighttotheirfamilies,theirfaithcommunity,andtotheworld. TheCTFCMhascontinuedtogrowsincethatfirstkick-offmeetinginJune2006.In2015,theorganizationnameditsfirstExecutiveDirector,MikeKelly.InFebruary2017,CTFCMwillputonits5thannualmen’sconference. Section2:VisionandMission TheCTFCMVision:NoCatholicManLeftBehind Ourvisioncomesfromafirmbeliefthateverymaniscalledandintendedtobeasaint.Thisvisionis inspired and formedby the soon to be released bookNoCatholicMan Left Behindwhichfocusesonhowtobringmenalongonanexcitingjourneyofholinessandaction. Christ died for each one of us and the CTFCM seeks tomake sure that every Catholic manunderstandsandhastheopportunitytogrowinthegiftsofgrace,power,andtheHolySpiritthatwerewonforusbyChristJesus. 1 From the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's publishing guidelines: "diocese: Lowercase diocese and archdiocese unless either is part of a proper noun."
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
2
“JesusinviteseachoneofusCatholicMentodayon…thequesttobechangedintomenofholiness,menofaction,menwholeadourtroubledworldintoaplaceofunderstanding,mercyandpeace.”–FromtheintroductionofNoCatholicManLeftBehind
TheCTFCMMission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholicfaithineverydaylife.
WeknowthatthemenoftheDioceseofAustinarehungryforspiritualformationandwanttobebetterhusbands,fathers,andleaders.Weknowthatinourdiocese,differentapproachesareneededtosuccessfullyreachourdiverseaudience. Wemeetthishungerthroughprovidingmaterials,programs,andeventstohelpguidemenontheirspiritualjourney. Thisstrategicplanwilloutlinehowwewillaccomplishthismissionoverthenextthreeyears. Section3:Fellowship Inordertoliveoutourmissionandvisionfullywemusthaveaclearunderstandingofwhatfellowshipactuallyis.Withoutthiscontext,thevisionandmissionarelimitedintheirscopeandimpact. CatholicFellowshipreferstothecommunityofthefaithfulboundtogetherbyfaithandworshipinChrist’sChurch. WhilefellowshipisoftenthoughtofassmalltalkovercoffeeanddoughnutsafterMass,itisinrealitymuchdeeper.WecanturntoScripture,asalways,forguidance. Thefirstcommunityofdisciplesisourmodel.TheyaredescribedinActs4:32:
“Nowthecompanyofthosewhobelievedwereofoneheartandsoul,andnoonesaidthatanyofthethingswhichhepossessedwashisown,buttheyhadeverythingincommon.”
Thisvisiondisplaysforusthedepthandpoweroffellowship.Thebelieverswere“ofoneheartandsoul.”FellowshipiscenteredonunityinChrist.Unitydoesnotimplyblanduniformity.ThegreattreasureofourdiversityintheDioceseofAustinoughttobecelebratedandencouraged.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
3
UnitymeansthatinallthingswerecognizethatwearechildrenofthesameFather,savedbythesameSon,andblessedthroughthesameSpirit. Weareformedbythesamefaithandsharethesamecreedbutwetakeasmanydifferentformsasthesameclaycanunderthehandsofapotter.Wecanlookatthemanyformsofreligiouslifetoseethisreality.ThereareFranciscans,Dominicans,Capuchins,Jesuits,Carmelites,andmanymoreallwhoexpresstheloveofGodindifferentwaysandyetareundeniablyboundtoChristandthereforetooneanother. WhetherweworshipinEnglishorSpanish,preferspontaneousprayerorrecitation,whateverdifferencestherearemustbehumblyrejoicedinandswallowedupbyoursharedloveofChrist.Themenwhoprayorlivedifferentlythanusarenolessourbrothersandcompanionsbecauseweshare“oneheartandsoul,”aloveforourLordJesusChrist. Inaddition,“Theyhadeverythingincommon.”Alimitedreadingofthisfocusesonmaterialcommonality.Thisistrueandnottobeunderestimated.Truefellowshipdoesinvolveasharingofmaterialgoodsforthebenefitofallbutitgoeswellbeyondthat. ThephilosopherAristotledescribestruefriendshipashaving“anotherself.”Thisiswhathappensintruefellowship.Iexperiencethelossandjoyofothersasmyown.Iexperienceothers’hopesandgoalsasmyown.InCatholicFellowshipourbasisforunityisChristandHisChurch,andwebecometooneanother“otherselves.”Throughthisweindeedhaveallthingsincommon. Thisisthebasisofourdesirethattherebe“NoCatholicManLeftBehind.”ToloseafellowCatholicmanistoloseapartofourselves.TheRenaissancepoetJohnDonnecaptureditperfectly:
Nomanisanisland,Entireofitself, Everymanisapieceofthecontinent,Apartofthemain. Ifaclodbewashedawaybythesea,Europeistheless.
