Forge meeting and events
We have a number of activities scheduled for coming months that represent the four pillars upon which are ministry is built: Formation, Worship, Fellowship, and Service. We recognize that the men in our parish may be at different places in their faith journey but that we are all part of one Catholic and Apostolic Church. We formed this mens ministry to bring more of men together. Our regular meetings are on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Events we have planned occur on other days and some are repeating. Please see the list of events below, or view them on our calendar.
Work: Sacred or Secular?
Joe Kurtz, owner and proprietor of the Coronation Cafe in Amherst (across form St. Brigid’s) will visit the Forge and share the story of his unique and powerful evangelization through the cafe. Joe has been to the Forge before and was the driving force behind the Sharon Mennonite Singers that came to SB this Spring. If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Coronation, treat yourself soon to best breakfast in town (just know that they are closed on the Lord’s day!).
SPECIAL FRIDAY EVENT: showing of “Triumph of the Heart” at UMass
Men of the Newman Student Association (Gui Eloy and Jackson Ciccarello) have organized a special showing with the movie’s producers. “Triumph of the Heart” celebrates the triumph of St. Maximilian Kolbe who volunteered to take the place of a family man condemned to death by starvation in Auschwitz in 1941. Father Kolbe endured the starvation bunker for two weeks, providing solace to other prisoners before being given a lethal injection, and was later canonized as a martyr by Pope John Paul II in 1982. Contact Gui Eloy for more info (guieloy03@gmail.com).
Liturgical woodworking
We welcome Larry Roux who has over 35 years of experience in residential design and construction, and has used his talents in liturgical woodworking to restore some of the most beautiful churches in Massachusetts. View here a portfolio of a small sample of his work in Holy Family (S. Deerfield), Our Lady of Czestochowa (Turner’s Fall), and St. Thomas Aquinas College (Northfield). Larry is a former parishioner at St. Brigids and an active participant in the men’s group here some time ago. He will be coming to the Forge to share his conversion story.
Life lessons and stories
Long time member of the Forge Tony Carrano will share stories of his faith and growing up as an Italian American, and raising a family in Amherst.
Catholic Faith at Work
Each of us is called to be a “Light for Christ”, but that ambitious goal may sometimes seem to conflict with the way men make their way through the workplace. There are some good guides to help navigate this path, and chances are good that many of us have found ways to find balance between Sunday morning’s prayers and Monday morning’s labor. Stephen Rich will present an overview of some books covering this topic and open discussions among the Forge.
Growing up with deep Catholic roots
Jack Czajkowski is an eighth grade science teacher at the Greater Commonwealth virtual School, one of two public online schools in Massachusetts and member of a prominent farming family in the valley. He has served on the Forge scheduling committee with Tommy Goodrow and Ken Rotondi, and continues to provide leadership in our men’s group.
Forge: through Fire and by Faith.
Dr. Efosa L. Guobadia graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 2007 with a degree in Kinesiology and then procured his Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Scranton in 2010. His vocational journey includes clinical and leadership experience within healthcare domestically and abroad. He is the co-founder of the 501(c)3 Move Together, co-founder of the global initiative PT Day of Service, and founder of the wellness startup FFITT Health.
The Book of Exodus: toward freedom
The Book of Exodus recounts the journey of the chosen people from slavery and exile to freedom in the promised land. The story in this Bible chapter is rich with imagery of external oppression, purification, and salvation. We’ll read and discuss passages and review how the story in this Old Testament book portends of several sacraments as well as spiritual disciplines including Exodus 90. We’ll discuss this context together on Monday.
Bible Study - Psalms
We will come together to discuss the Book of Psalms. The Psalms are a collection of 150 Hebrew poems and songs that express the full range of human emotion and experience in relationship with God, including praise, lament, thanksgiving, and pleas for help. They serve as both personal prayers and communal worship songs, covering themes from individual suffering and joy to national crisis and celebration, while consistently affirming God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and love.
Mass and funeral for Dr. Gene Fisher @ St. Brigids
Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever.
