October 22, 2008

In an incredibly short time, the Holy Spirit has been moving in POWER. It is such a blessing for all of us involved with this movement to see the Lord at work in so many hearts. Like I said, it’s an exciting time. There is so much going on right now that everyone involved with FRATERNUS is bursting with excitement (have I mentioned that we’re excited)?? Because this is the first year that FRATERNUS is being implemented at the parish level, in addition to all of the day to day operations, we are up to our eardrums in things to learn, improve, and develop. After each event, meeting, and idea, we are simply in awe at how much our efforts are being transformed and amplified by the action of the holy spirit. Then we brainstorm and evaluate.

With all that said, I want to share some of the excitement! Things are happening each and every day around here, and we want the website to reflect some of that. Over the next few weeks, check in to see what’s going on in the world of FRATERNUS.

First Men’s Workshop at Good Shepherd Parish Tallahassee Florida August 16^th, 2008

Dreams do come true. Six years ago Justin and I sat next to each other in the Good Shepherd Men’s ministry meeting where the Holy Spirit first inspired the vision for Fraternus. We did not have a name then, but looking back it was the moment of conception. So you can imagine our gratitude as we looked at each other 6 years later with a smile of deep satisfaction and overwhelming gratitude to the Father, seeing that the vision had now come full circle- back home to Good Shepherd.

I must admit I felt like a proud papa watching Justin, Ken, Thomas, Mike G. and Mike N., passionately share the Fraternus vision with 20 men from Tallahassee (mostly from Good Shepherd parish). Some of the men in attendance were also present when the dream was first conceived 6 years ago.

As I sat and watched the birthing process of Fraternus, I experienced much the same joy and anticipation that I felt watching my wife Margie give birth to our children. Part of my joy came from knowing each of these men well, and knowing the hidden years of formation in each of their lives. Seeing their growth, seeing their passion, seeing their commitment-this is truly a group of men who have each been tried in the fire and have come through with faith of gold. Each of these men has a deep personal love for Jesus and it shows in everything they do. They also have a burning zeal to see that young men are formed and nurtured in a Holy Spirit filled atmosphere-where adventure and virtue grow up side by side. Together they have labored for months to make this day a reality. And it has truly been a labor of love. I am so proud of each of them; and so thankful for all the hours they have invested to bring this vision into life.

Here is a brief synopsis of the men’s workshop:

After an opening greeting and overview by Ken Kniepmann (the commander of Good Shepherd Fraternus), the men were invited to view a clip from the movie “Kingdom of Heaven”, illustrating many of the themes of Fraternus, including courage in battle, strengthening of manhood, and brotherly adventure. Following the movie Ken gave a brief description of the Fraternus program.

Justin Biance (president and founder of Fraternus) followed by sharing his personal journey and how and why Fraternus came about.

He was followed by Coach Mike Gillespie (resource development), who emphasized the importance and satisfaction of coaching young men, and the desperate need for that in light of his own personal journey and the culture we live in.

Thomas Van Horn (Fraternus missionary) was next and he highlighted the 3 levels of Fraternus activities: 1) Summer ranch in Colorado; 2) Monthly overnight adventure outings; and 3) Weekly meetings with the local chapter.

Finally, Mike Nixon (seminarian and brother of intern Titus) gave us an inspiring talk on Sacrifice as an example of the “King’s message” that will begin every Frat night.

Following Mike’s talk we broke up into groups of 4-5 and experienced a typical meeting. The sharing was great. The day climaxed with Mass con-celebrated by Fr. Chris Winklejohn and Fr. Eddie Jones, and ended with fellowship over a closing meal.

What a homecoming- What an awesome birth day!

Bob Schuchts