Aswellasifapromontorywere. Aswellasifamanorofthyfriend's
Orofthineownwere: Anyman'sdeathdiminishesme, BecauseIaminvolvedinmankind,
Andthereforeneversendtoknowforwhomthebelltolls; Ittollsforthee.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
4
Section4:ValuesStatement
TheCTFCMValues: Humility-WeseektoglorifyGodandfollowtheinspirationoftheHolySpirit.WewillnotputourselvesorourplansfirstbutalwaysseektobeeffectiveservantsoftheLord’swill.WithSt.JohntheBaptistwesay,“Hemustincrease,butImustdecrease.”-John3:30
Unity–IntheChurchthereiseveryformofdiversity.ThisdiversityisunifiedaroundtheloveofChristandhisChurch.WeareChrist’sdisciplesandwepraywithhim,“thatthey[theChurch]maybeone.”-John17:11 Obedience-WerecognizethatobedienceisthegreatestformofhumilityandwemakeourselvesobedientinallthingstoGodandtothosewhohavereceivedthesacramentalgracetoguardandtoguidehisflock:ourPope,bishops,andpriests.WefollowSt.Paul’sinstruction,“Obeyyourleadersandsubmittothem;fortheyarekeepingwatchoveryoursouls,asmenwhowillhavetogiveaccount.”-Hebrews13:17
Perseverance–WewillpersevereinoureffortsandourprayerstobringChrist’skingdomtotheheartofeveryCatholicmaninanewway.WewillanswerSt.Paul’scall,“letusrunwithperseverancetheracethatissetbeforeus,lookingtoJesusthepioneerandperfecterofourfaith.”-Hebrews12:1-2a
Integrity–Ouractionswillalignwithourwords.WewillseektheLordwithpurehearts,practicingwhatwepreachandwalkinginfaitheachmomentofthedayforweknowthat“Theintegrityoftheuprightguidesthem.”-Proverbs11:3a
Witness–TheverywitnessofaChristianlifeandgoodworksdoneinasupernaturalspiritareeffectiveindrawingmentothefaithandtoGod.WefollowChrist’scommandaswegivewitnesstoourfaith,“Letyourlightsoshinebeforemen,thattheymayseeyourgoodworksandgiveglorytoyourFatherwhoisinheaven”-Matthew5:16
Service-Toloveistoserve.WestriveeachdaytofollowSt.Paul’sexhortation,“throughlovebeservantsofoneanother.”-Galatians5:13
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
5
Section5:TheCTFCMStrategicPlanandtheDiocesanPastoralPlan ThecentralthemeoftheDioceseofAustinPastoralPlanis“ENCOUNTERthatleadstoTRANSFORMATION.”TheCTFCMhasauniqueopportunitytosupportthisplanthroughourmissiontotheCatholicmenofthediocese.Therearemanywaysthatourmissionandworkoverlapwiththatofthediocese.Belowarethreespecificwaysthatourmissionandworkalignwiththegoalsofthediocesanpastoralplan.
1. TheDioceseofAustinwantstobuilda“CultureofMinistry”whichrequiresagreatdealofteamwork.Thedioceserecognizestheneedforawidespreadcollaborativeefforttocreatethiscultureinadiverseandgrowingdiocese.ThenetworkthatwebuildaswereachouttomoreparishesandbuildourpresencewillbeastrongassetforthedioceseaswemovetogethertowardsoursharedgoalofbringingmentoChristandmeetingthediverseneedsofCatholicmenthroughoutthediocese.
2. TheDioceseofAustinisworkingtobuildup“SpiritualFormationthatLeadsto
Encounter.”Thisispreciselywhatweseektodoaswebuildmenupandequipmentobemoreeffectivewitnessesintheirparishes,communities,andhomes.Throughtheresourcesweprovidewecanhelptomakeavailabletransformativecontentandprogramstoallmeninthediocese.WecanworkwiththediocesetogethertobuildourCatholicmenintoactivedisciplesspreadingGod’sWord.
3. TheDioceseofAustinalsohasagoalofgreater“WitnessandOutreach.”Ourmission
alignshereinmanyways.Wehaveastrongannualconferenceandmen’sMass.Wecanbuildonthattodrawmoremeninandhelpthemtobewitnessestotheirownparishes.Oneofthesurveysweconductedaspartofthestrategicplanningprocessfoundthat67.5%ofrespondentssaidtheyaremostlikelytoparticipateinserviceandoutreachattheirhomeparishes.Themenofthisdiocesecanbeatremendousassetinreachingoutandservingtheirhomecommunities.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
6
Section6:SWOTAnalysis
Strengths AnnualConference
AnnualMen’sMass
Strongresourcesandprograms
PassionateandActiveBoard
SupportoftheDiocese
Closetiesbetweenourmissionand
visionandtheplanforthediocese.
