The Catholic Gentleman Why Most Men Never Grow Up (A Priest Explains)
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Aug 6, 2026 Father Edwin Leonard, pastor of a 9,000‑strong Dallas parish and former vocations director, talks men's formation and parish renewal. He describes making a huge parish feel personal. He outlines practical formation: men's summits, small groups, controlled adversity, spiritual habits, and simple daily practices to root identity in being beloved by God.
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Men Stayed Past Curfew At The First Summit
- St. Anne's started a men's summit with a Friday barbecue, cigars, and short talks to spark deep sharing.
- The first year men kept talking past 11pm and came back the next morning, revealing a deep hunger for fraternity.
Require Parish Membership Before Sacraments
- Require parish membership and a parishioner course before sacraments to reduce transactional participation.
- Teach worship, service, fellowship and expect financial support so new members become plugged into community life.
Two Types Of Parish Small Groups
- St. Anne's uses two small group types: casual utility groups and committed life groups.
- Casual groups (pickleball, cornhole) are nudged to reflect on the Sunday's message then transition into deeper committed groups.
