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Current and
Continuing Adult Formation
and Enrichment Opportunities
Sponsored by the
Catholic Parishes in Waterloo
BIBLE 101
This six-part
series is designed for life-long Catholics, recent converts and
inactive Catholics who want to renew or expand their
understanding of the Christian Scriptures. The series will
review the basic structure and content of the Old and New
Testaments, and explain how Catholics read and interpret the
Bible.
• This opportunity is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
Click here for more
information about
Bible 101
BRIDGES TO
CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING
“Bridges to Contemplative Living” is a series of four-week small
group faith-sharing experiences which uses prayer, reflection
and discussion to lead participants on a journey toward
spiritual transformation. It uses the writings of Thomas Merton
and other spiritual masters to help participants discover the
secrets of living a more contemplative life in the midst of the
everyday world.
• Bridges to Contemplative Living I explores “The School
of Your
Experience.”
• Bridges to Contemplative Living II explores “Becoming
Who You
Already Are.”
• This opportunity is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
Click here for more information about
Bridges
BUSY WORLD RETREAT
A Busy World Retreat is designed for adults and young adults
who are too busy to participate in a traditional weekend or
weeklong retreat outside the home. Participants meet with a
small group of companions and a retreat guide at the beginning
of the seven-day retreat for an introduction. During the
following week, participants spend 30 minutes each day in their
own home, reflecting on a scripture passage or spiritual reading
assigned by the retreat guide. At the end of the retreat, the
group gathers with the retreat guide to share their insights and
reflections.
• This opportunity is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
Click here for more information about the Busy
World Retreat
CATECHIST FORMATION PROGRAM
The University of Dayton Catechist Formation Program is designed
for Catholic school teachers, catechists and other interested
adults like parents and grandparents who want to grow in their
understanding of the Catholic faith by reading and discussing a
series of articles published each school year in Catechist
Magazine.
Starting in Fall, 2009 the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will
facilitate a monthly discussion -- in person or online -- for
individuals who wish to participate in the Catechist Formation
Program.
Click here for more information about the Catechist Formation
Program
CATHOLIC FAITH INVENTORY
This unique, 100-question Inventory helps adult Catholics evaluate
how well they understand and practice their Catholic faith.
The Inventory measures an individual's attitudes, beliefs and
behaviors in the areas of Scripture, Prayer, Moral and Social
Teaching, Basic Doctrine, Catholic Tradition, Sacramental Life
and Community Participation, and provides a workbook to help
adults reflect on how they wish to grow in their understanding
or practice of the Catholic faith. The
Inventory is conducted online and is completely confidential.
Click here for more information about the
Catholic Faith Inventory
CATHOLIC FORUM
The Catholic Forum is for active and inactive Catholics who wish
to participate in a thoughtful discussion of Catholic issues,
values and events that are in the news. The goal of the
Forum is to help adult Catholics appreciate the richness of the
Catholic tradition, the diversity of Catholic viewpoints, and
the relevance of Catholic values.
• Forums are scheduled at various times throughout the year.
Watch your parish bulletin or check our website for specific
dates and topics.
Click
here for more
information about the Catholic Forum
CATHOLIC
READERS BOOK CLUB
Participants in the Catholic Readers Book Club
choose books of literary merit which reflect basic Catholic
convictions about human existence -- the value of community,
beauty, truth, hope and reconciliation. The group meets once a
month to discuss the selected book and its application to our
personal, social and spiritual lives as Catholic Christians.
•
To attend or find out about the book the club is reading this
month, contact Bev Byford at 319-226-3655 (email:
DBQ213re@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).
CATHOLIC SPEAKERS
SERIES
The Catholic Speakers Series makes available distinguished
Catholic scholars, writers and speakers in a comfortable,
familiar local environment. The format provides a
stimulating combination of presentation and discussion designed
for Catholic adults and young adults over age 21 who want to
learn more about important and timely issues or insights in
Catholic theology, spirituality and tradition.
Click here for the current schedule
of Catholic Speakers
COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
“Companions on the Journey” provides an
opportunity for regular spiritual discernment in the context of
a small faith-sharing group. Each group of four to six persons
meets monthly with a professional spiritual director, who guides
participants in recognizing and understanding how God is working
and speaking in their personal lives. The environment is
comfortable, confidential and safe. Cost is $10.00 per session.
