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LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES IN MARCH

"Spiritual Safari" Lenten Enrichment Series Continues

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo four-part Lenten Enrichment series, "A Spiritual Safari," continues on Monday evenings, March 1, 8 and 22.  This year's series is presented by staff members from Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha and explores the many facets of spirituality, including ways in which to discover our peaceful savannahs, face the challenges of unfriendly terrain, and search for our authentic spiritual self.  Each session includes a combination of spiritual guidance, ritual, and group interaction. Sessions meet in the church hall (lower level) at St. Edward parish, 6:30-8:15pm.  There is no charge and no registration is required.  Previous attendance is not required.
Click here for more information

Lenten Social Justice Retreat Will Focus on Dorothy Day
  
The annual Lenten Social Justice retreat co-hosted by the Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice Network and St. Francis Catholic Worker House in Waterloo will focus on the life and writing of Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker.  The retreat will be conducted by Brian Terrell, an activist in the Catholic peace and justice movement nationally and internationally for over 33 years.  Brian was an associate editor of The Catholic Worker newspaper during the last years of Dorothy Day's life and since 1986 has been involved in the Catholic peace and justice community Des Moines.  The annual Lenten Social Justice retreat will be held on Saturday, March 6, 9:00am - 3:00pm at Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo.  Registration fee: $20/person; $15/students and seniors (includes lunch).
Click here for more information

"Stewardship of the Earth" Bible Study Starts March 10

   "Stewardship of the Earth" is a six-week bible study experience which examines the biblical foundation for environmental stewardship and Catholic action on global climate issues.  It combines personal reflection and group discussion in a way which leads to prayerful transformation and responsible action.  Sessions will meet on Wednesday evenings, March 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7 and 14, 6:30-8:00pm in the rectory classroom at Sacred Heart Parish.   There is a $15.00 book fee.
Click here for more information

Busy World Lenten Retreat Planned March 21-28

   "You Are My Friends" is the theme for this year's Busy World Lenten Retreat sponsored by the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo.  The retreat, designed for individuals, couples and small groups who are unable to participate in traditional retreats outside the home, will take place March 21-28.  This year's retreat will be conducted online and will include daily reflections by the late Fr. M. Basil Pennington OCSO and a daily commentary by retired Archbishop Daniel Kucera OSB.  Participants may use this material in the privacy of their home or another environment of their choosing, on their own schedule.  Participants may also share their personal reflections online and will have the option of sharing their retreat experience in a small group discussion at the conclusion of the retreat.  $5.00 registration fee. 
Click here for more information

Parishes Schedule Listening Session for Inactive Catholics

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will sponsor a Listening Session for inactive, alienated, discouraged or former Catholics and Catholic Seekers on Wednesday, March 10, 7:00-8:30pm in Classroom 1 at Kimball Ridge Center (former Schoitz Hospital) in Waterloo.  This is an informal and non-threatening opportunity for anyone who wishes to discuss their past, present or future relationship to the Catholic faith community in a discreet, non-judgmental environment.  There is no registration or fee.  For information contact the Director of Adult Faith Formation at 319-234-9912 (email DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).
Click here for more information

"Final Wishes" Workshop Is March 11 at St. Edward

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare will sponsor a Final Wishes workshop on Wednesday, March 11 at St. Edward Parish.  A Final Wishes Workshop examines the full range of medical, personal, emotional and spiritual issues which often arise at the time of a serious illness or at the end of life and helps participants identify and express how they want to be treated if they are seriously ill and unable to speak for themselves. Participants will have an opportunity to create a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.  The workshop is open to persons of all ages.  Family members or caretakers may attend with loved ones or attend for loved ones who are unable attend themselves.  The workshop will be held 1:30-3:30pm in the Church Hall (lower level) at St. Edward and is open to the public.
Click here for more information

"Infrequent Catholic's Guide to Reconciliation" March 31

  The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will host an information session for adults and young adults who have not celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation recently or others who have questions about how or why Catholics celebrate this sacrament.  "The Infrequent Catholic's Guide to Reconciliation and Confession" will be held on Sunday,March 21, 2:00-3:00pm in O'Hagan Hall (church basement) at Sacred Heart Parish, Waterloo. This informal session will address practical questions like when and how often Catholics go to confession, what formats are available, how to prepare, and what to say.   It will be conducted in a safe, non-threatening environment.  There is no registration.  For information contact the Director of Adult Formation at 319-234-9912 (email dbq208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).
Click here for more information

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Monthly Catechism Study Guide
  
Monthly Catechism is a continuing education and formation opportunity for adults and young adults which may be used by individuals or small faith-sharing groups.  The February theme is: "Living Out Our Call to Holiness."
Click here for more information

