One of the great things about our family of parishes is the fact that there is something for everyone!  Whether you are looking for connection with others, have questions about the church or have a strong faith that you want to share, you are welcome and invited to grow in the midst of this parish community.

 

Faith formation programs and experiences are designed to help people move from knowing about God to knowing God, and pursuing a relationship with Him alongside other followers of Jesus.  As Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”

 

In our parishes, there are several programs and experiences designed to foster this encounter.  These events are a great starting point for people who are just beginning to explore faith, but they are also valuable even if you have been part of the church for many years, allowing you to view faith from a fresh perspective.  They focus on the core of the Gospel – the meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus – and invite us to make (or renew) a decision to place God at the center of our lives.

 

The Encounter experiences offered this fall and winter are:

• Fall Parish Mission– Catechesis presented by a team of missionaries, along with powerful testimonies of the transformative power of God.  For adults and youth ages 13+. Tuesdays and Fridays at 7pm, Sept. 23 through Nov. 14.  Childcare will be provided.
• RCIA– For those interested in learning more about becoming Catholic. Sundays from 9 to 11:30am, starting Sept. 7.  Childcare available as needed.
• Christians Encounter Christ (CEC)– Christians Encounter Christ is a lively, Holy Spirit-filled weekend retreat offering a deep personal encounter with Christ. Step away from everyday routines to reflect & focus upon your personal life and faith. Men’s Retreat – October 3-5; Women’s Retreat – Oct 10-12.
• Alpha– Explore faith in a casual and fun setting, where no question is too big or too small to ask.  Wednesdays from January 7 to March 25, from 5:30pm to 6:45pm.  Food and childcare will be provided.
• The Wild Goose series– Named for a Celtic nickname for the Holy Spirit, this film series with Fr. Dave Pivonka explores what it means to have a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.  Hosted by the Holy Spirit Women’s Group on Monday mornings from 10 am to noon, beginning Sept 8.

 

Next week, we’ll highlight events and experiences that can help you to GROW as a disciple of Jesus.

 

God bless,

Jodi Meyer

 

 

 

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