Weaknesses Communication/CommitteesNeed
Structure
Absenceofafocusedoutreachplan
Shortonparishlevelmanpower/volunteers
Clarityandcommunicationregardingthe
visionandspecificstepsandfocustoreachit
LackofgeneralawarenessofCTFCMand
ourmissionthroughoutthediocesewhichinhibitseffectiveness
Unevendemographicengagement
Lackofnewboard
membership/perspectives
Opportunities Missionandvisioncloselyrelatedto
thoseofthedioceseleadstoopportunitiestocollaborateandnetwork
Strongfoundationtobuildoffofinthe
conferenceandMass
Existinggroupstopartnerwith,i.e.KofC,ACTS,Cursillo,etc.
ResourcestoreachagrowingHispanic
demographic
Threats Geographicallylargediocese
Verydiverseaudiencesrepresented
Focusisnotclearlydefined
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
7
Section7:Goals
Everythingwedooverthenextthreeyearswillmovetowardsthesefourglobalgoals.Belowthefourmaingoalsaresubgoalsorobjectivesthatwillleadtotheaccomplishmentofthemaingoals.Otherobjectiveswillbeaddedthroughoutthelifeofthisplan.Tacticswillbeaddedaspartofanimplementationplanthatwillbedevelopedfollowingtheapprovalofthestrategicplan.
1. TheCTFCMwillgivemenineveryparishintheDioceseofAustinanopportunitytobeapartofamen'sgroup.
A. TheCTFCMwillestablishasupportstructuretoassistparishesingrowing
theirfellowshipsandestablishfellowshipsinnewparishes.B. Increasethenumberofactiveparishfellowshipgroupsby20%annually.
2. TheCTFCMBoardofDirectorswillbecomeagoverningandstrategicboard
focusedonthegrowthandvision/missionoftheorganization. A. CTFCMwillclarifytherolesandresponsibilitiesofboardmembers.B. CTFCMwillstrategicallyaddboardmemberswhoofferarepresentation
oftheDioceseofAustinwhilealsobeingabletogovernandgrowtheorganization.
C. CTFCMwillestablishasuccessionplanforcurrentboardmembersandfounders.
D. CTFCMwillestablishaninfrastructureattheparishleveltoexecuteoperationalplanstoallowforastrategicfocusattheboardlevel.
3. TheCTFCMwillmeasuretheimpactofitsprogramofferingsalongwithsmall
groupmeetingsaroundthediocese. A. Surveythemenparticipatinginfellowshipgroupsastotheimpacton
theirlives,spiritualpractices,ministryparticipationbeforeandsinceattendingthefellowshipgroup.
B. Annuallymonitorthenumberofmenregularlyattendingeachgroup.
4. TheCTFCMwilldevelopamodelformen'sfellowshipgroupsandworktoscalethemodelthroughouttheAustinDiocese.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
8
A. Evaluateandupdateasneededtheleader’sguideforstartingandsustainingafellowshipgroupontheCTFCMwebsite.
B. Leadleadershiptrainingsthroughouteachyeartohelpbuildupmenasleadersintheirparishesandmen’sgroups.
C. CTFCMwillutilizetheNoCatholicManLeftBehindbookasatoolforgrowingmen’sgroupsandleadersthroughouttheDioceseofAustin.
Toachievethesegoals,CTFCMwilldosignificantplanningandevaluationsin2016inthefirsthalfof2017.Animplementationplanwillbecreatedandwillbeexecutedbythe
BoardofDirectorsandtheExecutiveDirector. Section8:SurveySummary InordertoeffectivelyreachthesegoalsandobjectivesitiscriticaltotakeintoaccountthefeedbackwehavereceivedfrommenthroughouttheDioceseofAustin.Thegoalsandobjectiveswerecreatedfromthefeedbackthatwasreceived. Belowisabriefcombinedsummaryoftwosurveysundertakenin2016.Thisisintendedasanoverviewofthemainthemesandpointsthatcameupinthesurveysandisbynomeansexhaustive.Pleaseseethesurveyresultsthemselvesintheappendixfortheentiretyofthesurveyresults. Keypoints
- Themajorityofthemencurrentlyactiveinourprogramsarebetweentheagesof40-50andaremarried.
- ThemajorityofrespondentswouldliketoseeanincreaseisparishbasedprogrammingasafocusoftheCTFCM.
