Brothers United in Christ: Transforming Men's Lives in Our Parish Community

Parishioner George Armenia, Jr. knows just how important accountability and community are when it comes to living out the faith. He experienced great healing and conversion when he said "yes" to an invitation to attend a men’s group at another church. At the time, George was going through some significant personal struggles and was feeling quite hopeless.

“I had hit rock bottom in my life and felt alone — as if I was the only one going through what I was faced with at the time,” George says. “But when I went to the men’s group everything started to turn around for me and I learned that I could lean on these men as brothers and didn’t have to struggle alone.”

This profound experience of Christian brotherhood led George to form a similar group here at St. Timothy’s called Brothers United in Christ.

“Brothers United in Christ is an accountability group for men rooted in our faith,” George says. “Our mission is to provide a safe, trusting and non-judgmental forum for men who are striving to increase their faith and relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

The group meets every Wednesday night in the St. Barnabas Room of the Parish Hall, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The meetings start with an opening prayer and some remarks from George about the confidentiality of the group, then the men jump into the discussion and some roundtable accountability, and end in a closing prayer.

“Sometimes we use videos and books to kick off our discussions,” George says. “Our goal is to hold each other accountable in our journey to living out God’s will for our lives.”

In addition, the men will meet every four to six weeks at a restaurant for dinner, to spend time outside of the Church setting and enjoy each other’s fellowship. They frequently serve the local community in many capacities as they volunteer at Trinity Café and other local service programs, and they attend two retreats every year.

“The motto we use is ‘iron sharpens iron,’” George says. “We are a very transparent and supportive group of guys who want to help each other grow closer to Christ.”

George has seen the Holy Spirit work in powerful ways through this group. Personally, he has been encouraged by the group to pray without ceasing.

“This group has shown me that there is so much to pray for in this world and that everyone needs prayers,” George says. “The weekly meetings help me to stay in communion with my Lord, Jesus Christ.

“Before I ever got involved in men’s ministry at the other church, I was lost and living a life that glorified this world,” he adds. “Now, I no longer live as though my life is my own. I let Christ live within me. He is now my top priority and I have devoted myself to serving Him.”

George is not unique among the members of the Brothers United in Christ. The Holy Spirit is moving in this group, and He is healing and sanctifying its members through this fraternal ministry.

All men are welcome to join Brothers United in Christ! There is no formal registration. All you need to do is show up to the Wednesday night meetings. There, you will be welcomed and immersed into an authentic group of men striving to follow Christ. No man is an island, and our Catholic faith is to be lived in community with one another. If you are a man who wants to grow in holiness, you are invited to check out Brothers United in Christ. For more information, please reach out to George Armenia, Jr. by calling 813-924-3464.

The men gather at their most recent retreat.