• That Man Is You!
• Men's Prayer and Study Group
• Family Enrichment
• Teams of Our Lady
• 33 Days to Morning Glory
• Apologetics 101

That Man Is You!
Fall / Spring 2019-2020

What is it?

That Man is You! is an interactive, multimedia men’s program produced by Paradisus Dei focused upon the development of authentic male leadership and spirituality.

The program content harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive. It is particularly indebted to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and Pope John Paul II.

That Man is You! is successful at attracting large numbers of men, including younger men still actively parenting, and then transforming their spiritual lives. Indeed, independent research from a Faith Advisor to The Gallup Poll reveals That Man is You! to be one of the most life-transforming programs.

How will it work?

Each year is divided into two, 13-week semesters, which meet in the fall and spring.

Note:  Men can enter the program at any time.
You do not have to start at the beginning!

Who: Any man who is interested
What: Weekly formation meetings
Cost: There is no cost!  Breakfast / refreshments are by donation, and a voluntary donation to support Paradisus Dei is taken up mid-way through the course.

Both Evening and Morning Sessions will be offered

The Fight of Faith equips and enables men to engage in the cosmic, spiritual battle raging in our day. Biblical identities will emerge to inspire heroic lives of service to a calling greater than ourselves. Contemplate the mysterious Will of God and discover a Kingdom “not of this world.” Embrace our true identity as sons of the Father while experiencing the intimacy and secrets of a deep and personal friendship with Christ. Uncover the ultimate truth that sheds light on all things: God’s own identity. Fight the good fight of faith to win an imperishable crown of glory!

When: Thursday mornings, 5:30-7:00 am
Where:  Conference Center
Contact:  Rand Pombier, rpombier@sbcglobal.net, 713-376-7251.

How do I register?

Go to this page here and register for the program. Be sure to pick whether you want to attend on Tuesday evenings or on Thursday mornings.

How do I find out more?

Go to the That Man Is You! website to find out more about the program itself. For information pertaining to the program at St. Clare, contact John Kovacs in the parish office.

Men's Prayer & Study Group

Join other men of the parish bright and early for fresh coffee, prayer, study, discussion, and accountability.

New-comers are always welcome!

When: Tuesday mornings, 6:00 – 7:00 a.m., year round
Where: Conference Center
Contact: Craig Bernard, cabernard33@gmail.com

Family Enrichment

Families often struggle with overcoming the many obstacles to foundational relationships. Husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings, and immediate family and extended family alike encounter seemingly insurmountable challenges.

This program employs the case study methodology, commonly found in business and law school classrooms, to examine scenarios relevant to family life. We analyze the complex and sometimes daunting situations faced by families to better understand their causes and identify their resolution. While the case studies are instructive, the experience and wisdom from the parents participating prove invaluable. Guided by an experienced moderator, who is also a parent, couples strengthen their unity and renew their commitment to one another and their families.

The method

The case study method offers practical skills for handling the pressing circumstances that arise each day. Each course has between five and ten cases.

The case study method teaches you to:

1. Draw out facts
2. Identify problems based on facts
3. Discern appropriate solutions

Family Enrichment is designed so you can apply this method to any situation at home, work, etc. It helps you sustain focus and make accomplishments with the things that matter most — your marriage, your family, and your relationships with other people.

Applying the method

For the success of the method, following these steps is essential.

1. Individual Study: each spouse reads the case.
2. Couple discussion: spouses discuss the case with each other.
3. Team Meeting: four to five couples discuss the case as a Team.
4. General Meeting: All groups meet in a general session with a moderator that directs the discussion.

How to Register

Visit the Texas Family Enrichment website for more information on what program is currently being offered, and to register.  Courses are offered off-site (i.e. not at St. Clare), but a Clear Lake Team may be formed locally for Team Meetings, then carpool to the General Meeting. To find out about the local Team, contact Kathi at 281-507-1672 or jmjdunnefamily@sbcglobal.net.

Fall & Spring 2019-2020 Course in Clear Lake

Teams of Our Lady:
Program for ALL Married Couples

Teams of Our Lady (TOOL) is an on-going formation program for all married couples–whether you’ve been married one year, ten years, or 50 years–to form you as a couple in married spirituality. Why as a couple? Because God has entrusted you to each other through the Sacrament of Matrimony, and because when your response is made in unison, it deeply affects: the quality of your love, your children, and all whom you meet. Why with other couples? Because as a Team there is more strength. In a world where fidelity is no longer esteemed, meeting with others who value married life can bring joy and hope to all.

Teams are composed of five to seven married couples. Team life revolves around the monthly meetings (in participant homes), and living out the six Endeavors.

This program is open to couples who are in a marriage recognized by the Church. Only one spouse needs to be Catholic.

See the international TOOL site for more info, or check out this site, as well.

