Into the Breach
Masculinity
*Into the Breach: Masculinity
Authentic masculinity pursues virtue. The strength of a man's character is dependent upon the virtues he has acquired.
Who is a man that you respect and why?
The episode contrasts the "strong man from antiquity" to that of the Christian tradition where God becomes a helpless child and the integrated masculinity of St. Joseph as guide and protector, expressed in care, service, defense and loyalty.
The episode also says that authentic masculinity is defined in the image of Christ crucified and in embracing responsibility. How do you understand the image of Christ crucified? How is embracing responsibility related to living for excellence?
Father Burke Masters says that the difference between men and boys is that boys are concerned about themselves, while men are concerned about others. Boys become men in the company of men.
Can you think of some examples from your own life where this is the case?
What are specific examples of putting others before self that you have experienced or witnessed in your own life?
What is hardest about this sacrificial leadership?
Mike Phelan discusses how meeting his future wife helped him develop direction in life, a stronger faith and a better understanding of what it means to be a man.
What relationships in your own life have helped you understand what it means to be a man, or challenged you to become a better man?
Who are some men in your life whom you could ask for guidance on how to become a better man of God?
What role can men play in helping other men we know--our sons, our brothers, our friends, our coworkers-grow in their understanding of true manhood?
The episode discusses how the challenge of living as a man of God can be intimidating for men who feel unqualified or unprepared for the task.
Why might a man feel unqualified or unprepared to fully embrace authentically masculine roles, particularly those of husband and father?
In life, have you ever experienced a moment where you thought, "I'm in over my head here"? How did you get from there to "I've got this"?
What tools are available to help men better prepare to grow in their faith and fulfill their roles as men, Catholics, husbands, fathers and leaders?
*Into the Breach is a groundbreaking video series inspirec by Bishop thomas J. Olmsted's apostolic exhortation to Catholic men from the Knights of Columbus that seeks to answer what it means to be a Catholic man in today's world. For more information, study guides and video series please visit Into the Breach webpage.