Colynn Black of Epiphany Parish in Mason City joins The Catholic Morning Show to talk about Fit Shepherds, a weekly men's group that pairs a short workout with prayer and fellowship. He shares how the group — known for its "Burpee Rosary" tradition — has grown from three guys to a dozen, helping Catholic men from every profession build discipleship, accountability, and confidence as husbands and fathers. Black explains how men in Mason City, or anywhere else, can start living out their faith more intentionally, one workout at a time.
What Is Fit Shepherds? Fit Shepherds is a men's morning group at Epiphany Parish in Mason City that meets once a week for about a 20-minute workout — circuits of push-ups, sit-ups, jogging, kettlebell swings, and the occasional pickup basketball or soccer game — followed by prayer and fellowship. Their signature tradition is the "Burpee Rosary": one burpee for every Hail Mary. The local group was started by Colynn Black and Matt Grimmer with support from Fr. Jake Dunn, drawing inspiration from the national Fit Shepherds movement active in parishes across the country.
Why It Matters Colynn describes how the group has been especially valuable for young men transitioning out of college who are looking to build new Catholic community. The group now includes men from a wide range of professions — doctors, tradesmen, salespeople, and more — who come together to talk honestly about living their faith at work and at home, growing in confidence as spiritual leaders in their families.
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