Waterloo Catholics


Adult Formation, Enrichment
and Spiritual Growth

 
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QUIK-CLICK GUIDE TO THIS PAGE
Opportunities for Catholic Adults
Opportunities for Adults in Recovery
Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities
Opportunities for Married Couples
Opportunities for Young Adults
Vocation Awareness
Local Retreat Centers

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

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CATHOLIC ADULTS

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

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WEEKEND
   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.  Contact the Adult Formation Office (319-234-9912).
CEW for Women: March 2-4, 2012 at St. Patrick in Cedar Falls.
CEW for Men: March 23-25 at St. Patrick in Cedar Falls.

LAY ASSOCIATIONS
   Lay Associations are groups of lay or ordained persons who are associated or affiliated with a religious community of brothers or sisters.  These associates do not take vows, as members of the community do, but they do make a commitment to pray, learn and serve with members of the religious community and to emulate the community's charisms, principles or values in their personal and public lives.  Most communities require potential associates to engage in a period of discernment and preparation; the length of commitment varies.  Local members of lay associations usually meet regularly for prayer, study and discernment with a spiritual guide or director.  The following are lay associations in eastern Iowa:
Associates of the Iowa Cistercians are affiliated with New Melleray Abbey and Our Lady of the Mississppi Abbey near Dubuque.  Members of the Lay Cistercians seek to enrich their spiritual lives by adopting a contemplative lifestyle and other spiritual practices of the Rule of St. Benedict and the Cistercian tradition that are compatible with a non-monastic lifestyle.  
Contact Teresa McMahon at <thmcmahon@q.com>. 
Information online at:
www.aicassociates.org/.
Associates of the Sisters of the Presentation are affiliated with the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque.  Presentation Associates include lay women and men who believe in the mission of the community's foundress, Nano Nagle, and wish to foster the Presentation spirit and charisms while continuing to live in their own lifestyle.  Contact Presentation Associates Office at 563-588-2008.
Third Order Dominicans or Dominican tertiaries (now commonly called Lay Dominicans) are associated with religious communities of women or men We have been known since the 13th century as Third Order Dominicans or Dominican tertiaries, but are now usually referred to simply as Lay Dominicans. Men and women, singles and couples; Catholic lay faithful (as well as some secular priests and permanent deacons) organized in fraternities to constitute a "secular" branch of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).

LAY FORMATION PROGRAM
   The Lay Formation Program is a three-year formation program for adults who want to grow spiritually and theologically so that they may become better disciples of Christ in both the world and the Church.  The emphasis is on personal spiritual growth, education in Scripture and Catholic theology, and practical skills for ministry and service.  Participants must be recommended by their pastor.  Contact your parish office or the Archdiocesan Office of Lay Ministry (800-876-3546 or <DBQCLF @arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).

Click here for more information about Lay Formation

MOMS
   The Ministry of Mothers Sharing is faith-sharing program for mothers.  By sharing their faith and experience, mothers learn to appreciate their sacred inner selves and learn how to inspire and affirm each other.  Groups meet once a week for a eight-week period.  Mothers of all ages are welcome.  Contact the MOMs coordinator in your parish.
Blessed Sacrament Parish: Deb Vannoni. 319-232-3210.
Sacred Heart Parish:
Cathy Mills  319-234-6593 ext 208
St. Edward Parish: Marthe Groves. 319-236-9015.

RETREAT EXPERIENCES
   Retreats at American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls offer a variety of opportunities for study, quiet reflection, prayer, and spiritual direction.  Individually directed retreats include private conferences with a retreat director.  Most retreats include opportunities to celebrate Reconciliation and Eucharist.  For further information, contact American Martyrs (319-266-3543 or <DBQAMRH@ arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
Sunday Mini-Retreats:
October 23, 2011
November 6, 2011
December 4, 2011

Retreats for Women:
February 24-26, 2012
Retreats for Men:
March 30-April 1, 2012
Group Retreats
CDA:
October 14-16, 2011
KCs: Nov. 11-13, 2011

