Discipleship and accountability fosters sound evangelization and commits to tackling tough issues
Father Gabriel de Chadarevian, OP, does not sugar coat his opinions, and he doesn't shy away from "touchy issues." He is focussing on the "touchy issue" of making men accountable for taking a personal role in evangelization.
"Priests, religious: we're in this together," he said during a meeting of the Discipleship and Accountability (DNA) men's group Jan. 28 in St. Mary's rectory basement.
Father de Chadarevian formed the group to cultivate committed men ready to evangelize. He credited the leadership showed by Protestant denominations on this issue.
The recent meeting focused on the evils of pornography. The group included all ages, from men in their 20s to seniors.
After the group participated in morning Mass, Father de Chadarevian led them in the rosary. This was followed by an episode of "Crossing the Goal," a half-hour weekly show on Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) which focuses on issues for Catholic men.
The sports-themed program is led by former NFL coach and player Danny Abromowicz. Past seasons are released on DVD for use in group discussion as well as in leadership seminars.
"The average age that boys start looking at porn is 11," said Dr. Peter Kleponis of The Institute for Marital Healing, a guest on the EWTN program.
The show's panel, which consisted of male Catholic leaders, agreed that pornography could become an addiction.
"Prepare your children; this is as serious as drugs and alcohol," cautioned Dr. Kleponis. "There is hope. It takes work, like any other addiction."
"Crossing the Goal" and discussion within the DNA group suggested men must view women in a pure way. One suggestion was to ask the Blessed Mother, ever virgin, to help men to consider women as loved daughters of Christ.
Father de Chadarevian also advised praying for the intercession of St. Joseph, known for his chastity and obedience, and he urged group members to seek support from each other when dealing with the porn issue or any other faith inhibitors. Each man was encouraged to form a support partnership with someone within the group.
The Dominican priest also practised what he preached by telling the group members to contact him for support, and by asking the group to pray for him and all their priests.
The DNA program tied into the Feb. 4 "Man to Man" dinner, also planned for St. Mary's. Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, was expected to share his vision for evangelizing and inspiring Catholic men in the archdiocese and his hopes for the establishment of other support groups like DNA.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