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MORE OPPORTUNITIES IN MARCH

Lenten Musical Journey Highlights the Life of Jesus

   "Lenten Lessons and Prayers: A Musical Journey with Christ" is a presentation of inspirational music and scriptural narration being performed in various Cedar Valley Catholic churches this Lent.  It tells the story of the life of Jesus through inspirational music and narration with emphasis on his passion and death. The 75-minute program was compiled by David Berns, a music minister at St. Edward Parish, and is performed by "Agnus Dei Ministry," a group of area musicians from Blessed Sacrament, Queen of Peace, Sacred Heart and St. Edward parishes in Waterloo, St. Patrick Parish in Cedar Falls, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Gilbertville. March performances include Sacred Heart Parish, St. Stephen Student Center, Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Athanasius Parish and St. Edward Parish.  Performances are free and open to the public.
Click here for more information and a schedule of performances

Immigrant Rights and American Values Lecture Planned

   Dr. Erick Camayd-Freixas, professor of Latin American Literature and founder of the Research Initiative on Immigration Reform at Florida International University in Miami, will address the relationship between "Immigrant Rights and American Values" in a lecture March 9 at 7:00pm at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center in Cedar Falls.  Dr. Camayd-Freixas was one of 26 interpreters hired by the government to assist workers arrested in the May 2008 raid at the AgriProcessors plant in Postville.  His speech in Cedar Falls is one of four in Eastern Iowa sponsored by local religious congregations and various immigrant justice groups. It is free and open to the public.  For information contact Sr. Kathleen Grace OSF at 319-504-9093.
• In preparation for the presentation, a discussion of Dr. Camayd-Freixas writings on immigrant rights will be held on Tuesday, March 2, at 7:00pm at the Cedar Falls Public Library.

Cedar Valley CEW Weekends Planned in March
  
The Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is a personal and spiritual renewal experience for adult and young adult Christians who want to begin or renewal their relationship to Jesus Christ and the Christian community.  The weekend features witness talks by lay people, and opportunities for discussion, prayer, private reflection, Reconciliation and Eucharist.  The weekend begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  CEW Weekends in the Cedar Valley are being planned for March 5-7 (women's CEW) and March 19-21 (men's CEW) at Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville.  For information and registration, contact Cathy Reindl at 319-266-1562.

Serving Christ's Mission is Iowa Conference Theme

   Dr. Edward P. Hahnenberg,  associate professor of theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, will be the featured speaker for the 2010 Iowa Faith Formation Conference March 14 and 15 in Ames.  “Ministry at the Margins—The Call to Serve Christ’s Mission” is the theme for this year’s conference, which focuses on new strategies and a renewed sense of spirituality which are needed to be active Christians in today’s society.  Dr. Hahnenberg is the author of two books: Ministries: A Relational Approach (Crossroad, 2003) and A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2007) as well as numerous articles in academic and pastoral journals.  Early registration: $70.  Information and registration at:
www.iowafaithformation.org/

Retreat for Adults with Disabilities March 27-28

The Archdiocese of Dubuque's Office of Ministry to Persons with Disabilities will sponsor a retreat for adults with disabilities March 27–28 at Camp Albrecht Acres in Sherrill, Iowa, 8 miles north of Dubuque. This weekend retreat includes sharing, prayer, singing, activities and social. The retreat theme is "Fruit of the Spirit."  Donation: $40. Contact the Office of Ministry to Persons with Disabilities at 563-556-2580 (e-mail: DBQCAFsec@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).

'Great Witch Craze' is March Canterbury Forum Topic
  
Dr. Charlotte Wells, professor of history at the University of Northern Iowa, will discuss "The Great Witch Craze" at the Canterbury Forum on Sunday, March 21.  The great fear of witches began in Europe in the late Middle Ages and culminated in the Massachusets witch trials in the late 1600s.  The Forum begins at 7:00pm and meets in Will Hall at St. Luke Episcopal Church in Cedar Falls.  It is open to the public.
www.canterburyforum.net/index.html

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At American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls...

• Lenten Discussion Group.  March 10, 17, 24, 31. 6:30-8:00pm.  Juli Rowell will lead a discussion of Fr. Thomas Keating's video series, "Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel.  Free-will offering. Contact American Martyrs at 319-266-3543.

Men's Retreat.  March 26-28. "When you pray, say..." is the theme of this annual Palm Sunday weekend silent retreat conducted by Msgr. James O. Barta.  The retreat opens with Mass Friday at 8 p.m. and closes after lunch on Sunday.  Offering: $115 and this includes retreat directors stipend, five meals and peace and quiet for 40 hours. Contact American Martyrs at 319-266-3543.