Wally Swist
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute Choir
St. Brigid’s parish and the members of the Forge welcome the Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute choir from rural Pennsylvania, who will be presenting a program of sacred acapella music. This event was made possible by the good people of the Coronation Cafe with help from Forge (especially our own Joe Lake). Joe Kurtz (Coronation Cafe) approached some of the men from the Forge about holding this event in our Church. Fr. Valentine kindly opened the doors to allow this beautiful event to happen.
Fellowship event with Holy Family Men's Group
A night of fellowship with the Men’s Group from Holy Family (South Deerfield). Contact Mark Brennan (brennanmark102@gmail.com) for details.
Event Four
Men of the Forge welcome University of Massachusetts student Guilherme Eloy who will share a testimony of his journey of faith. Many Newman Mass attendees will recognize Gui from his daily attendance and regular altar serving. Gui is a remarkable young man who has an incredible witness and when he’s not helping out taking Holy Communion to CECA or volunteering to teach local youth how to play soccer, he is completing his studies in Finance in the UMass Isenberg School of Business. He is also a member of the Newman Catholic Men’s group lead by the Focus Missionaries.
Holy Communion to CECA
Easter Holy Communion to the residents of the Center for Extended Care in Amherst (CECA).
Adoration
During Eucharistic adoration, we kneel before Our Lord truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, exposed in a monstrance for our worship. This sacred time allows us to deepen our relationship with Jesus through silent prayer, meditation, and adoration of His Real Presence.
Holy Communion to CECA
Every Sunday since January of 2024 (as well as Easter and Christmas), the Men of the Forge bring Communion to the residents of the Center for Extended Care in Amherst (CECA). It is a great blessing to be able to bring the Body and Blood of Christ to those that cannot attend Mass. If you wish to join, please meet in Church after the 8AM Mass in St. Brigids, and if you wish to become an extraordinary minister, notify us in advance and we can arranged that preparation with Fr. Valentine
Pancakes and Palms
Pancakes and Palms is a St. Brigids tradition on Palm Sunday. The Forge plans to bring that tradition back. We’ll be looking for volunteers and a small planning group to figure out how to bring this celebratory event to the full community of St. Brigids and Newman Center.
Church cleaning - Spring
Many hands makes light work and so the men of the parish convene periodically in the St Brigid’s parish center, and participate in cleanup of the interior and exterior of the Church and adjacent buildings. If you wish to volunteer contact us or just plan to come to come at 6:00PM.
Soup and Stations
Fridays during Lent we are called to Fast in remembrance of Christ’s suffering for our sins. In remembrance, we will pray the stations of the Cross at Newman Center (3PM in English), and St. Brigid’s Church (6PM in Spanish). Men of the Forge will prepare soup (no meat) for those who wish to have a light meal on these Friday’s during lent. Soup will be served at St. Brigid’s Parish Center from 5PM through 6:30PM.
Mark McMenamin - Science and Catholic Theology: a Half-Century Journey in the Faith
Mark McMenamin will share his personal faith journey that began in 1975 with his uncle handing him a controversial book (Teilhard's Phenomenon of Man). From there, Mark went from being a mostly clueless cradle Catholic to being a reasonably well-informed mature Catholic, then on to an invitation from Jesuits to speak at the 2005 Cosmos and Creation conference, then on to the present day.
African Mass
African Nights: Mass on first Sunday of the Month at 4:30 p.m. followed by a potluck dinner in the Pastoral Center auditorium.
Holy Communion to CECA
Every Sunday since January of 2024 (as well as Easter and Christmas), the Men of the Forge bring Communion to the residents of the Center for Extended Care in Amherst (CECA). It is a great blessing to be able to bring the Body and Blood of Christ to those that cannot attend Mass. If you wish to join, please meet in Church after the 8AM Mass in St. Brigids, and if you wish to become an extraordinary minister, notify us in advance and we can arranged that preparation with Fr. Valentine
Soup and Stations (Copy) (Copy)
Fridays during Lent we are called to Fast in remembrance of Christ’s suffering for our sins. In remembrance, we will pray the stations of the Cross at Newman Center (3PM in English), and St. Brigid’s Church (6PM in Spanish). Men of the Forge will prepare soup (no meat) for those who wish to have a light meal on these Friday’s during lent. Soup will be served at St. Brigid’s Parish Center from 5PM through 6:30PM.
