Masculinity

Understanding the Breach 

Authentic masculinity pursues virtue. 

The strength of a man’s character is dependent upon the virtues he has acquired.

A man has the respect of others when they perceive strength in him. 

• Who is a man that you respect and why? 

• What characteristics or virtues (such as courage, honesty and loyalty) define a “great” man? Describe a few men from history, from contemporary culture or from your own life who exemplify these virtues. 

• The episode also says that to be masculine is to embrace responsibility. How is embracing responsibility related to living for excellence? What are specific ways many men in today’s culture fail to embrace responsibility? 

Bricks For The Breach

“I love St. Joseph. His model speaks volumes because he doesn’t say anything. I would much rather watch a man and see his actions because that’s going to tell me who he is. And he was the one who trained the Savior in living, in being a man.” (Dave DiNuzzo) 

“Herein lies the fullness of masculinity; each Catholic man must be prepared to give himself completely, to charge into the breach, to engage in spiritual combat, to defend women, children, and others against the wickedness and snares of the devil!” (Into the Breach: An Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men) 

Sword of the Spirit

“Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.” (Ephesians 6:13)