• Holy Week Individually Directed Retreats.  March 28-April 2. (You decide how long you can stay.)  These individually directed retreats provide an opportunity to reflect and pray through the Pschal Mystery of Jesus.  Direction provided by Sr. Jeanine Kuhn PBVM.  $65 per day for meals, room, board and director's stipend. Contact American Martyrs at 319-266-3543.

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At Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque...

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At Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha...

• Spirituality in the 21st Century/”God, Jesus, Prayer and Ritual in the New Universe Story.”  March 26-27.  Presented by Michael Morwood.  Morwood is an Australian Catholic theologian and author who lectures frequently in the United States, Canada and Ireland.  Morwood is the author of God Is Near, Tomorrow’s Catholic, Praying a New Story and From Sand to Solid Ground.  Friday session, 7-9:00pm. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.  Saturday session, 9:00am-3:30pm. $40 in advance; $50 at the door.  Both sessions at Mercy Medical Center’s Hallagan Education Center in Cedar Rapids.  Pre-registration strongly encouraged.  Contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.

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At Sinsinawa Mound Center in Wisconsin...

• Choose Life Retreat.  March 6.  Ths one-day retreat facilitated by Sr. Mary Ellen O'Grady OP, is a time of reflection and conversation for women who have or currently are experiencing cancer.  Participants may invite a friend, spouse or care-giver to join them for the retreat.  Fee: $50 (additional guest $20); add overnight accommodations and a second day of personal reflection before or after the retreat for $55.  Registration deadline: Feb. 27.  Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

• Lenten Cup Retreat.  March 6.  This one-day Lenten retreat is facilitated by Sr. Theresa Byrne OP and Sr. Catherine Dooley OP.  It focuses around the Lord's challenge to his disciples: "Can you drink the cup I drink?" and asks the questions, What does it mean to hold the Cup of Life, to lift the Cup of Life, and to drink the Cup of Life?  Registration fee: $45.  Registration deadline: Feb. 27.  Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

• Women of the Bible.  March 24.  This one-person dramatic presentation by Anita Gutschick portrays the lives and roles of various women in the Old and New Testaments.  Afternoon dinner and performance at noon; evening dinner and performance at 5:45pm.  Registration fee for dinner and performance: $25; performance only: $15 before March 17.  Registration deadline: March 17.  Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

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COMING OPPORTUNITIES

Student Center Lecture Will Focus on Tibetan Buddhism

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center  will co-host a lecture by the Venerable Geshe Thupten Dorjee on April 14 at the Student Center in Cedar Falls.  Geshe Drojee is an ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk from Drepung Loseling Monastery in southern India.  He is a member of the Gelugpa lineage, a Buddhist tradition which emphasizes education, and holds advanced geshe lharamp and geshe ngarampa degrees.  He is currently an instructor at the University of Arkansas, where he co-founded the Tibetan Cultural Institute of Arkansas, and a visiting instructor at the University of Northern Iowa.  Geshe Dorjee will discuss the culture and religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.  The lecture begins at 7:00pm in the Social Hall at St. Stephen's.  Admission is free and open to the public.
http://www.artibet.com/

"Final Wishes" Workshop April 24 at Queen of Peace

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare will sponsor a Final Wishes workshop on Saturday, April 24 at Queen of Peace Parish.  A Final Wishes Workshop examines the full range of medical, personal, emotional and spiritual issues which often arise at the time of a serious illness or at the end of life and helps participants identify and express how they want to be treated if they are seriously ill and unable to speak for themselves. Participants will have an opportunity to create a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.  The workshop is open to persons of all ages.  Family members or caretakers may attend with loved ones or attend for loved ones who are unable attend themselves.  The workshop will be held 9:30-11:30am in Scallon Hall (church basement) at Queen of Peace and is open to the public.
Click here for more information

Spring Retreat for Family Care-Givers Planned May 15

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare will co-host a retreat for family care-givers on Saturday, May 15, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.  This retreat is designed for individuals who have primary or frequent responsibility for the physical care of sick, disabled, aging or dying family members, neighbors or friends.  The retreat will help participants examine the spiritual, emotional and personal challenges of care-giving and find strength, encouragement and support in the assurances of their faith. The retreat will begin at 9:00am and include prayer, reflection, discussion and lunch.  The retreat is free and open to the public.
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/caregivers.htm

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At American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls...

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At the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls

Thursday, April 22. Center for Multicultural Education in Maucker Union. Professor Bart D. Ehrman will discuss his book, Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible.

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At Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque...

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At Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha...

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At Sinsinawa Mound Center in Wisconsin...