- Theannualconferenceandmen’sMassarewellregarded. - Anoverwhelmingmajorityofrespondentswantasmallgroupwheretheycanstudy
leadershipanddiscusslifeissues. - Themajorityofrespondentsfindsmallgroupstobethemostspirituallybeneficialnon-
liturgicalpublicactivity. - ThereisagenerallackofawarenessofCTFCManditsmissionthroughoutthediocese.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
9
AppendixA:Surveys Survey1 CurrentMissionofCTFCM:-TheMissionoftheCentralTexasFellowshipofCatholicMen(CTFCM)istoencourageandempowermentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,theirfamilies,church,communities,Catholicmenandtolivetheirfaithineverydaylife. ResultsfromSurvey:Asmallsamplesizeof95menweresurveyedoveratwoweekperiodfromMay29-toJune12representing12differentparishes.Thesemencamefrompersonalnetworkssoalthoughthegroupwasdiverse,itshouldnotbeconsideredarandomsample. Agesrepresented: 21-35:46respondents 36-49:31respondents 50-65:18respondents SurveyQuestions/Responses: HaveyouheardoftheCentralTexasFellowshipofCatholicMen?
HaveyouheardoforattendedoneoftheCatholicMen’sConferencesintheAustinDioceseoverthepastthreeyears?
HaveyouheardoforattendedaCatholicMen’sMass?
Yes 44No 29Usure 22
Attended 28Haveheardofbutnotattended 52Havenotheardofnorattended 15
Attended 36Haveheardofbutnotattended 47Havenotheardofnorattended 12
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
10
Doyouactively(meaningattendedmorethan3timesoverthelastyear)participateinsomekindofministrygearedtowardsmeneitheratyourParishorwithintheAustinDiocese?Examples-BibleStudy,ThatManisYou,ACTS,KnightsofColumbus,etc.
DoyouunderstandthemissionofCTFCMasitstatesonitswebsite:TheMissionoftheCentralTexasFellowshipofCatholicMen(CTFCM)istoencourageandempowermentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,theirfamilies,church,communities,Catholicmenandtolivetheirfaithineverydaylife.
BasedoffwhatyouknowaboutMen’sMinistryintheAustinDiocesewhatwouldyouliketoseeCTFCMfocusonoverthenext1--3years?
Responses: 26peoplementionedcontinuingexistingprograminsomeway.ProgrammingthatwasmentionedspecificallywastheMen’sMassandConference.AlsomentionedwasThatManisYou. 19peoplementionedhavingmoreoffocusonyoungermenorgettingyoungermenmoreinvolvedinsomeway. 14peoplementionedhavingmoreofanemphasisonHispanicMen. 33peoplementionedhelpinggetmoreprogrammingrunningatparishes.MentoringandBibleStudieswerementionedspecifically14times. Moreclergyinvolvementwasmentioned8times. Morefocusonmenandhusbandsandfatherswasmentioned9times. Morefocusonmenwithoutfamilieswasmentioned5times. 3peopledidnothaveanopiniononthisquestion.
CombinedResultsfromPlanningCommittee/BoardMembers/OrotherinfluentialMen Whattopicsormattersdoyouhopewecanaddressatthefirstplanningsession?Or,whatwouldyoulikeCTFCMtofocusoninthenextyearahead? Howdowemovetheorganizationtothenextlevel?
Yes 54No 16Waspreviouslyactive 25
Yes 62No 18Unsure 15
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
11
Weneedsomeresolutiononthis'vision'issue,aswearespendingtoomuchtimeinmeetingsrehashingtheissue.Secondly,weneedaframeworkforhowwearegoingtotransitiontoastrategicboard.Frankly,Iamconcernedwewillnotfindthe'armsandlegs'todothework,asourParishCaptainnetworkisweak. Publicity,menneedtoknowtheyhaveacommunityoffaiththatwillpenetratetheirlivesinapracticalandmeaningfulway.Identifyingvariousgroupsofmenandwhatneedsareuniquetoeachgroupandwhatneedsareuniversal.Ayoungmaninhighschoolisfacingchallengesdifferentthanthenewlywedisdifferentfromthemandealingwithamidlifecrisis.They'reallmen,sothereisplentyincommon,butbyidentifyingspecificareasofneedyoucantailorthemessagetoreachtheheartsofyouraudiencemoreeffectively. ConfirmordevelopavisionandmissionfortheCTFCM,confirmthedesiretooutreachtomen,proposeanddiscussanorganizationalapproachtoachievingsaidoutreach Clarificationondirection/targettoappliedefforts RecommitmenttooriginalcharterofCTFCM.Wehavebecomeverytaskorientedandhavelostsightofgettingmentogetherinparishbasedfellowshipgroups. IfeelitisveryimportantforCTFCMtoidentifyitspurposeandrollswithintheDiocese.Whilethetwoannualevents,themen'smassandmen'sconference,areincrediblyimportant,IfeelthatCTFCMhasbecomedisconnectedfromitsprimaryobjectiveofestablishingandsupportingparishbasedmen'sgroups. Focusforthecomingyear:ClarityoftheroleandresponsibilitiesboardmembersAttractionofqualified,committednewboardmembersImprovedconnectiontoandongoingcommunicationwithparishfellowshipsacrosstheDioceseWebsitewhichisregularlyupdatedandrelevanttothemeninsupportingtheCTFCMmission 1.Theveryfirsttopicreallyshouldbethestructuralcontextandfunctionalpurposedefining(a)whoandwhatCTFCMis,(b)whatagoverningBoardis,and(c)howbothappropriatelyservethegreaterencompassingbody.Viewing(envisioning)withopeneyestheanatomyandrealpresentdynamicsofCTFCMinthestructureoftheChurchandsocietyistheessentialfirststep.ThatmeansacknowledgementanddeliberateaffirmationthatCTFCMischarteredwithagoverningBoardofDIRECTORS,notaboardof"Advisors"(asdescribedinthecurrentStrategic
