Life has a way of reminding us how fragile our connections can be. Recently, one of our brothers in the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference community experienced the heartbreaking loss of a close family member. It struck me how, when someone in our inner circle is taken from us, we can feel lost, unmoored, struggling to find our way forward. That morning, as I was driving to work, I tuned in to a Catholic radio show where a psychologist spoke about the idea of concentric circles—the people in our lives who surround us at different levels.
In the outer circle are acquaintances, those we know but may not rely on.
The middle circle holds our friends, coworkers, and community.
The inner circle—those closest to us—are the people we depend on most, the ones who shape our daily lives.
When we lose someone from that inner circle, the absence is profound, and it’s easy to feel alone. Yet, we are not alone. As Catholic men, God has placed us in communities—our families, our parish, our men’s groups—so that we can lean on one another in times of struggle. Still, many of us hesitate to speak up. We hold in our pain, thinking we must carry the weight alone. But that’s not how we were meant to live. If you are struggling, reach out. If someone near you is grieving, be present for them. The strength of brotherhood is in showing up.
Are We Truly Connected?
At the same time, we must ask ourselves: How are our connections?
Have we nurtured the relationships in our lives, or have we become absorbed in distractions?
Do we sit together at dinner and talk, or do we eat in front of a screen?
Are we making time for the people who matter most, or are we letting busyness pull us apart?
Candlemas: A Call to Be Light Bearers
This reflection is at the heart of Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd. This feast reminds us that Christ is our light—the light that shines in the darkness. Traditionally, candles are blessed and carried in procession, symbolizing the presence of Christ and our call to be light bearers in the world. Candlemas invites us to renew our commitment to faith, to family, and to the relationships that give our lives meaning. As we move into Lent, this is an opportunity to pause and prepare—not only for Easter but for a deeper renewal of faith and connection. It’s a time to reconnect, be present, and prioritize what truly matters.
The Mission of the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference
This is the mission of the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference. Every year, we gather to strengthen our faith and brotherhood, hoping that the experience gives each of us that one small spiritual shot in the arm to carry us forward. The lessons learned in September should sustain us through Christmas, and now, as we enter Lent, we pray that this season is fruitful for you.
Let Your Light Shine
So today, I encourage you: ✅ Examine your connections. ✅ Reach out to those who need you. ✅ Be a light bearer whenever you can. Let the light of Christ shine in your life, and trust that when you need them, your brothers in faith will be there. We are walking this journey together.