What is Halftime?

Halftime is a term that is familiar to all of us. Halftime is a time to refresh, both for the players and for the coaches. It is a time where coaches are able to make adjustments to the game plan. The players get to replenish the fluids that have been lost in the battle and rest as they prepare to continue to battle the opponent. All involved get to reflect on how they’ve done and where they can improve. This intense effort by the players and the coaches is designed to fight the good fight and secure the victory.

We are currently at "Halftime” to the next Gathering of Catholic Men. Having just gone through Lent and celebrated Easter, we have the opportunity to review what we have done in the first half and prepare ourselves for better results the rest of the way. Whether we define the first half as the first half of our lives or simply the first half of the year, we have an opportunity to purposefully review our performance and commit to what we will do differently to secure a victory. We do so in the Eucharist, in the sacrament of reconciliation, and in fellowship with each other.

The victory we pursue on our Faith Journey is far greater than any trophy or ring that can be won in the arena of sports. The reward for our victory is not only peace on this earth, but eternal life. It is the joy of being unconditionally loved by Love Himself, God our Father. And it is sharing that love with others.

“Halftime to the Gathering”, an event sponsored by Catholic Men’s Fellowship and Franciscan University of Steubenville, is being held Saturday, May 23, 7-9PM, with refreshments to follow. All are invited to St. Paul’s Seminary. We welcome all men and women of the Diocese. Some may even want to bring their kids. Very similar to a “festival of praise”, the evening will include Eucharistic Adoration, dynamic praise and worship, and an impactful talk. Our presider will be the newly ordained Fr. Kenneth Marlovitz and worship will be lead by Bob Lesnefsky.

Mike Florak, born in Pittsburgh, now living in Steubenville and working for Franciscan University, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners and lead a very successful baseball coaching career, where in 17 years he coached 40 players who were drafted or signed professional baseball contracts. As a head coach his teams finished runner-up or in first place six times. In his book, “Healthier Than Normal” he tells his story about overcoming Crohn’s disease. Mike’s talk will be on overcoming adversity through his faith and accepting God’s better plans.

As we prepare ourselves for the Tenth Annual Gathering of Catholic Men, which will be held on September 19th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, let’s come together for this Halftime event. A night of worship and faith formation, fellowship, and food, we’ll also share information on the upcoming Gathering. Not only will we have Jesus in the Eucharist, but each other in community, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us commit as men of faith that we will try to make improvements. Let us commit to use the tools of the faith that were given to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ – the sacraments. Let us commit to helping those around us by boldly sharing our faith. Let us commit by coming to “Halftime to the Gathering” and inviting others to join us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Bill Talerico