ATLANTA--A group of men at Our Lady of Assumption Church have formed a Covenant Keepers group, meeting one Saturday a month at 10:30 a.m.

The group was formed after a November retreat, led by Father Joe Moore of the Society of St. John Vianney, focused on the need for men to have a regular opportunity to get together and discuss issues of importance to their spiritual life.

Following the retreat, which was attended by 64 men, the OLA Covenant Keepers group formed so members could learn more about Christ, deepen their relationship with him and follow the way of the Lord more closely in their daily work and family life. This is a Catholic program inspired by the impact of the Christian men's movement known as Promise Keepers.

The group has a monthly schedule including an inspirational talk from an OLA member or member of the larger community structured around spiritual readings. The meetings end with a time for reflection and discussion. Men who are part of Covenant Keepers are encouraged to meet more frequently in prayer groups, study groups and for community service projects, all of which are available at OLA.

The group normally meets on the second Saturday of the month, but in March will meet on March 15.

Although it is based at OLA, the group is open to men from throughout the archdiocese. Its mission, which is based on six principles, includes a commitment as Catholic men "to strive to achieve a better understanding of our own spirituality and how to live out that spirituality in our daily life." Those who are married seek to fulfill their calling to lead their families to be like the Holy Family, committing themselves, in conjunction with their wives, to be "loving leaders and heads of our family, in service of Christ."

The group is committed to "following the teachings of the successors of St. Peter," seeking to learn and live by the "historically rooted Church teachings on marriage, family and human sexuality." Other principles address a commitment to protect and care for one's family and children, to learn and apply Christian principles of financial stewardship, to work to ensure a lifelong marriage commitment with one's spouse, and to strive to be a role model at work and in business of Christian compassion and moral righteousness.

More information on the OLA Covenant Keepers group may be obtained from the pastor, Father Andy McCormack, SM, at (404) 261-7181 or Bill Garrett at (404) 527-7279. The church is located at 1350 Hearst Drive, Atlanta.