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
12
Plan)andmostcertainlynotaworkteamofsubordinatestothedirectionofanyoneindividualofficer.AsDirectors,membersarepresumedtobringvaluableindividualperspective--"direction"--andskillstothecorporatedeliberation.Suchattributesshouldbeinventoried,openlyacknowledged,andrationallyappliedaccordingtoobjectivetopicalrelevance--andNOTaccordingto3subjectiveassumptionsanddispositionsregardingtheindividualortheperceivedinconvenienceofhisinput.2.Thesecondtopicshouldbethe"missionofplanning"whichis,ofcourse,todevelopaworkable,flexible,optimalcourseforthefulfillmentofavision.Thevisionisusuallyadualvision--portrayingcircumstancesbeforeandafter,orwithandwithout,fulfillment.Absolutelyessentialhereisdistinguishingdetailedoperationalplanninganditsmostnecessarytechnicalterminologyfromthatportrayedinpublicrelationsstory-telling(eg.,themythsof15-wordvisionsandmissions).3.ThethirdtopicshouldbeFellowship--itsdefinition,itsattributes,atalllevelsfromintimatedyad,tolocalandregionalnetworks,tonationalandmultinationalinterests.Literally,CTFCMisabout"fellowship"innameonly,itsstrategicplananddocumentationsimplyneverusingthetermoutsidetheorganizationaltitleorinvaguereferencetoambiguous"fellowshipgroups." ShareyourcurrentunderstandingofwhatthemissionofCTFCMisandwhatareitsorganizationalvalues? Ithinkourmissionisclearandworks.Weneedtofocusonit. Simplyput,tohelpmengetclosertoChristandtolivetheirfaithdaytodaybyfacilitatinglocalgroupsandnetworks.Wearenotequippedorsetupthemanagetheseprograms,norshouldbe.Wedon'thavethefundingormanpowertoexecutetheselocalprograms.....onlytofacilitatethepromotetheconcepts. IunderstandthemissionofCTFCMtobearesourceformentogrowdeeperintheirfaithinawaythatimpactsdailyliving. Toensurethateachparishinthediocesehastheopportunityforamen'sministryforthecatholicdevelopmentofmen.Nocatholicmanleftbehind. Todrawmentogreaterparticipationinlivingouttheirfaith ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,theirfamily,theirChurch,theircommunity;andtolivetheirfaithineverydaylife.Itisassimpleasthat.Ourvaluesarelistedasguidingprinciples-theyare:Humility,Unity,Obedience,Perseverance,Integrity,Witness,Service.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
13
Withoutsimplyrestatingthemission:IbelievethatthemissionoftheorganizationistofacilitatethegatheringofmenintoacommunityofChristianfellowshipinorderthattheymaylearnfromeachother'slifeexperiencesandChristianresponsetothoseexperiencesandthattheybeemboldenedtolivetheirlivesaccordingtoGod'swill. IunderstandthemissiontobediscipleshipofCatholicmenValues:Witnesstoothersthroughlivingoutanddeepeningourfaith,integrity,service Inyouropinion,whatarethemostimportantservicesthatCTFCMcurrentlyprovidestoitsmembersorconstituents? Weusetodoagoodjobgettingmen'sgroupsgoingintheparishesbuthavelostthatfocus.Theannualandconferencearegoodevents. Men'sconferenceandsupport(programideasandmaterials)forlocal,parishbasedgroups.Ilovethemen'smass,butfrankly,Iamnotsurewearegettingmuchmileageoutofit. Probablytheconference.Itputsmeninthepresenceofothermenwhichcanleadtoapositiveexperienceofcommunity.Books,prayers,websites,etc.aregoodbutthegreatestneedIperceiveisthatmenunderstandandseethatthereareothermenmakingthesamejourney.Theconferencegivesmenachancetomeetthatcommunity.Frododoesn'tmakeitwithoutSamandviceversa. Annualconference,annualmen'smass,men'sprogramawareness. Acentrallocationwheremensspiritualneedaremet(resourcecouldbefound) Aformatforweeklyfellowshipgroupsthatareparishbased-toolslikeTMIYandotherprogramsthataredesignedtoequipmentoliveouttheirfaith.2majorevents-Men'sMassandMen'sConferencetobringtheentireDiocesetogether. IfthequestioniswhatarethemostimportantservicesthatCTFCMiscurrentlyproviding,thenIwouldsayitisthegatheringofmenfromacrosstheDiocesetoitstwoannualevents.WhileIdobelievetheirisamorecriticalroleforittoplay,Idobelievethatthesetwoannualeventsareveryimportant.IfthequestioniswhatarethemostimportantservicesthatCTFCMcanprovide,thenIwouldsayitisthefacilitatingandsupportofparishbasedgroups.Theorganization'seffortsattheparishlevelwillprovideforaleveragingeffectofitseffortsand
