I am going to tackle a sensitive topic hear so please give me a little extra leeway. It is not my intention to offend, but it might be unavoidable. I have followed the topic of evangelization (proclamation of the Gospel and conversion to Christ) pretty much my whole adult life in Church ministry. I have come across a statistic that I have seen repeated over the years. It addresses the effect of the spirituality of fathers in the home. A recent study concluded the following. If a mother converts to Christianity or a deeper walk of faith, 17% of the time her family will follow suit. But get this, if a father does the same, 63% of the time the family will do likewise. Young boys are especially affected. I think I know why. We all know you ladies are more faithful and spiritual. One need only to look at the number of women to men in Church on a given Sunday. I think the unfortunate result is (and priest and nuns experience this same thing) women are “expected” to be more religious. Therefore, when they witness to their faith by action and words, it is sadly “discounted” because they are “expected” to be that way. But the reverse happens with men. When the guy is seen praying, going to Church, or heard speaking about his faith, junior pauses and thinks, “What’s this? Guys don’t usually do that!” And they give it more attention and consideration. It makes me think of the words of St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, ch.1, vs 27, “…God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; …what is weak… to shame the strong… even the low and despised… And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus.” You see, this is why your personal witness to the faith is more effective that you think. God gets attention to his salvation via the unexpected. The very reasons you might feel inadequate to the task of sharing the faith are the very things God will use for his greater glory. So, guys, what will it be? Will we “man up.” It falls to us to have a very powerful effect on the salvation of our families and all those we come near. The world needs men of God. Mother Church needs you! St. Libory parish needs you! And most important, your family needs you! Yours in Christ our Lord. Fr. Sid