Holy Communion to CECA
Every Sunday since January of 2024 (as well as Easter and Christmas), the Men of the Forge bring Communion to the residents of the Center for Extended Care in Amherst (CECA). It is a great blessing to be able to bring the Body and Blood of Christ to those that cannot attend Mass. If you wish to join, please meet in Church after the 8AM Mass in St. Brigids, and if you wish to become an extraordinary minister, notify us in advance and we can arranged that preparation with Fr. Valentine
Soup and Stations (Copy)
Fridays during Lent we are called to Fast in remembrance of Christ’s suffering for our sins. In remembrance, we will pray the stations of the Cross at Newman Center (3PM in English), and St. Brigid’s Church (6PM in Spanish). Men of the Forge will prepare soup (no meat) for those who wish to have a light meal on these Friday’s during lent. Soup will be served at St. Brigid’s Parish Center from 5PM through 6:30PM.
On “The Abolition of Man”
Forge members discuss the good book. This is not a formal Bible study but rather a conversation among old and new friends about one of the two great books written by God.
Holy Communion to CECA
Every Sunday since January of 2024 (as well as Easter and Christmas), the Men of the Forge bring Communion to the residents of the Center for Extended Care in Amherst (CECA). It is a great blessing to be able to bring the Body and Blood of Christ to those that cannot attend Mass. If you wish to join, please meet in Church after the 8AM Mass in St. Brigids, and if you wish to become an extraordinary minister, notify us in advance and we can arranged that preparation with Fr. Valentine
Shooting Hoops!
Join us in the parish center courts to shoot some hoops and enjoy fellowship with friends in the Parish. Feel free to bring kids and grandkids (and great grand kids)!
Funeral
Funeral at 10 AM Sat, 3/22 at St. Brigid's, followed by burial at Spring Grove in Northampton. Lunch following at a location TBD. Calling hours 5 to 7 pm Friday at Czelusniak in Northampton.
Jeremiah Mew - calling hours
Calling hours 5 to 7 pm Friday at Czelusniak in Northampton.
Soup and Stations
Fridays during Lent we are called to Fast in remembrance of Christ’s suffering for our sins. In remembrance, we will pray the stations of the Cross at Newman Center (3PM in English), and St. Brigid’s Church (6PM in Spanish). Men of the Forge will prepare soup (no meat) for those who wish to have a light meal on these Friday’s during lent. Soup will be served at St. Brigid’s Parish Center from 5PM through 6:30PM.
Holy Communion to CECA
Every Sunday since January of 2024 (as well as Easter and Christmas), the Men of the Forge bring Communion to the residents of the Center for Extended Care in Amherst (CECA). It is a great blessing to be able to bring the Body and Blood of Christ to those that cannot attend Mass. If you wish to join, please meet in Church after the 8AM Mass in St. Brigids, and if you wish to become an extraordinary minister, notify us in advance and we can arranged that preparation with Fr. Valentine
Soup and Stations
Fridays during Lent we are called to Fast in remembrance of Christ’s suffering for our sins. In remembrance, we will pray the stations of the Cross at Newman Center (3PM in English), and St. Brigid’s Church (6PM in Spanish). Men of the Forge will prepare soup (no meat) for those who wish to have a light meal on these Friday’s during lent. Soup will be served at St. Brigid’s Parish Center from 5PM through 6:30PM.
Pilgrimage to Thomas Aquinas College
Mini-pilgrimage to Thomas Aquinas College in Northfield MA for the 7AM Mass in Latin. TAC is designated a Jubilee Holy Doors site by Bishop.