The Adult Faith
Formation Committee
seeks to provide an array of activities and resources
designed to help adults
more fully understand and live their faith.
Our goal is to help people:
Develop a personal relationship with Jesus;
Find practical ways to join faith and life;
As adults, become disciples to the world;
Give glory to God through prayer and the lives we lead;
Become active members of the parish
Strengthen the role of the family.
www.oncecatholic.org is a web site of Franciscan Communications, which targets those who have left the Church or who have problems remaining with us.Despite it being a bit “cute” in its set-up with “Front Door”, “Dining Room”, etc. it contains questions and answers for those who seek to resolve their conflicts with the Church and some good links for deeper thought. www.sacredspace.ie You will find scripture choices and a simple process by which you meditate on the scripture, taking as long or as short a time as seems feasible to you.This is a really great introduction to meditation for those who haven’t tried it, and great also for those of us who do it less often than we’d like.Millions log on – why not give it a try?
“The Peace Pulpit” features the weekly Sunday homily of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit.They are available on the Friday following his Sunday homily.You can sign up for the weekly e-mail and you will be notified on your mail screen when it is ready.(A simple click will remove your sign up if you fail to be moved by the Bishop’s insight into scripture and his beautiful heart).Please visit the website: The National Catholic Reporter.
Spiritual help for families is available at a number of sites.We suggest you try www.homefaith.com.It contains parenting ideas, a section on Family & Media, Spirituality, Weekly Meditation and Parent-to-Parent and much more.
www.faithfulcitizenship.org is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop. As
the elections approach, we are called to form our consciences and make decisions
informed by our faith. This site gives us the latest Catholic thought on issues
like immigration, the environment, stem cell research, Iraq, health care, and
abortion.
www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html is this Jesuit university's
excellent site for daily reflections by faculty and staff, audio retreats, daily
prayer, the spiritual exercises for busy people, and so much more. The many
spirituality resources include: resources for grieving, practical
spirituality, praying with Alzheimer's, prayers by and for mothers.
www.americancatholic.org is the vibrant site of Franciscan publisher, St.
Anthony Messenger Press. Connect to minute meditations, saint of the day,
Catholic news. Check each month's issue of the newsletter, Everyday
Catholic.
Post prayer requests at St. Anthony Shrine. Send free Catholic e-cards. And
test your knowledge of your faith by answering the Catholic Question of the
Day. Also tap into the catalogue for print resources to up-date your faith and
deepen your spirituality.
Area Opportunities
Two first-rate theological institutions in less than an hour's drive
offer classes as well as special events throughout the year:
The Ecumenical Institute at
St. Mary's Seminary - www.stmarys.edu/ei - is a center for theological study promoting
ecumenical and interfaith understanding and contributing to the formation of a
theologically and ethically informed public. Located at St. Mary's Seminary in
Baltimore, the Institute offers classes for personal enrichment, as well as
degree programs and graduate certificate programs. Scholarships are available.
Events for this fall:
Tuesday, October 28, 7:30 p.m. -
The Annual
Dunning Lecture. “Justification and Justice: Paul, the Mission of the
Church, and the
Salvation of the World” will be presented by Pauline scholar and dean of the
E.I., Dr. Michael Gorman.
Saturday, November 1 - Annual Open House provides prospective students
not only information about the E.I. and its programs, but also sample class
sessions, tours of the facility, and an opportunity to hear from current
students and alums. And for those seekers with no time for enrolling in
classes, there will be a morning of stimulating ecumenical discourse on faith
and theology - and how they might (and indeed do!) intersect with the world in
which we live.
Washington Theological Union - www.wtu.edu - An accredited, Roman Catholic graduate school of theology
and ministry, educating and forming candidates for the priesthood and other
church ministries. The Union also welcomes students who seek to deepen their
faith by expanding their theological and spiritual horizons. One of the largest
Catholic graduate schools of theology and ministry in the country, the Union
serves students from diverse backgrounds and traditions.
Events this
year:
Nourishment for Ministry - free monthly talks, open to all, on topics as varied as
domestic violence, grief and the holidays, and models of prayer. Check the
website for the schedule.