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
14
appliedresources.Itisthroughtheorganizationencouragingandhelpingmentofeel"emboldened"thatmenwilllivetheirChristianlives"outintheworld"thattheorganizationcanhaveitsgreatestimpact.SomethingthatwesaidwhenwefirststartedthisorganizationandIbelieveitstillappliestoday-ifmenarenotaskingthetwoquestionswhentheyreadorhearscriptureoraChristianteaching:Whatdoesitmean?andHowdoIrespond?thentheeffortsoftheBoardarefornaught.Weneedtocontinuetoprovidevenuesthatwillcausementoaskthesetwoquestions.TherestisuptotheHolySpirit. Annualconferenceandmen'sMass Inyouropinion,arethereanyservicesthatCTFCMdoesnotcurrentlyprovidetoitsmembersorconstituentsthatitshouldconsiderofferingorfocusingon? weneedtofocusthemen'sgroupsandshowmentheresourcesthatareavailabletothem. Betterfeedbackandideasonprogramsthatcanbeexecuted.Weneedtobea'resource'centerthatprovidestheprogramsandmaterials. Somesortofforumformentoaskforcounsel,prayer,orjustsolidarityandreceivethesupportoftheirfellowmen.And/oraplacejusttoaskquestions.Evenifithastobeanonymous.Itishardasmentoaskforhelp,butweallneedit.Somesortofsocialevent.PeopleoftenloosenupabitoutsideofaChurchsetting(suchastheconference)andgreatministrycantakeplace.Perhapsadaylongorhalfdaytypeeventsuchasahikewithacookout?Notquitetheintensityofaretreatbutwiththeopportunitytogetawayfromthesocial/culturalpressuresthatsurroundmenandjustenjoybrotherhoodforawhile. Firsttheoutreachisminimal,theredoesnotappeartobeastructuredapproachforoutreachorparishintroduction.ThereisminimalknowledgeoftheproductsservicesorprocessesbywhichCTFCMistomakeoutreachhappen.PriestsandDeaconsaretoobusytocomeupwithprogramsontheirownfortheirparishioners.Wecanhelpthemgetmenengaged. Ibelievewegotenoughtogetstarted LeadershipDevelopforitsleadersattheparishlevelandawebsitethatprovidesaccesstotoolsandresources.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
15
IbelieveIhavealreadyansweredthisintheabovequestions-butfocusingonestablishingandongoingsupportofparishbasedgroups. Conducttwomeetingsperyearofparishleadersandpotentialleadersforfellowship,trainingandleadershipdevelopment WhatdoyouconsidertobeCTFCM’sstrengths? AgroupofhighlycommittedCatholicmen. Actionorientedboard,momentumonconferences,programdetailsfromvariouslocalprograms,Diocesanconnection. TherearelotsofresourcesavailablethroughCTFCM theorganizationaroundtheeventplanningappearstobeastrength It'svolunteers Asmallgroupofmenwithpassionformakingadifferenceinthelivesofmenandfamilies.Strongresourcesforsettingupmen'sfellowshipgroups. IdonotfeelqualifiedtoanswerthisquestionsinceIhavebeenawayfromtheBoardsinceDecember2012. CommitmentanddedicationofkeyboardmembersThequalityoftheannualconferenceand men'sMass WhatdoyouconsidertobeCTFCM’sweaknessesorareastobeimprovedupon? Weneedmoreleadersandweneedtomovetheorganization'snextlevel. notfocusedenoughongettinglocalgroupsgoing,poorcommunicationaroundprogramideas,needmoreboardmembers. Moreoutreach.Ican'tspeakforotherparishesbutatmineIhavenotseenastrongconnectionbetweentheparishandCTFCM.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
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Theredoesnotappeartobeacohesivevisionandmission,statedgoals,organizationorprocesstoaccomplishsaidgoals. Needmoremembers/volunteers Theboardisverydisjointed.Theyaretiredfrombeingpulledintoomanydirections.Noclearonboardingprocessfornewboardmembers. IdonotfeelthatIamqualifiedtoanswerthisquestionsinceIhavebeenawayfromtheBoardsinceDecember2012. DwindlingnumberofboardmembersLackofdefinitionoftheroleandresponsibilitiesofboardmembersAttractionofnewboardmembersConnectiontotheparishfellowshipgroupsWebsiteandelectronicmedia WhatwouldyouliketoseeCTFCMdoinordertobecomeabetterormoreeffectiveorganization?Thinkintermsofopportunities. Weneedtofocusonsmallmen'sgroupsintheparishesandengageleaders. Recruitmoreactive,localvolunteersthatcanhelpusgetthingsaccomplished. AgainIthinkclarityofwhotheaudienceisandwhattheirneedsare.Thisleadstomoreeffectivespeakers,resources,events,etc. 