Seasonal Retreats
New Years Retreat: Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 2012

Mid-week Retreat: June 26-28, 2012

Centering Prayer Retreats:
December
9-10, 2011
March 16-18, 2012
Healing Retreat:
June 24-28, 2012
Marian Retreat:
August 10-12, 2012

IOWA INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
   This annual two-day conference for adults and young adults interested in social justice includes speakers, small-group workshops and an opportunity to network with social justice organizations from around the state.  The weekend begins Sunday afternoon and concludes on Monday.  Co-sponsored by the Catholic dioceses of Iowa.  Contact Catholic Charities (800-772-2758 or <DBQCCC@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
October 8, 2011 at St. Patrick Parish in Iowa City.

Click here for more information about the Institute for Social Action

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
   Spiritual Direction is a long-standing practice in which individuals who are struggling with serious spiritual issues and others who wish to engage in a more intentional and regular practice of spiritual growth meet regularly with a professionally trained Spiritual Director or Spiritual Guide.  Spiritual Directors may be ordained persons such as pastors, or lay people who have been trained for personal spiritual direction. 
Click here for more information about Spiritual Direction.

Usually spiritual direction takes place on a personal, one-to-one basis.  However, the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo provide an opportunity for regular spiritual discernment in the context of a small faith-sharing group called Companions on the Journey.
Click here for more information about Companions on the Journey.

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ADULTS IN RECOVERY


THE BEGINNING EXPERIENCE
   The Beginning Experience Weekend is a renewal experience for
individuals of any age or faith who have experienced a loss due to a separation, divorce or the death of a loved one.  Experienced facilitators provide encouragement and support for individuals who wish to turn the pain of loss into an experience of positive growth. This reflective, prayerful and supportive experience begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  Contact the Archdiocesan Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or <DBQCFL @arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
November 18-20, 2011 at Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque
March 16-18, 2012 at Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque

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DIVORCE AND BEYOND
   Divorce and Beyond is a ten-week recovery program for divorced Catholics who want to gain a perspective on their divorce, cope with the emotions involved in divorce, and move on in a constructive way with their lives.  Each session consists of an opportunity to share, a reading and discussion based on the book Divorce and Beyond.  Contact Becky Hargreaves at 235-6040 or Dave Fish at 277-1833.

Click here for more information about Divorce and Beyond

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT
   The Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats provide a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment for women or men recovering from the emotional and spiritual effects of abortion.  The weekend retreat helps participants experience God’s love and begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.  Contact Kris Gasperi at 515-306-7838.

Click here
for more information about Rachel's Vineyard Retreats.
 

COMMITTED TO FREEDOM RETREAT
   The Committed to Freedom Retreat is designed for individuals who have been sexually abused.  The retreat weekend helps participants experience God’s love, identify spiritual tools to move beyond the damage left by abuse, and develop a strategy for  healthy living.   It is appropriate for individuals at any stage of recovery.  Contact Hope and Healing Ministries (877-896-4673).
No Committed to Freedom Retreats are scheduled in Iowa for 2010-11.
Click here for more information about Committed to Freedom Retreats

SERENITY WEEKEND
   The Serenity Weekend is a renewal and support weekend for individuals recovering from chemical dependency or persons living with recovering dependents.  The weekend includes talks, discussion, relaxation and prayer conducted by an experienced team of recovering alcoholics.  The weekend begins Friday evening and concludes about noon on Sunday.  Contact American Martyrs Retreat House (266-3543 or <DBQAMRH@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
Oct. 21-23, 2011 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
Jan. 20-22, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
April 27-29, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
August 17-19, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
Oct. 26-28, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.

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ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES


RETREAT AND RENEWAL WEEKENDS
   The Archdiocese of Dubuque provides a variety of spiritual renewal  opportunities for adults with disabilities, family members, friends and caregivers.  These experiences include talks, crafts, singing, social activities, prayer and Mass.  Contact the Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or <DBQCLF@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
Retreat Weekends for Adults with Disabilities:
October 2-3, 2010 at Camp IoDisEca, Solon.
April 15-17, 2011 at Camp Albrecht Acres, Sherrill.

