Meet the Men’s Group: Growing in Faith and Relationship with Christ

The St. Peter’s Men’s Group had its origins several years ago in the That Man Is You! program, and it is continuing to help its members grow in faith and fellowship, and in the words of group leader Mark Strieker, “become the hands of Christ.”

Mark and Doug Greenwell, two group leaders, have been looking forward to resuming the group’s regular meetings in February after COVID-19 brought them to a halt last fall. There are between 25 to 35 active members of the group that has 60 enrolled members.

The meetings typically run for six to eight weeks when the members watch a video, then offer their reflections on the contents. The group also plans fellowship activities two to three times a year, such as a brat cookout.

“We also are challenging members outside the meetings to engage in service, to try to become the hands of Christ,” Mark says.

Running throughout the group’s activities is the thread of helping the members grow in faith. They have incorporated our parish’s Fr. Augustine Tolton’s prayer in their meetings, asking for his intercession to hear their prayers for intentions brought to the meetings.

“Faith formation is strong with the group,” Mark says. “There is a lot of community and sharing that happens in small groups.”

“It’s always difficult for guys to talk about things,” Doug says. “This format is very relaxed, and it is easy to share on how we can carry the material, and challenge ourselves to grow as leaders in faith. That’s what we see in the longterm goal of the group.”

“We want to see faith grow and see bonds grow in the Men’s Group, have people they can turn to, and they will be there if they need anything,” Mark adds.

Having the bonds that are forged with each other as members also helps each man grow closer in his relationship to Christ. The men share the belief that they can ask, together, for God’s grace and guidance.

“It fortifies what we’re trying to do,” Doug says.

The group provides weekly challenges in the form of personal growth ideas. The men are challenged to be male leaders of faith and to step out of their comfort zones.

“Being involved as a group leader is outside mine,” Mark says. “But I feel a great gift has been given back to me.”

Last year, the members were challenged to go to confession during Lent — and the members overwhelmingly met that challenge.

By having a strong personal faith, the members find they can give their best to their families, friends, and places of work.

“I can see the different layers you can touch from the depth of this faith,” Doug says. “We’re called to use our talents to help, and sometimes we don’t know our talents. We feel God is asking us and others to stop and use what we can to better serve God.”

Any male parishioner interested in joining the Men’s Group may contact Doug Greenwell at 217-242-4518, or Mark Strieker at 217-316-0080.

The Men’s Group gathers last year at St. Peter’s Parish. There are about 60 members in the group.