Catholic men’s leadership program expands reach
That Man is You delivers Church teachings, fosters fellowship

By Denver Catholic Register

Last year while searching for a Catholic men’s leadership program, the men’s ministry at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial discovered That Man is You, developed by the Paradisus Dei organization in Houston, Texas. 

The program took off with upwards of 300 men registering to participate prior to the start date—a record for the nationwide program.

“The shear number of participants and the professional presentation of quality content have come to establish the program as the most successful at any parish across the country,” said Ken Heim a core team member with St. Thomas More men’s ministry. “The content and structure of the program is largely responsible for the retention rate of the participants, with each week approximately 225 men showing up for an hour to learn, pray and be fed both breakfast and spiritual nourishment.”

Asked to what he attributes the success of the program, Deacon Steve Stemper said, “It delivers the truth about the Church’s teachings on men’s issues in a professional and effective way, while also fostering the fellowship that men need with other men in order to develop in this truth.”

Participants say they like that the content is delivered in a comfortable and welcoming manner.

“Men at all levels of their faith journey are made to feel at ease,” Heim said.
The men are not forced to verbally participate and can miss sessions without having to worry about falling behind.

“Steve Bollman, the founder of Paradisus Dei, has a saying—‘Wherever you are in your spiritual life, Jesus Christ wants to encounter you right there, and then help you to a better place,’” noted Heim.

Integrating science and sociology with Scripture and authentically Catholic teachings, the content is designed to help men better understand themselves, their wives and marriages, and their unique role in their family and society, Heim said.

“The content is designed with the purpose of equipping men with the tools they need to lead a life that is boldly counter to popular culture yet wholly united to the truth,” he said.

No prior involvement or attendance in the program is required, and being Catholic is not a prerequisite.

The program at St. Thomas More has led to it spreading to other parishes. Mark Saxelby and Kevin Hedican participated in That Man is You at the Centennial parish and found it so compelling they have helped organize the program at Our Lady of Loreto in Foxfield. That program is starting this month.
“Enthusiasm for this program continues to spread and is being embraced by other parishes as well,” Heim said. “Other past participants at the St. Thomas More program or elsewhere are also now starting That Man is You at their home parishes.”

Parishes that have either recently launched or will be launching the program this fall include All Souls in Englewood, St. Francis Cabrini in Littleton, St. Mary in Littleton, Ave Maria in Parker, Nativity of our Lord in Broomfield, St. Francis of Assisi in Longmont, St. Bernadette in Lakewood, St. Stephen in Glenwood Springs and St. John the Evangelist in Loveland.

Parishes continuing to offer That Man is You include St. Thomas More, Church of the Risen Christ in Denver, St. Mary in Greeley and Our Lady of Fatima in Lakewood. Christ the King in Evergreen and Our Lady of the Pines in Conifer are offering a joint program.

Men interested in participating in That Man is You may contact a parish offering the program—one need not belong to the parish to join the program—or register online at  paradisusdei.org.

The 13-week fall semester started Sept. 12 at St. Thomas More and will continue every Friday in the parish gym. Doors open at 6 a.m. for breakfast and fellowship. Each session runs from 6:20 a.m. to 7:20 am. Materials are provided.

For more information about That Man is You or the St. Thomas More men’s ministry group, visit menforallseasons.org or call 303-596-6170.