• New groups are formed when a sufficient number of people are
interested and spiritual directors are available. Contact the
Director of Adult Formation if you are interested in joining a
group.
Click
here for more
information about Companions on the Journey
COOL
CATHOLICS
"Cool Catholics"
is a committee of local Catholics who are committed to
faith-based environmental awareness
and action to address global climate
change. The committee uses a model for environmental
stewardship developed by "Cool Congregations," a project of
Iowa Interfaith Power and
Light. The committee's purpose is to sponsor workshops,
provide information, and organize public action to reduce human
contributions to global warming and the impact of climate change
on the poor and disenfranchised.
• The committee meets regularly. Watch your parish
bulletin or check our website for meeting dates.
Click here for more information about Cool Catholics
FAITH ALIVE!
Faith Alive!
is a weekly adult education series published by Catholic News
Service. Faith Alive!
examines a variety of current issues in the Church and the world from
a faith perspective, and provides a variety of viewpoints on these
issues each week during the school year. It offers Catholic readers an excellent
resource for personal reflection, small group discussion, and continuing adult faith formation.
•
We post an
introduction to the week's Faith Alive! topic and the
schedule of Faith Alive! topics for the coming months on our
website.
Click here for
more information about Faith Alive!
FIRST TUESDAY
First Tuesday is a support and enrichment program for married
couples. Each monthly meeting includes discussion of a specific topic
and an open-forum in which participants may raise issues or
questions of special concern. The format is informal and
confidential. Couples may attend regularly each month, or
occasionally as they feel the need for encouragement and
support. There is no registration or fee.
• Meets on the first Tuesday evening of each month, except July
and August.
Click
here for more
information about First Tuesday
FINAL WISHES WORKSHOPS
A
Final Wishes Workshop is designed for family members who want to
discuss the medical, personal, emotional and spiritual issues
involved when a family member is seriously ill and/or unable
to speak for themselves. Participants have an opportunity
to discuss privately among themselves and to create two important legal documents: a Living Will
which designates the kind of medical care they wish to receive,
and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare which
designates an individual to speak in their name if they are
incapacitated.
Co-sponsored by
Wheaton Franciscan Health Care and the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo
• This opportunity is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
Click here for more information about Final Wishes
Workshops
FRIENDS IN FAITH
Friends in Faith is the Catholic Parishes'
ministry to single adults age 35 and older. This ministry
includes a variety of opportunities for social, education and spiritual activities,
including our monthly "Single Mingles,"
and opportunities for
community service at the Catholic Worker House or a Habitat for
Humanity construction site. A list of current activities
are posted on our website.
•
Contact the Director of
Adult Formation or check our website for current opportunities
for single adults.
Click
here for more
information about
Friends in Faith
Click here for information for
Divorced Catholics
FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES
SERIES
This developing series of
formation opportunities is designed for adults and
young adults who may or may not be actively participating in a
faith tradition but have questions about the fundamental issues
on which religious faith and practice are based. The
programs are conducted in a comfortable, inter-active learning
environment which encourages discussion and reflection.
Dates and times are generally chosen by the participants.
•
Why Believe?
is a four-part program designed for anyone
--
life-long believers and skeptics alike -- who has ever wondered if
it makes sense to be a believer in today's world. It explores questions such
as what faith is and what faith is not; the relationship between
faith, reason, science, and superstition; and the characteristics of a
mature adult faith.
•
Contact the Director of
Adult Formation or check our website for current opportunities
for single adults.
Click here for more information about
the Fundamental Issues Series
THE INFREQUENT
CATHOLIC'S GUIDE
TO RECONCILIATION
The Infrequent Catholic's Guide to Reconciliation is designed
for Catholic adults and young adults who have questions,
concerns or fears about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and
Confession. It addresses issues concerning when, how and
why Catholics celebrate this Sacrament. The discussion
takes place in a discrete, respectful and non-judgmental
atmosphere and is usually scheduled to precede a Communal
Celebration of Penance during Advent and Lent.
