The Men's Welcome Weekend team invited the deacons to write a HELP (He Extends Love Perpetually) letter for the men who are participating in the retreat. I was more than happy to write a HELP letter because I remember how special it was when I read my HELP letters during my Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) men's renewal weekend. One of the HELP letter encouraged me to discern the diaconate. Below is the HELP letter that the Holy Spirit inspired me to write.
. . .
Dear Brother in Christ:
Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! He is risen, indeed. Alleluia! Alleluia!
As we continue to rejoice in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this Easter season and prepare our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, I want to reflect on this gift of the Holy Spirit: Fortitude is the courage to do what one knows is right (Loyola Press, 4/9/2024).
It takes a lot of courage for a man to step back from the responsibilities of life - as a working man, a husband, a father, a caretaker (to name a few roles that men have in life) - and be present to God. It takes even more courage to work on our relationship with God because it means that we have to let our guard down and be vulnerable with ourselves. I say vulnerable with ourselves because God knows our minds and hearts (Jeremiah 17:10).
There is nothing we can hide from God but, like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), our Father in heaven waits for us to come to him of our own freewill. You have done that this weekend. Of your own freewill, you chose to take time to spend time with our Lord and our God, and allow Him to pour His love, mercy, forgiveness, peace, and joy into your hearts.
You are His beloved son. He loves and adores you as the apple of His eyes. That is your true and deepest identity as a man - you are a beloved son of the Father. Remember that always and let no one tell you otherwise. And when you forget who you are and whose you are, pray and believe. In prayer, the Holy Spirit will help you to remember that you are a beloved son of the Father.
I thank you for having the courage to be on this men’s Welcome Weekend. May your experience bear fruit through a robust prayer life and spirituality that is always focused on our Lord Jesus Christ because he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Vivat Jesus.
Deacon Phúc Phan
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Link for more information on Men's Welcome Weekend Retreat: https://saintalbert.org/welcome-weekend-retreat-for-men
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