Three oryx crossing a golden Namibian grassland at sunrise with mountains behind

“As the hunter seeks the stag, so I seek You, O God, and yet You sought me first.”

— The Fraternity of St. Hubert

Our Calling

Rugged
Reverence

The Fraternity of St. Hubert is first and foremost an organization of Catholic men, seeking to be who the Lord is calling us to be by embracing the masculinity presented by Jesus Christ, His adopted father St. Joseph, and the near endless examples of saints and patriarchs who came before us.

We do not promise safety, comfort, convenience, or success — but we can promise an adventure with virtuous men, and Christ Himself through the Blessed Sacrament.

At its core, our objective is to build a community of virtuous Catholic men, fighting towards salvation, who understand who they are and why they were made.

A hunter steadying a rifle on shooting bags across a vehicle rail at first light

“First light, a steady rest, and a long breath out.”

The Liturgy of the Wild

A Day on Retreat

A priest in camouflage wearing a purple confessional stole hearing confession beside a hunter inside a ground blind
The Sacraments Come With Us

“A stole over camouflage, a whispered absolution in the blind — the Church goes wherever her men do.”

A priest travels with us. Mass at dawn, confession in the field, and the Blessed Sacrament in camp. The hunt is the occasion; the Sacraments are the reason.

06:00 — Dawn

The Sacrifice

Each day begins with Holy Mass and the opportunity for confession. The silence of the wilderness meets the silence of the Eucharist.

09:00 — Pursuit

The Wilderness

Plunging into untouched terrain to pit yourself against it. A physical and spiritual test of patience, skill, and endurance.

19:00 — Vigil

The Fireside

Evenings of meaningful conversation, fellowship, and reflection by the fire. Brotherhood forged in woodsmoke.

“It is not the souls’ enemies that should be feared, but the souls’ cowardice.”

St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Founders

John Henry Spann, Founder, in the field with a blue wildebeest in Africa

Founder

John Henry Spann

I am unapologetically Catholic, a husband of 14 years, father of 6 children, and a lifelong outdoorsman.

I grew up exploring the woods and waterways of Southwest Georgia, experienced a beautiful reversion to the Catholic Church during my undergraduate years, and discovered the deep connection between masculinity, adventure, and the presence of God. I have since pursued big game across North America and Africa, developing strong relationships with outfitters and guides.

Jonathan DeThomas, Co-Founder, in the field with a spring turkey

Co-Founder

Jonathan DeThomas

I am just a regular guy who is in love with his Catholic faith. I experienced a major conversion at 16 while in adoration on a summer retreat. Since then, virtually every major decision in my life has been based in prayer. I am raising a family of six beautiful kids along with my loving wife of 12 years — an expert at failing all along the way and fighting to learn from it and do better.

My love for the outdoors has become a place of peace and solace, where I can encounter God and be still in the glory of His creation. One thing I have learned, since getting married and having a large family: it truly does take a village.