The Gathering of Men has been providing opportunities for men to experience the awesome healing power and encouragement of Jesus Christ annually for more than 30 years.
Beginning in 1991, the 1st Gathering was in the fall. Fr. Ken Leone, then Pastor of Spirit of Christ Church in Arvada, CO, and a group of committed laymen formed the foundation of an experience where men could speak openly and honestly about the challenges of living their Christian faith, encourage one another in supportive relationships and challenging each other to live more prayerful and Holy lives.
In summer 1993 Fr. Ken took over as Pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Community in Littleton, and in 1994 Fr. John Lager, Capuchin Franciscan, and in 1995 men from the southern metro area joined the experienced men from the northern metro area for the effort. By 1996, the weekend experience being held in Bailey, Colorado had grown to 80 men, and a weekend was also held in Victoria, KS where 25 men attended. By 1999 the week end had grown in strength and popularity to include 145 men in Bailey, Colorado and 32 in Victoria, KS. Faced with a need for a new venue, the 2000 Gathering of Men was held in Estes Park, CO at the YMCA of the Rockies, and 296 men attended.
The Gathering of men has continued to draw 300+ Christian men to experience the power of men speaking their truth, supporting one another in small communities while challenging and encouraging men to live courageously Holy lives. Now as recently retired, Msgr. Ken prays strongly for us, although he is not present at the retreat. Fr. John Lager and Fr Doug Grandon, both currently National Chaplain's with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), invite and minister to men from all across the state of Colorado and well beyond. Fr Trevor Lontine, Parochial Vicar at Spirit of Christ in Arvada, has joined us in recent years to offer his gifts, prayer and spiritual fatherhood to the men.
For more information, contact: [email protected]
or
voice/text:
(720) 924-6359
aka (720) 92GODLY