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March 21, 2022“Our Lord is calling us (men) to take courage and be a man,” said Father Corey Litzner at the first “Into the Breech Retreat” sponsored by the Knights of Columbus (K of C).
Approximately 40 men, occasionally breaking into clapping, filled the Msgr. Zryd Hall at St. Michael Parish in Marquette. Michigan’s newest K of C Council, the Father Jaques Marquette Council 17772, hosted the event.
Based on “Into the Breech: An Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men” by Bishop Thomas Olmstead of Phoenix, the retreat features short talks interspersed with short videos produce by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council.
Father Litzner started with the saying, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” He pointed out that while King David in his youth slayed Goliath, as a man he went up on the rooftop with a view of Bathsheba bathing. Putting himself in that near occasion of sin lead to the conception of a child and David setting up the death of Bathsheba’s husband. The story didn’t end there, however. “After he repented, you never hear of David going up on the housetops again,” Father Litzner said.
What can we do when we fall into sin? Go to confession.
Speaking of priests, Father Litzner said, “When we see someone going to confession, we see them taking courage and being a man… When we bring sin to confession, God gives us strength to not fall into it again.”
Among notable Catholic men featured in the videos is Mike Sweeny of the Kansas City Royals.
He said, “The greatest roll of a father is to lead his spouse and family to heaven.” One way for a father to do this is to be an example pointing out that “children will imitate their father.”
The role of a father is best expressed by being and image of God the Father, said Father Litzner. However, this can only be done by “staying close to the Father.” God has instilled in men a desire and willingness to protect their families from physical danger. If that’s the case, Father Litzner asked, “then why not for eternity?”
“We have to realize that we are in a spiritual battle,” said Father Litzner. “Satan wants to take us to hell – and our families too.” To be prepared for battle, Father Litzner encouraged men to put on the armor of God every morning, as in Ephesians 6.
To do this doesn’t require an elaborate prayer. Father Litzner said he likes to keep it simple, which can be as simple as praying, “Lord, you know my weaknesses, put your armor on me.”
Each retreat begins at with dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the retreat from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Retreats at Marquette and St. Gregory in Newberry have already taken place. Upcoming dates and locations are: March 28 at Holy Name of Mary, Sault Ste. Marie; March 29 at St. Ignatius of Loyola, Houghton; and March 30 at Our Lady of Peace, Ironwood.
