FIT SHEPHERDS: Men Gather to “Honor God and Honor Our Bodies”

As many of us strive to maintain our health — both physically and spiritually — we can look to Scripture for both inspiration and direction. For instance, as we read in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.”

In turn, this verse demonstrates why it’s important that we have women’s and men’s groups at our parishes that exist to combine prayer and exercise. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, so we should keep them spiritually and physically fit.

Fr. Zach Weber helped get the Fit Shepherds group going about three years ago. John Gagnon joined when he moved to the area as a way to meet people from the parishes, and he now coordinates the group, which meets at 7 a.m. on Saturday mornings at St. John’s. The group starts with prayer or a devotional, does some kind of workout, and ends the time with prayer. Members alternate leading for the week. They do anything from a short run or a circuit to a light weights workout.

“It’s important to be spiritually and physically prepared,” John says. “We honor God when we honor our bodies. Our bodies are the temple when we receive the Eucharist.”

John enjoys working out, so he knew this would be an excellent way to get involved and meet other men of faith. He appreciates having a group to hold him accountable in prayer and physical fitness.

“This is great discipline to be spiritually and physically fit,” John says. “It’s also a great way to kick off your weekend.”

John invites anyone to come, no matter their physical ability. All levels are welcome, and there’s no pressure to attend every week. The group also meets on some Tuesdays for a 30 to 40-minute workout.

Anyone 13 and older is welcome to join Fit Shepherds on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. at St. John’s.

(From left) Greg Oelke, Ken Shestak, John Gagnon and Tony Quinlan