• Holy Week Retreat.  April 1-3.  This three-day retreat is facilitated by Sr. Mary Margaret Paxdan OP.  Journey through the events of Holy Week with special retreat sessions and the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil celebrated with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa.  $168 ($106 for commuters).  Registration deadline: March 25. Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

• Meditation in the Tradition of St. John of the Cross.  May 22. This one-day retreat conducted by Jim Ferolo will introduce participants to the practice of silent meditation recommended by St. John of the Cross.  It will include guided exercises, time for silent meditation, and discussion suitable for beginning and experienced meditators.  $48 (includes noon meal).  Registration deadline: May 14. Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

• Armchair Pilgrimage to the Lands of Dominic.  June 13-18. This week-long retreat will use lectures, discussions and liturgies to create a "virtual retreat" experience of the places where St. Dominic lived and taught in Italy and France.  It will be conducted by a team of pilgrimage leaders including Fr. Matt Walsh OP, Sisters Ann Willits, Priscilla Wood and Marcia Holthaus OP.  $385 (includes private room).  $220 for commuters.  Registration deadline: June 6. Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

• On the Road with Hopkins.  July 12-15.  This four-day retreat will use the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins, a Jesuit priest and poet, to reflect on the wonders of God's universe and help participants "down all that glory to glean our Savior."  It will be conducted by Sr. Jeanne Crapo OP who taught English for many years at Dominican College in River Forest, Illinois.  $236 (includes private room). $140 for commuters.  Registration deadline: July 5. Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

• Paint Your Own Icon.  July 25-31.  This week-long retreat conducted by Sr. Maryam Gossling FSPA is an opportunity to discover the power of icons as "windows on the infinite" which reveal the "something more" which lies hidden with all relationships.  Each step in the process of creating an icon will be demonstrated and practiced.  All materials will be supplied; no experience is required. $550 (includes private room).  $343 for commuters.  Registration deadline: July 16.  Contact Sinsinawa Mound at 608-748-4411.

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CONTINUING OPPORTUNITIES IN
THE WATERLOO PARISHES

 

Baptism Preparation
• A monthly preparation program for parents planning to baptize an infant or small children is held on the second Saturday morning of odd months and the second Monday evening of even month.  For information and registration, contact the parish office where you are registered.
Click here for more about Baptism Preparation


Book Club
• The Catholic Readers Book Club meets on the first Monday evening of the month at 7:00pm at Queen of Peace rectory. For information call Bev Byford at 319-232-1326.

Catholic Faith Inventory
• This online inventory helps adults and young adults understand their personal experience of faith and assess their understanding of the Catholic faith.  Participants receive a confidential 23-page report which assesses their responses and suggests ways to grow. 
Click here for more information about the Catholic Faith Inventory

Continuing Education and Formation
• Faith Alive! is a weekly adult education feature presented in cooperation with The Witness.  It provides articles on a current theme appropriate for personal study and reflection or small-group discussion.
Click here for more information about Faith Alive!
• Monthly Catechism is a monthly feature which provides a timely theme and suggested reading from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults and Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, suitable for individual or small group study or discussion.
Click here for more information about Monthly Catechism

Adult Study Groups
• Fr. Jerry Kopacek’s monthly study group is examining the teachings of the Fathers of the Church. It meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:15pm in the church hall at St. Edward Parish.

Faith-Sharing Groups
• Faith-sharing groups meet regularly throughout the year on Tuesday mornings, 9:30 to 11:00am at St. Edward; Tuesday mornings, 8:30-10:00am and Thursday mornings, 8:30-10:00am at Blessed Sacrament, and Thursday mornings, 8:30-10:00am at Queen of Peace. Contact the parish offices for details.

Marriage Enrichment
• First Tuesday, a support and enrichment program for married couples of any age or faith, meets at 7:00pm on the first Tuesday evening of the month (except July and August) in the Chapel Wing at Covenant Medical Center on West Ninth Street.
Click here for more information about First Tuesday


Spiritual Discernment
• Companions on the Journey provides individuals with an opportunity for regular spiritual discernment in the context of a small faith-sharing group. Each group of four to six persons meets monthly in a comfortable, confidential and safe environment with a professional spiritual director.
Click here for more information about Companions on the Journey

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Registration

Register for adult faith formation, education and spiritual growth opportunities sponsored by the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo:

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By phone: call 319-234-9912
• By email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us
• Online: Click here to register online

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Adult Formation Opportunities
For an annual guide to spiritual growth opportunities or
a weekly email bulletin, contact:

Director of Adult Faith Formation
320 Mulberry St., Waterloo IA 50703  •  Phone: 319-234-9912
email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us


Posted 03.30.08 • Last Update: 03.01.10

ADULT FORMATION PRINCIPLES
The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are committed to providing life-long faith formation and spiritual growth for adults of all ages. We value individual life experience, respect the diversity of personal convictions, and welcome the wisdom of every participant. We encourage conversation and dialogue. We will never intentionally embarrass or offend participants.

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