Renewal Days for Adults with Disabilities:

October 23, 2010 at St. Paul Parish, Hampton.
October 24, 2010 at St. Benedict School, Decorah.

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MARRIED COUPLES


FIRST TUESDAY
  First Tuesday is a support and enrichment program for married couples.  Each meeting includes discussion of a specific topic and an open-forum in which participants may raise issues or questions of special concern.  Couples may attend regularly each month, or occasionally as they feel the need for encouragement and support.  Contact the Adult Formation office (319-234-9912 or <DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
Meets the first Tuesday of each month (except July and August)
7:00-8:30pm in the Chapel Wing at Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo.

Click here for more information about First Tuesday.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
   Worldwide Marriage Encounter is an enrichment program for married couples.  Witness talks by married couples, private discussion and personal prayer help couples improve communication, understanding and appreciation for each other.  The weekend begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  Contact the Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or <DBQCFL@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).

Click here for more information about Marriage Encounter

MARRIAGE RETORNO
   Marriage Retorno is a weekend renewal experience for married couples who want to strengthen the spiritual aspects of their relationship.  The emphasis is on helping couples learn to share their faith and prayer by reflecting, writing and talking with each other.  The weekend begins Saturday morning and ends Sunday afternoon.  Contact the Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or <DBQCFL  @arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
 

M.A.T.T. REMARRIAGE PROGRAM
   Marrying and Trusting Together is a preparation program for couples entering a second marriage.  This one-day program, conducted by remarried couples, concentrates on issues which are unique to couples living in a second marriage, including effective communication, learning to trust, family blending, and potential problems.  Contact the Archdiocesan Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or <DBQCFL@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
September 17, 2011
at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
November 5, 2011 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
February 11, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
May 12, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
September 15, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
November 5, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.

RETROUVAILLE
   Retrouvaille is a program for couples living in troubled marriages and for couples who are separated or divorced.  The emphasis is on helping couples restore communication, forgiveness and trust.  (There are no group discussions or group dynamics.)  The program consists of a weekend program and six follow-up meetings. 

Click here
for Retrouvaille weekends in Minnesota or Illinois.

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YOUNG ADULTS


ENGAGED ENCOUNTER
   Engaged Encounter is a preparation program for young couples who are planning or considering marriage.  The weekend includes witness talks by married couples, opportunities for prayer, and discussion.  Couples have an opportunity to privately discuss personal issues and assess their readiness for marriage.  The weekend begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  Contact the Archdiocesan Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or <DBQCFL@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
October 14-16, 2011
at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
November 18-20, 2011 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
January 6-8, 2012 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
February 17-19, 2012 at Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque.
March 9-11, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
April 13-15, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
May 18-20, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
June 8-10, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
November 16-18, 2012 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.

THEOLOGY ON TAP
   Cedar Valley Theology on Tap provides support, formation and education for young adult Catholics in their 20s and 30s.  It consists of a series of discussions on religious topics chosen by young adults and  facilitated by qualified Catholic pastors, ministers or teachers.  The discussions take place in a comfortable and familiar public environment such as a restaurant or sports bar.  Contact the Adult Formation Office (319-234-9912) .

Click here for more information about Theology on Tap.

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VOCATION AWARENESS

OPERATION ANDREW
   Operation Andrew provides an opportunity for men between the ages of 17 and 45 to consider God's call to the priesthood by attending a dinner and information meeting.  Men must be accompanied by their pastor or another priest.  Contact the Director of Vocation Awareness at
800-876-3546.
Nov. 2, 2011 at St. Stephen the Witness Student Center, Cedar Falls.
Feb. 7, 2012 at St. Thomas Aquinas Student Center, Ames.
March 8, 2012 at Loras College, Dubuque.
April 19, 2012 at St. Pius X Parish, Cedar Rapids.

