1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 CULTURAL BACKGROUND
In most African communities, the role of men was inculcated through the entire fabric of that society. When boys grew they were taught towards assuming the roles of men when they became of age and so were girls towards becoming responsible women.
As it can be inferred from the above background, man has without any sense of discrimination over his counterpart been endowed with serious and great community responsibilities over ages. He has been endowed with the roles of leadership, protection, providence and as caretaker among many other instrumental tasks.
1.2 BIBLICAL BACKGROUND
The role of man in both the Old and New Testaments is very clear placing models to be emulated by members of this association. From Adam whose creation account revels a very interpersonal relationship wit God, “Let us now make man in our Image and Likeness…” (Gen 1:26), going through Abraham with whom God made promises, “…I will make you father of a great nation…”I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you…” (Gen. 12:1-3), then Patriarchs, Judges, Kings, Prophets, and finally God’s only begotten Son as we read in, (Heb. 1:1-3)
CMA 2018 Archdiocese Choir festivals held at St. Ignatius Catholic Chapel Prisons.
1.3 BACKGROUND OF CATHOLIC MEN ASSOCIATION – CMA
The Catholic Men Association is a lay non-profit making and non-political membership of baptized and devout male Christians of Roman Catholic Church.
Catholic Men Association in the Archdiocese of Nairobi collaborates with the National CMA coordination organ and participates in planned events as well as making affiliation contributions in support for the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Commission for the Pastoral and Lay Apostolate which brings together all men from all the dioceses. This association is affiliated to the International Council Of Catholic Men (ICCM) also known as ”unum omnes” which means “that all may be one” borrowed from (John 17:21a)
ST. JOSEPH: PATRON SAINT OF THE CATHOLIC MEN ASSOCIATION
The role played by St. Joseph gives both inspiration and encouragement to men of all times. As a model of the family and pious/just man, God entrusted His own son and the Blessed Virgin Mary under the stewardship of St. Joseph. Every man especially through the vehicle of membership in this association shall therefore make a personal and communal effort to understand and follow deeply the values lived and witnessed by St. Joseph.
CATHOLIC MEN MAIN EVENTS
- At the Archdiocese level, Catholic men celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph the Husband of Blessed Virgin Mary which falls on the 19th of March in the liturgical calendar.
2. The feast of St. Joseph the Worker is marked on 1st May at the deanery level.
3. The second Sunday of the month of September is recognized as International Men’s Day.
THE CMA CONSTITUTION
CMA Constitution is the standard by which every member in the association will be guided. As such, all members are to respect and adhere to the statutes with utmost reverence. The constitution is founded on the Ten commandments and church laws which are supreme to its dispensation.
VISION
A Catholic Men Association that enriches society by living gospel values in the family, Church and Community in the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
MISSION
To promote the family institution through companionship, fatherhood and active participation in the church’s mission of evangelization and sanctification of humanity.
OBJECTIVES
- To promote a cohesive Catholic family in which each member plays his or her role for the common good emulating the Holy Family of Nazareth. (Eph 5:22-32; 6:1-4)
- To live and propagate Catholic Faith in fulfilling the Baptismal promises as kings, prophets and priests.
- To evangelize through role modelling in solidarity with fellow Catholic Men.
- To inspire and contribute positively to social justice. (Mt. 5:13)
CORE VALUES
i. Humility
ii. understanding
iii. Deep faith
iv. Fortitude
v. Temperament
vi. Prayer
MOTTO
GOOD FAMILY~GOOD CHURCH~GOOD SOCIETY