Click here for more information
about the Guide to Reconciliation
INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE
The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo
are committed to continuing dialogue and shared faith
experiences with our non-Christian brothers and sisters in the
Jewish and Muslim communities. These efforts include
opportunities to visit the local synagogue and mosque, and
participation in joint events such as the annual Yom Hoshoah
commemoration.
• These opportunities is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
INTRODUCTIONS TO THE
CATHOLIC FAITH
The parishes offer several
opportunities for life-long Catholics, recent converts, inactive
and former Catholics who want to review or expand their
understanding of what it means to be Catholic.
•
The Catholic Imagination
is an eight-week series
which examines the principle
characteristics of the Catholic Imagination, and how they are
embodied and experienced in Catholic teaching and practice.
It is designed for those who want to see the "big picture" about
what makes the Catholics Catholic.
Click here for more
information about The Catholic Imagination
•
Review of the Catholic Faith
is a ten-week series which
takes a broader view and examines the historical development and basic teachings of the
Catholic Church. This is a good choice for those who want
a more comprehensive review of the Catholic faith.
• These opportunities is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
JUSTFAITH
JustFaith
is an intensive adult formation and education process which uses study, discussion, prayer, and experience to help
participants grow in their understanding and commitment to the
principles of Catholic Social
Teaching. Participants meet weekly for 30 weeks in a small
faith-sharing group. The JustFaith formation process is highly
recommended for individuals who are, or wish to become, more
active in the church’s ministry of social justice and peace.
Click here for
more information about JustFaith
MONTHLY CATECHISM
This monthly study guide is designed to help Catholic adults
and young adults become more familiar with the teaching and beliefs of
the Catholic Church.
Each month, it provides a timely theme and appropriate references
from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults and
the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Monthly Catechism is appropriate for individual or small group
study, discussion and faith-sharing.
Click
here for more information about Monthly Catechism
OUTREACH TO CATHOLIC SEEKERS,
INACTIVE,
ALIENATED and DIVORCED CATHOLICS
The Catholic parishes in Waterloo provide a variety of
opportunities for Catholic Seekers and inactive, alienated,
discouraged, recovering or former Catholics who want to
examine their relationship to the Catholic community in a safe, non-threatening atmosphere.
These opportunities include regular "Listening Sessions" and a
monthly faith-sharing group as well as the opportunity for a
private appointment with a member of the pastoral staff.
We invite Seekers and inactive Catholics to continue in dialogue
about their relationship to the Church, even if they do not plan
to participate regularly in the spiritual and sacramental life
of the Catholic community or are participating in another
church.
• These opportunities is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
Click
here for more
information about
Outreach to Catholic Seekers
Click here for
or
more information about Outreach to Inactive Catholics
Click here for more about a Faith-Sharing
Group for Inactive Catholic
Click here for information for
Divorced Catholics
PREPARATION
FOR BAPTISM
The baptism of infants and young children is an opportunity for
parents to examine the responsibilities they share with the
Catholic community for the faith formation of their children and
to prepare more intentionally for their role as Christian
parents. Preparation classes meet on the second Monday evening
of even months and the second Saturday morning of odd months.
Parents should attend the preparation class shortly before and
after the baby is born.
• To register, contact the parish office in the parish where you
are registered.
Click
here for more
information about
Baptism of Infants and Children
PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION
The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo offer
immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for
adult Catholics who have been baptized and fully catechized but
not confirmed. The
six-week preparation process takes place during February and
March, leading to the celebration of Confirmation during the
Easter season. Participants must be at least 19 years old,
members of a local parish, and actively participating in the
spiritual and sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
• For information, contact the Director of Religious Education
in your parish.
RITES OF
CHRISTIAN INITIATION AND RECEPTION
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA)
is the primary
way in which the Catholic community welcomes new members who
have not previously been baptized. This process of personal
formation, discernment and spiritual growth incorporates prayer,
study and reflection in a combination of public rituals and
small group discussions. Individuals who are not baptized but
are interested in being Catholic may enter the RCIA process at
any time.
• Immediate preparation usually takes place during the fall and
winter, leading, if the individual chooses, to the celebration
of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil in a
local parish.