DISCERNMENT DAYS
  
This day of discernment for men considering a vocation to priesthood begins at 9:00am and concludes with dinner at 5:00pm.  The day is intended for individuals who have attended Operation Andrew or have demonstrated a developed sense of God's call.  Contact the Director of Vocation Awareness at 800-876-3546.
Oct. 29, 2011 at St. Cecilia Parish, Ames.
March 24, 2012 at St. Cecilia Parish, Ames.

COME AND SEE WEEKEND
   This weekend experience starts on Saturday morning and ends with lunch on Sunday.  It provides an opportunity for men considering a vocation to priesthood to experience the seminary environment and learn more about priesthood and seminary education.  Contact the Director of Vocation Awareness at
800-876-3546.
Nov. 12-13, 2011 at St. Pius X Seminary, Dubuque.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
   The Dubuque Franciscans, Sisters of the Presentation, Sisters of Charity and Sinsinawa Dominicans offer a variety of opportunities for women who are thinking about a religious life in a vowed community of Sisters. These include:
Praying Your Way. Oct. 19, 5:30-7:30pm at Mt. Carmel in Dubuque.  Dinner and conversation for women who are looking for a way to deepen their prayer life.  Contact Sr. Kathy Carr at kcarr@bvmcong.org.
Reflection Evening. Nov. 2, 5:30-7:30pm. at Mt. Loretto in Dubuque.  Dinner, prayer and conversation for women who want to discuss how God might be calling them to live their life..  Contact Sr. Rita at vocations@dubuquepresentations.org/.
Discernment Weekend.  Nov. 11-13 at Mt. Loretto, Dubuque.  A weekend of prayer, reflection and conversation for women who wish to get in touch with their deep inner knowing.  Contact Sr. Lou Anglin at angling@bvmcong.org.
These events are free.  Pre-registration is required.

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RETREAT CENTERS

Local  retreat centers offer a variety of opportunities for adult enrichment and spiritual direction. 

American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls, IA.
Operated by the Archdiocese of Dubuque
2209 N. Union Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613.
Phone:  319-266-3543.
E-mail: < DBQAMRH@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us >
Weblink:
http://cedarvalleyretreathouse.com/

Franciscan Spirituality Center, LaCrosse, WI.
Operated by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, LaCrosse, Wisconsin
912 Market Street, LaCrosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608-791-5295
Email:
< fscenter@fspa.org >
Weblink:
www.franciscanspiritualitycenter.org/

New Melleray Abbey, Peosta, IA.
Operated by the Cistercians of the Strict Observance
6500 Melleray Circle, Peosta IA 52068
Phone: 563-588-2319, ext. 121.
Email: < monks@newmelleray.org >
Weblink:
www.newmelleray.org

Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat
Operated by the Congregation of the Humility of Mary of Davenport

2664 145th Avenue, Wheatland, Iowa

Phone 563-336-8414 or 563-323-9466

Email:  < olpretreat@gmail.com >
Weblink:
http://www.chmiowa.org/prairie_retreat.cfm

 

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA.
Operated by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, LaCrosse, Wisconsin
120 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA 52233
Phone:  319-395-6700.
E-mail: < ecospirit@prairiewoods.org >
Weblink:
www.prairiewoods.org

Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque, IA.
Operated by the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family, Dubuque
1001 Davis Ave.,  Dubuque, IA 52001. 
Phone: 563-582-3592.
E-mail: <
info@shalomretreats.org >
Weblink:
www.shalomretreats.org

Sinsinawa Mound Center, Sinsinawa, WI.
Operated by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa
585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa WI 53824. 
Phone: 608-748-4411.
E-mail: < center@sinsinawa.org >
Weblink:
http://www.sinsinawa.org/MoundCenter/index.html

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MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CATHOLIC ADULTS

Click here for a list of adult formation and education programs
Click here for a guide to public prayer and devotions

Click here for a guide to online education opportunities for Catholic 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 01.10.08  •  Last Update 10.31.11

OUR COMMITMENT TO ADULT FORMATION
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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