Fellowship is an important element of our lives as Catholics. Gathering with other like-minded individuals of the same faith tradition is a great way to strengthen and encourage one another. That Man Is You!, or TMIY, is a group for men of our parish community seeking to draw closer to God and connect with others.
“The topics that are addressed focus on the pressures and temptations men face in our society, and help us realize the full value of being a father and husband,” says Kevin Zink. “It helps teach us to cast off the media stigmas and stereotypes that are so popular in today’s culture, and encourages us to lead faith-in-action-filled lives that are humble, yet courageous and bold when defending our faith and our families.”
Kevin, who has been involved with TMIY for 11 years, says the camaraderie is the biggest benefit of belonging to the group.
“I got involved because I felt myself being a Sunday sacramental Catholic — I attended Mass, I went to Reconciliation, but I did not have a deep faith life outside of the sacraments,” he says. “I didn’t have a strong network of Catholic people to help me live a faith-filled life.”
That Man Is You! follows a yearly curriculum produced by Paradisus Dei. Typically, the content includes videos of 20-30 minutes that are viewed over two semesters.
“Thirteen fall and 13 spring videos are produced, and they all have themes for each year,” Kevin says. “That Man is You! uses Scripture, Church teaching, the teachings of the saints, as well as scientific evidence, and behavioral studies to help us understand the role we are designed to play in our families in order to do God’s will on earth, and build strong societies through the family.”
After the video, the men break into smaller groups for discussion, allowing them to share and support one another. The men involved in TMIY have become a tight-knit group, with around 20 to 25 regular attendees. But men are welcome to join at any time.
“Many men, myself included, often lament how hard it is to get up and attend so early every week,” Kevin says. “Life is busy. Work is always in our minds. Our families need us. However, it is the knowledge that the other guys will be there that motivates me to attend each week. Each one of us would say we have learned so much more about our faith, and we have learned more clearly what an important role and important responsibility we have to our families, loved ones, and to the world.”
That Man Is You! meets every Friday downstairs below Assisi Hall from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., and is open to any man who would like to attend. Registration is not required.