As Executive Director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men, I have received hundreds of testimonies from men who have been touched by their attendance at Catholic men's conferences, involvement in men's fellowship groups, and through the support of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men. I recently received the wonderful testimony below from Mark Bofinger who attended the first Buffalo Catholic men's conference in February 2003. I also had the privilege to speak at the conference and to talk with Mark there as well.
A few points from his testimony standout: his faith was reinvigorated, he went to confessions for the first time in years, and his concerns against the Catholic Church were eliminated. I also believe his testimonial really shows an important fruit to our Bishops, namely, his call to become a deacon as a result of attending the conference.
Dear Maurice,
My faith journey continues to draw me closer to Jesus in so many ways. The Spirit used the Catholic men’s movement to awaken my heart to the truth and love God wishes to share with everyone. I feel it important to share a bit of my story with you.
Late December 2002, I reached for a copy of our diocesan Catholic newspaper after Mass. I glanced over an announcement for the first Western New York Catholic Men’s Conference being held on March 31, 2003. I felt drawn to attend. I registered in early January.
As the conference drew near, my anticipation turned to excitement. Through prayer, I sensed it would be a great experience for me. The Spirit urged me not to miss it.
Finally the day arrived. The atmosphere at the conference was no less than electric. Men I knew from my youth approached me and reintroduced themselves. I greeted a friend from college who I hadn't spoken with in years.
Lively music filled the background. The musicians and singers reminded me of my earlier days in parish music ministry. The keynote speakers generated enthusiasm from the very start. Men with passion for Christ explained fundamental Church teachings and traditions in ways I never experienced. Everything made sense.
On that cold winter day, my heart warmly glowed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I made my first confession in years. I mysteriously realized the Church manifests Christ, and that He Himself is the Church.
Just days earlier, I believed the Church would distract me from the very personal and loving relationship that Christ and I recently rekindled. This fear vanished and left no trace behind. I enjoyed the last speaker and looked forward to the Mass and closing ceremony.
Mass began with our bishop and the co-celebrants proceeding down the aisles. They paused as they reached the altar. A man at the pulpit asked us to stand and recognize the ordained men in our diocese. We eagerly stood and applauded to show our acceptance.
At that very instant the Spirit invited me to become a permanent deacon. I had never contemplated being a deacon, or a priest, at any time in my life. There were no words used; yet I plainly heard the message. I rationalized the moment as my being caught up in the day’s events. I pushed the moment from my mind, but it did not go away for long.
Now, two years later, I'm entering my second year in the permanent diaconate formation program in the Diocese of Buffalo. Before my first Catholic men’s conference, I never believed I could make a difference in the Church. Now I know I can if I join in prayer and action with other men from all walks of life.
Praise God for the Spirit that moved you to start this organization. Please let me know how I can be of further service to you and the Catholic men’s movement.
Faithfully,
Mark Bofinger
(This article courtesy of the NFCM website. You may e-mail them at info@nfcmusa.org.)
