Leading our Families in Christian Discipleship
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Prov 27:17
Mission Statement: "The Fishers of Men Ministry at St. Mary’s is committed to building godly men to serve Christ in their home, church, career, and community. We understand the important leadership role God has given men in their families, and through a variety of initiatives, workshops and programs, we hope to enable men to fulfill this responsibility."
The Clergy and the Parish Council of St. Mary are pleased to introduce this men’s ministry as part of our comprehensive, on-going strategy to strengthen the family, by strengthening its ‘cornerstone’: the husband/father.
This ministry supplements the many other organizations and groups at St. Mary. Our goal is to have programs and ministries that address our parishioners’ needs at every phase of their life, in a Christ-centered manner, making St. Mary not only a spiritual home but a ‘way of life.’
We want to ensure that the men of our community – the God-appointed leaders of their families – use their Orthodox Christian Faith with its rich Traditions, as the source and driving force behind every decision they make.
Membership is open to all men over 19; and is based on a recommendation by a Sponsor. There is no fee to join. You simply agree to periodically participate in the gatherings, but more importantly to take the Fishers of Men pledge.
If you are interested in joining the Fishers of Men or have any questions, please contact our president John Eannace at JJEAtty@aol.com. God bless!
Whereas…
…Jesus chose 12 men (disciples) to lead His Church and He commanded them to go into the world to preach the message of salvation.
…He has likewise empowered me to carry on His teachings with all my heart, mind and soul.
… I hereby pledge…
To joyfully and humbly accept this calling as I recognize the tremendous impact it has on my life, on my family and my community.
To strengthen my own relationship with Jesus Christ as a pre-requisite to effectively minister to others. I will not be ashamed of my love for God. “Real men are spiritual men”
To begin this ministry at home. Recognizing my God-appointed role as the leader of the household, I will insist on leading a loving family, and a Christ-centered relationship with my wife and children, leading always by example.
To exercise purity in my thoughts, words, and deeds, and to always view the female gender as an equal partner and an image of God to be treated with the utmost dignity.
To rely on fellow members of the Fishers of Men ministry to hold me accountable in my moment of weakness, and that I will do likewise to support my fellow members.
To always be thankful and joyful. And to be a source of inspiration to all whom God puts in my life.
O Christ our God, as you have empowered the disciples to change the world, we ask you to change our hearts so that we can learn to love you, trust you and follow your every command.
And as you commanded Peter and Andrew to be "Fishers of Men", grant us the courage and the wisdom to reach out to our fellow man, and reel them under the shelter of your holy wings.
Thus guarded and guided by your might, we may all lead our families and community into a path of righteousness; and to be received into your glory in the fullness of time.
For you Christ our God, are the Creator of all men, and to you O Master, we send up glory forever and ever, Amen.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Cor 16: 13-14
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.” Titus 2:7
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Tim 5:8
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Tim 4:12
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8
“Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead.” St. John Chrysostom
“Do what you can, and then pray that God will give you the power to do what you cannot.” St. Augustine