Click
here for more
information about RCIA
The Rite of Christian Reception of Adults (RCRA)
is the primary
way in which the Catholic community welcomes new members who
have been previously baptized, catechized, and are actively
participating in another Christian tradition. This is a shorter
period of discernment and preparation which concentrates on the
distinctive characteristics, rituals and teachings of the
Catholic tradition.
• This process is available at various times throughout the year
and if the individual chooses normally concludes with a formal
profession of faith and celebration of Confirmation during a
Sunday Mass in the local parish.
Click here for more
information about RCRA
SEVEN STEPS TO BECOMING FINANCIALLY FREE
This seven-week workshop
uses a combination of reading, video presentations and small
group discussion to develop a Catholic perspective
on money management and personal finances developed by financial
advisor
Phil Lenahan, author of Seven
Steps to Becoming Financially Free--A Catholic Guide to Managing
Your Money. The workshop provides
helpful advice on how to get out
of debt and begin saving, set
budgeting priorities and achieve long-term financial goals that
reflect the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Click
here for more information about Seven Steps
SOCIAL JUSTICE
The
Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice Network is a coalition of
individuals and organizations in the Catholic community who are
interested in and committed to study, prayer and action for
social justice.
The Adult Formation Office works
with the Social Justice Committees in the Waterloo parishes as
well as diocesan and national organizations to coordinate
formation, education and personal involvement in Catholic Social
Teaching, peace and justice issues and social action. The
Network co-sponsors opportunities such as the Cedar Valley Peace and Justice
Summit, the Cedar Valley Immigration Forum, Poverty
Simulation experiences and annual social justice retreats
in Advent and Lent.
• These opportunities is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
Click here for information about
Social Justice
Opportunities
STEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH BIBLE STUDY
This five-week bible
study gives participants an opportunity to examine
the biblical foundation for environmental stewardship.
It combines the opportunity for both personal
study and group discussion, and encourages a deeply reflective and meditative reading of
the Divine Word, which leads to a prayerful and transforming
response for individuals who are especially interested in the
challenges of global climate change and the need for
environmental stewardship.
• This opportunity is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our website for
dates.
Click
here for more
information about Stewardship of the Earth
STUDY CIRCLES ON RACE
Study Circles on Racism and
Race Relations are co-hosted by the Catholic Parishes and New
City Ministries. These inter-racial study groups are
designed to help participants identify their own experience,
concerns, opinions and fears about race, hear other
participants' experiences and concerns, consider a wider variety
of views on racial issues, and explore strategies for personal
and community action. The groups meet for five weeks under
the direction of professional-trained facilitators.
• This opportunity is offered at various times throughout the
year. Contact the Director of Adult Formation or check our
website for dates.
Click
here for more
information about Study Circles on Racism
SUMMER AT THE
CELLAR
WINTER AT THE CELLAR
This series of adult education
programs is held each winter and summer at the Cellar Lounge in
downtown Waterloo. It provides an opportunity for continuing formation in a familiar
and comfortable adult environment. Each session includes a
presentation by a Catholic pastor, pastoral minister or local leader and an
opportunity for discussion. A full bar and menu are
available before, during and after the program.
• Each series generally consists of four presentations. Dates, topics and presenters are
published in the parish bulletins and posted on our website.
Click
here for
information about current Cellar programs
THEOLOGY ON
TAP
"Cedar Valley Theology on Tap" is an
opportunity for support, formation
and education for young adult Catholics in
their 20s and 30s. It includes a variety of social,
education and spiritual opportunities,
including a series of discussions on
matters of faith chosen by young adults and facilitated by
Catholic pastors, ministers or teachers. It takes
place in a comfortable and familiar public environment such as a
local restaurant or sports bar.
• A series of six discussions is usually offered each spring and
fall. Dates, topics and presenters are posted online.
Other activities are published in the parish bulletins and on
our website.
Click
here for more
information about Theology on Tap
_______________________________
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
CATHOLIC ADULTS
Click here for a list of spiritual growth opportunities
Click here for a guide to public prayer and
devotions
Click here for Catholic online and distance learning programs for adults
• • •
For information contact:
Director of Adult
Faith Formation.
320 Mulberry St., Waterloo IA 50703 Phone:
319-234-9912 • Email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us
Posted 12.18.07
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Last Update 06.22.10
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