1)Defineavisionandmission,2)Setclearobjectives,3)Defineanorganizationalstructuretoaccomplishthestatedobjectives.4)Createastandardrolloutapproachandpackageforparishes5)EstablishateamtofocusontheproductorservicesoftheCTFCM,6)Establishteamstofocusondemandgenerationoroutreach.7)Establishteamstofocusonsupplyingtheparisheswiththesupporttogettheirministriesstarted. Addtomembershipandwithitwewillalsoaddtalent/ideas Simplifywhatitdoes.Focuson2or3thingsthatitdoeswell.Don'ttrytobeallthingstoallpeople. ThisstrategicplanningprocessisagoodstartbutIwouldliketoseeitstrengthenitsBoardbyaddingmemberswithmoreleadershipandmanagementexperience.Ifwearetalkingabouta
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
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nextlevel,weneedtounderstandthelevelofmanagementexperienceitmaytaketoreachahigherlevelandbeyond.Again,sinceIhavebeenawayfromtheBoardforsolong,thiscommentisbasedonmyexperiencewhileontheBoard.IdobelievehiringanExecutiveDirectorisapositivestepforward. HaveparishfellowshiprepresentativesregularlyattendboardmeetingasguestFormsub-committeesconsistingofnonboardmemberstoplanandexecuteeventsandactivitiesSeecommentsforthecomingyear,servicestobeprovidedandweaknesses WhatshouldCTFCMdodifferentlyorchangeinordertoremainarelevantandeffectiveorganization?Remembertoconsider“competing”organizationsandthestructureoftheCatholicChurch. bettercoordinationwiththeDiocese?Weareindependent,butweshouldreallybecoordinatingourfocuswiththeDiocesanofficeresponsibilityforevangelizationandfamilyissues. IamnotintimatelyfamiliarwitheverythingthatCTFCMdoesbutagainIthinkmoreoutreachwouldhelp.Beitthroughstrongrelationshipswiththe"competition"orthroughinitiatingnewgroups/ideasIthinkforsomanymenthefirststephastobereallyeasytogetthemtoevenconsidertakingthefirststep. Thereshouldbenocompetition.CTFCMis"for"men,toenabletheirgrowthascatholics.Otherorganizationsarefor"men"toparticipateinservicetothechurchorcommunity. Mediamarketing/Internet Bearesourcetoothergroups.Weareasupportgroupnotaclubormembershipgroup.Collaboratemorecreativity. (1)AddmanagementexperiencetotheBoard,(basedonmyexperiencewhileontheBoardthreeyearsago);(2)"Brand"itselfasanorganizationleadingmenintheDiocesethroughincreasedinteractionwithparishesandselfpromotionofitseffortsandsuccesses.Menareattractedtosuccessandaccomplishments,andlettingmenknowthatCTFCMisanorganizingandsupportgroupthathassuccessfullyhelpedorganizedxnumberofmen'sgroupsandisthehostofthemen'smassandconferenceswillhelpmenoftheDioceseseetheorganizationasrelevantandanorganizationthatcanberelieduponforsupportandassistance;(3)Organize
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
18
geographicmultiparishleadershipteamswiththeintenttofosteranddevelopmen'sfellowshipgroupswithinthegeographicarea. Developaplanandprogramtobefinanciallyselfsustaining HowisCTFCMcurrentlyviewedbyitskeymembersandconstituents? Ithinkwe'veaccomplishedalot,butwehavegottotaketheorganizationtothenextlevelwhateverthatlookslike. IthinktheboardandDiocesestaffhavepositiveviewsonCTFCManditsaccomplishments.Idon'tthinkourconstituentsknowwhatweareaboutandwhatwedo. Ihavelittlefirsthandknowledge.Theoutreachhasbeguninjustafewparishes. Unclearvision/mission Eitherdon'tknowwhoweareorthinkweareamen'sconferencegroup. IdonotbelievethatCTFCMisviewedinanywayandthatistheproblem.Ifknown,itisonlyknownforthemen'smassandconference.Overtheyears,CTFCMhaslostitsconnectiontotheexistingparishbasedmen'sgroupsandhasbecomeirrelevant. Withachangeofparishleadershipovertimeandnewgroupsbegunindependentofthe CTFCM,itisidentifiedsolely,bymanygroups,forit'sroleinconductingtheconferenceandmen'smass Othercomments,suggestions,orideas: Thisisthemostimportantplanningwehavedoneandweneedtogetitright. Ithinkitcomesdowntorelationships.WhatistherelationshipbetweenCTFCMandvariousparishes.Doyouknowallthepriests?Dotheyknowyouandwhatyoudo?Dotheotherleaderswithinthechurchknowaboutyou,wheretofindyou,etc?WithanorganizationthesizeandmodeloftheCatholicChurchitcanbedifficulttohelpwithoutseemingintrusiveonaparticularparish's"turf"sotospeak.ButwithstrongrelationshipsandcommunicationIthinkCTFCMcanbeaneffectiveresourceformenthroughoutthediocese.
