First-of-its-kind club inspires boys to become priests while teaching Catholic manhood

Father Matthew Gonzalez knows the number of new priests is declining worldwide. But at his own parish, St. Bartholomew Church in Scotch Plains, he is seeing a much different trend. Since creating the Sons of Thunder — a vocations club for boys in grades 8-12 — about a year ago, Father Gonzalez has mentored about a dozen teens considering the priesthood. And he hasn’t even advertised the group yet.

Why is the Sons of Thunder so popular? It’s probably because the club is unlike any other vocations ministry. While it does offer the usual prayer opportunities and seminary visits, the Sons of Thunder’s core focus goes much deeper. It’s about teaching the boys what it means to be a modern Catholic man — a mission Father Gonzalez believes is more crucial than ever.

“A lot of young guys are returning to church because they’re feeling directionless—no one is guiding them on what it means to be a man,” Father Gonzalez said, referring to recent surveys that have shown Millennial and Gen Z men are embracing Christianity more than women or older males. This includes a 2025 study from the Barna Group, a noted Christian research firm, which found the number of Millennial and Gen Z men expressing a commitment to Jesus increased by 19% and 15%, respectively, between 2019 and 2025 (more than any other demographic).

“The Sons of Thunder is a response to that,” Father Gonzalez continued. “We want to provide a foundation of values to young men who hunger for a deeper faith and a stronger relationship with God.”

Christ as the model

Each monthly meeting of the Sons of Thunder (which takes its name from Mark 3:17) begins with one boy leading Evening Prayer and another handling the readings. The group then watches a video from the Knights of Columbus’ "Into the Breach" series on authentic masculinity, which explores topics such as the importance of prayer and how to become a leader. A discussion follows.

According to Father Gonzalez, this process is meant to inspire the boys to model themselves after the ultimate Catholic man — Jesus Christ. That includes adopting his values, especially the selflessness he showed on the Cross.

One lesson is often repeated: “Boys think about themselves. Men think about others.”

“A true man gives of himself to help others, just like Jesus laid down his life for us,” Father Gonzalez explained. “Boys don’t always learn that in the secular world; we make sure to teach that so our guys can become the Christian men God calls us to be.”

To reinforce the virtue of selflessness, the Sons of Thunder regularly participate in community service initiatives. Most recently, the boys volunteered to clean up a local beach. They also created a garden on St. Bartholomew’s grounds to grow produce for the parish food bank. As Father Gonzalez recalled, many of the boys knew nothing about gardening, and some were reluctant to get their hands dirty. But they all worked hard to complete the project, he said, demonstrating that they’ve learned the value of helping others.

Forging strong friendships

They have also formed strong friendships. Club members bond during projects and activities, attend social gatherings together, and play sports at the end of every meeting. This was intentional, as Father Gonzalez explained — a central mission of the Sons of Thunder is to establish a fraternity that lasts long after members graduate from high school.

While it is too early to tell whether these friendships will stand the test of time, in the short term, they are certainly having a positive impact.

“I love being able to come together with a bunch of guys around my age so we can pray together, seriously practice the faith, and then play basketball and have a good time,” said Jack DeAngelo, a high school junior who joined the Sons of Thunder earlier this year. “I’m in other social activities, but it’s hard to find people who have a lot of the same values as me. This is a fantastic opportunity to form relationships with good, Catholic men.”

Steven Badilla Sanchez, who’s been part of the Sons of Thunder from the beginning, agreed that the club is more like a “brotherhood” because the members have bonded over their Catholic beliefs. He also appreciates the chance to learn the many “layers” of what it means to be a man.

“In today’s society, men are often taught that they can’t show emotions, so they don’t know how to ask for help if they’re feeling depressed,” said Badilla Sanchez, a high school senior. “The Sons of Thunder has taught me that a true man does show emotions, and it’s taught me how I can show my emotions to help others. That’s beautiful to me.”

Questions of vocation

Of course, the Sons of Thunder is a vocations group, which begs the question—are the participating boys ready to become priests? DeAngelo and Badilla Sanchez admitted they probably will not pursue the priesthood, though Badilla Sanchez said the group has inspired him to seriously consider it. Both boys said they have developed a great respect for clergy after learning about the seminary process, as well.

In any case, they each believe the group has prepared them for manhood in general. DeAngelo, for instance, said he has made honor — the concept of doing what’s right for its own sake, regardless of recognition — a central tenet of his life since learning about it from the Sons of Thunder. Meanwhile, Badilla Sanchez feels inspired to share his faith with others and encourages other young men to join the group.

“We’re growing up in a society where God is becoming less relevant, which is not good,” Badilla Sanchez said. “We don’t want that to happen. We hope to find more brothers to join us so we can show them what it means to connect with faith.”

A bright future

Whatever the future holds for the Sons of Thunder will not involve Father Gonzalez. The club founder was recently appointed rector of Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. He will begin his new ministry on Nov. 15. Heiner Badilla, the Sons of Thunder’s lay leader, will take responsibility for the group after helping Father Gonzalez run it since its creation. The priest expects that other parish dads will get involved, too.

But Father Gonzalez is not leaving the Sons of Thunder behind completely. On the contrary, he intends to start a new chapter at the Cathedral Basilica. And he hopes that won’t be the only one.

“We want this to spread to other parishes because groups like this are so necessary today — young men are looking for spaces where they can learn about the faith, grow in connection with other men, and use their gifts to help others,” Father Gonzalez said. “Ideally, that will result in priestly vocations. But even if it doesn’t, these young men will learn they were all made with a purpose. Whether it’s as a priest or as a father, God wants them to share His love with others.”

Young men discerning the priesthood are encouraged to visit the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Priestly Vocations website. To inquire about joining the Sons of Thunder, call St. Bartholomew Church at 908-322-5192.