What: Information Session
When: Next session TBD — contact John Lawlor, below, to be put on his waiting list
Where: TBD
Contact: John Lawlor, 713-824-8525, jhlawlor@gmail.com

33 Days to Morning Glory: Preparation for Marian Consecration

Begins October 9, 2019

For six weeks, we’ll reflect on the teachings of four giants of Marian spirituality: St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Mother Teresa, and Saint John Paul II. They’ll teach us the secrets to drawing closer to the Heart of Jesus through the Heart of Mary. In our weekly meetings, we’ll share our insights within a small group and watch a 30-minute video. The video by popular author and speaker, Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, brings our individual reflections and group experience into a clear and live-able focus.

What: Six weekly sessions
When: This course will be offered at two different times, beginning October 9, 2019.
How to Register: Choose the time you want and click on the link below:

• Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 11:00 am, Conference Center
• Wednesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Conference Center

Materials:  You need to obtain both the Retreat Companion/Workbook and the book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, by Fr. Michael Gaitley.

1. The videos and the Retreat Companion/Workbook are available for FREE on Formed.org.  Go here if you don't have a Formed account.
2. You can purchase the required book online here or here.
3. Optionally, get a hard-copy of the Retreat Companion/Workbook, along with some other materials, by going here.

Want to learn more before jumping in?

The Goal of Marian Consecration
In this clip from the Introduction video, Fr. Michael Gaitley explains the goal of Marian Consecration.

The Essence of Marian Consecration
In this clip from the Orientation video, Fr. Michael Gaitley gets to the heart, to the essence of Marian Consecration. (Prior to this segment, he covered Mary's special role in salvation.)

Mary in the Gospels
Here is a helpful link for Biblical references on Mary.

Mary in the "Catechism of the Catholic Church"
References to Mary in the Catechism.

Mary in the Teaching of the Popes
Key Marian references from the Popes.

Mary in Vatican II
Reaffirmation of the Church's special love for Mary due to her role in salvation history and her important link to Christ's work as cited in Lumen Gentium, one of the documents of the Second Vatican Council.

If you've already made your consecration...

St. Louis de Montfort recommends repeating the 33-day preparation and renewing your Consecration every year. If you don't want to take 33 Days to Morning Glory again, I recommend reading True Devotion to Mary, the original work by St. Louis de Montfort, and then using one of the following books as your guide to preparing for your renewal:

• Preparation for Total Consecration According to St. Louis de Montfort, by
  Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM

• Totus Tuus: A Consecration to Jesus Through Mary with Saint John Paul II, by Fr. Brian McMaster

• A Contemplative Approach to Jesus Through Mary, website by Fr. Nathan Cromly, CSJ

• Totus Tuus: A Contemplative Approach to Total Consecration Through Mary, by Fr. Nathan Cromly, CSJ

• 33 Day Family Consecration: A Guide for Parents to total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, by Allen Hebert

• Total Consecration Through the Mysteries of the Rosary, by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Apologetics 101
Learn to Defend Your Faith!

Why be Catholic when there are tens of thousands of Protestant denominations to choose from?  Do you know what is absolutely unique about the Catholic Church?  Can you explain Church teaching on the Mass, the Eucharist, the Pope, Mary, morality, and other Catholic beliefs?  Are Church teachings Biblical, or are they just Medieval inventions?

Who:  All are welcome!  Bring your non-Catholic friends!
What:  Eight weekly sessions:  four sessions in the fall, four sessions next spring
When:  Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.  NOTE: this is a new day of the week.
Where:  Conference Center.  NOTE: this is a new location.
Cost:  Free!

What are the session topics?

Part II -- Spring 2020

16 January:  Just a cookie?  Defending the Real Presence and the Mass
23 January:  Mary Worship?  Defending Marian doctrines & devotion.  
30 January:  Are all religions the same?  Examining the cults & Islam.
6 February:  Open Forum.  Bring your questions!  A panel discussion.

Who is teaching the course?

Rich May -- A St. Clare parishioner, Rich is a former Air Force pilot and aerospace engineer, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology from the University of St. Thomas and Franciscan University of Steubenville.  

He has appeared several times on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) for Living the Life Abundantly TV / radio programs, contributed programming on Houston Catholic radio, and has previously had a weekly, live radio program on Radio Maria for 6 years, broadcasting in several states. He still appears as a guest on many shows.

Rich May has 30 years experience teaching catechesis at all levels and has authored several booklets, including The Rosary, a Prayer For All Christians, and has developed catechetical materials for both students and teachers, including Baptism and Confirmation programs at use at parishes both within and outside his home Archdiocese. Recently he has produced a 3-booklet Rosary series to teach Native Americans the Rosary, distributed nationally by The Black & Indian Mission Office in Washington D.C. He’s a keynote speaker at the annual Tekakwitha Conference.  His website is HaveTruth.org.

 

Updated 8-13-19/jwk