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
19
CTFCMhasbeenaroundforawhile,butIamexcitedaboutre-energizingandgettingbeyondWacoandAustin.Wecan'tdoitallatoncebutwithastrategicintentalongwithsomegoodtacticalplansweshouldbeabletomobilizeourselvestoenablethemissionoftheChurch.Evangelization,beginningwithinourownparishes. Let'spraymoreasaunit Weallneedto"park"ouregosandfocuson"becoming"whatGodiscallingusto. Survey2
CTFCMMEN’SMASSSURVEYRESULTS
TotalResponses:83
AverageAge:50
HomeParishes:
St.ThomasMore–8 St.Jerome–7 St.Teresa–6 St.Helen's–6 St.MaryCathedral–5 St.LouisKingofFrance–5 St.JohnVianney–5 St.JohnNeumann–4 St.VincentdePaul–4 St.AlberttheGreat–4 EmmausCatholicParish–3 St.Williams–3 St.CatherineofSienna–2 ChristtheKing–2 St.Ignatius–2 Onerespondentateachofthefollowingparishes:StPaulChongHashsongHarker
HeightsTexas,SantaCruzCatholicChurch,SacredHeart,Elgin,St.Anthony-Kyle,Tx,St.MargaretMary,Ascension,St.ThomasAquinas,StMary'sWaco,St.Luke'sinTemple,St.Mary'sinWest,SantaCruzinBuda,SanJose,UniversityCatholicCenter,St.Austin's
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
20
MaritalStatus?Married–73.5%Single–26.5%
AreyouinvolvedinaMen'sgroupinyourparishorDeanery?
Yes:52.4%
No:47.6%
WhatdoyouthinktheareaofgreatestfocusofCTFCMshouldbemovingforwardinordertobetterserveyouandyourfellowmen?
StartingMoreSmallGroupswithinParishes–42.2%
Outreach/Marketing–26.5%
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
21
ExpandingProgramOfferings–22.9%
Improving/ExpandingtheConference–8.4%
Igetthegreatestspiritualbenefitfrom:
SmallGroups–55.4%
FellowshipActivities–16.9%
Retreats–10.8%
Conferences–8.4%
Other–6%
ServiceProjects–2.5%
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
22
Iwouldenjoyopportunitiestostudy:
LeadershipasaChristianMan–62.7%
Men’sSpirituality–39.8%
MeninRelatioships(Son,Husband,Father)–22.9%
LivesoftheSaints–21.7%
TheBible–16.9%
Iwouldmostlikelyparticipateinoutreach/mission:
Atmyhomeparish–67.5%
SomewhereintheDiocese–30.1%
InternationalMissionTrip–2.4%
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
23
Importanttopicstomeare:
Work/HomeBalance–55.4%
HowtoEvangelize–41%
Relationships(dating/marriage)–26.5%
Parenting–12%
Other–12%
Ienjoythesetypesoffellowship(multipleanswer):
Discussiongroups,bookstudies,etc.–83.1%
ServiceProjects–34.9%
Cooking,barbeque,etc.–25.3%
Outdoors(camping,hiking,etc.)–21.7%
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
24
Sports–18.1%
Other–3.6%
InasmallgroupsettingIwanttheprimaryfocustobe:
Discussionoflifeissues–62.7%
Study–13.3%
Prayer–13.3%
Accountability–7.2%
Other–3.5%
ImostwantCTFCMtohelpme:
GrowPersonallyClosertoGod–33.7%
Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men
Mission:ToencourageandemboldenmentodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist,family,Church,andcommunitybylivingtheirCatholic
faithineverydaylife.
25
MeetOtherCatholicMen–28.9%
Findpeopletolistenandrelatetowhatisgoingoninmylife–28.9%
Other–4.8%
FindOpportunitiestobemoreinvolvedinChurch–3.6%
InthepastIhavenotattendedCTFCMevents/groupsbecause:
Notawareofevent–43.4%
Schedulingconflict–26.5%
Other–13.3%
Didnotknowanyoneelsegoing–10.8%
Notinterestedinthetopic–6%
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