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Waterloo Catholics


Adult Formation, Enrichment
and Spiritual Growth

 
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LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SEPTEMBER
 

'Tour Through the Bible' Bible Planned for Fall

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will sponsor an eight-week bible study, "Tour Through the Bible," this fall.  Participants will have an opportunity to examine the "big picture" and see the Bible in perspective from Genesis to Revelation.  The series will highlight how God's revelation unfolded in history, was recorded in the Hebrew and Christian testaments, and is interpreted by Catholic Tradition.  Four sessions will focus on the Torah, Historical books, Wisdom Literature and Prophets in the Old Testament.  Four other sessions will focus on the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John, Acts and Letters and the Book of Revelation in the New Testament.  The series will be conducted by Eric Stromberg, director of faith formation at St. Mary Parish in Waverly.  It will meet on a day and time to be chosen by the participants.  The suggested registration fee is $40 for the eight sessions.
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/bibletour.htm

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Parishes Announce New 'Catholic Speakers Series'

   Jonathan Montaldo will be the first speaker in the Waterloo parishes' new Catholic Speakers Series this fall.  The Speakers Series is designed to provide local Catholics with the wisdom and insights of distinguished Catholic scholars and writers.  Dr. Montaldo is former director of the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University and past president of the International Thomas Merton Society.  He will speak Sept. 16 on "Learning to Love the World--Thomas Merton and Contemplative Living" at the Cellar Lounge in downtown Waterloo.  The program is open to the public.  A freewill offering will be taken. 
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/speakers.htm

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Divorce and Beyond Fall Series Set at St. Edward

   An information meeting for separated and divorced Catholics who are interested in Divorce and Beyond will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9, 7:00pm, in St. Matthew Room (rectory basement) at St. Edward Parish in Waterloo.  Divorce and Beyond is a ten-week, self-help recovery program which helps divorced Catholics and other persons of faith address the emotional and spiritual stress of divorce, adjust to the changes created divorce, and move on with their lives in a positive and constructive way.  The process is facilitated by professionally trained counselors and other adults who have recovered from divorce in their personal lives. The Divorce and Beyond fall series will begin Sept. 16 and meet on Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm, in the new life center at St. Edward Parish.
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/D+B.HTM

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Waterloo JustFaith Study Group Being Planned for Fall

   An information meeting for adults and young adults interested in participating in a JustFaith study group this fall in Waterloo will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9, 7:00pm in the Rectory Classroom at Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo.  JustFaith is a thirty-week formation and education process for adults and young adults who wish to grow in their understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.  The JustFaith process was developed by Catholic Charities USA and combines study, discussion, prayer and experience to help participants experience a spiritual journey into compassion.  The group will be facilitated by Fran Fuller, director of the Waterloo Catholic Worker.  It  will meet on a day and time to be chosen by the participants.   
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/justfaith.htm

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2010-11 Catechist Formation Will Focus on the Beatitudes

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will host a monthly discussion group for Catholic teachers, catechists, parents and grandparents who wish to participate in the University of Dayton's 2010-2011 Catechist Formation Program.  Participants in the Formation Program will read and discuss a monthly article written by faculty members at the University of Dayton and published in Catechist magazine.  Participants may receive a Continuing Education Credit or Graduate Credit by submitting a reflection paper at the end of the school year.  The theme for the 2010-2011 program is "A Moral Compass--The Sermon on the Mount."
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/catechistformation.htm

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Sunday Mini-Retreats Planned at American Martyrs

   The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls will co-host a series of Sunday afternoon mini-retreats this fall.  The retreats are funded in part by a grant from the Archbishop Kucera Center for Catholic Spiritual and Intellectual Life and are designed for adults and young adults who cannot attend a traditional week-long or weekend retreat but want an opportunity to spend some time in prayer and reflection.  Mini-retreats for fall, 2010 include:
• "Music As a Door to the Sacred" facilitated by Fr. Jerry Kopacek, Sept. 26.
• "Connected to Earth" facilitated by Sr. Marie Gemar OSF Oct. 31.
• "From Appreciation to Gratitude" facilitated by Sr. Lucy Slinger FSPA Nov. 14. 
The three-hour mini-retreats begin at 1:00pm at the Retreat House.  Registration is $10.00 for adults; $5.00 for students.  For reservations, call American Martyrs at
319-266-3543.
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/miniretreats.htm

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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 September theme is: ""
Click here for more information

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MORE OPPORTUNITIES IN SEPTEMBER


Retreat Scheduled for Lay Formation Alumni

   The second annual Lay Formation Alumni Retreat will be held September 24-26 at American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls.  The retreat will focus on aspects of discipleship in everyday life. The format will include speakers, personal reflection time, small group discussion, a book discussion, prayer services, communal celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation, and Sunday morning Liturgy. Fr. Mel Hemann will be the presider for Mass.  Participants are invited to read the book Touching the Holy by Robert Wicks prior to the retreat. The retreat begins with registration at 7:00pm. on Friday evening will will conclude with lunch at noon on Sunday. Suggested registration fee is $130 per person.  For registration, call or email American Martyrs at 319-266-3543 (<dbqamrhsec@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).

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Rachel's Vineyard Retreat Scheduled September 17-19

   A Rachel's Vineyard Retreat for individuals who have been affected by an abortion will be held the weekend of Sept. 17-19, 2010 at the Creighton University Retreat Center in Griswold, Iowa.  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. Registration: $100.00.  For information and registration contact Kris Gasperi at 515-306-7833 (email Kris Gaspari@mac.com).
www.rachelsvineyard.org

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At American Martyrs Retreat House...

• Family Camping Retreat.  September 3-5.  This family camping retreat will be facilitated by Amy Hoyer, Director of Faith Formation at St. Patrick Parish, Cedar Falls, will include prayer, nature activities, a canoe trip, Mass, picnic supper, storyteller, crafts for families, campfire, and star gazing.  Meals and shower facilities provided.  Sleep inside ($90 for adults, $50 for children 14 and younger); camp outside in your own camper or tent ($50 for adults, $25 for children 14 and younger).  Contact American Martyrs Retreat House at 319-266-3543.

• Fiftieth Anniversary Year Begins.  September 19.  The celebration begins with 11:00 am Eucharistic Liturgy outside (weather permitting) with Archbishop Hanus presiding, followed by a picnic and entertainment. The general public is welcome and encouraged to join in the the celebration. If possible, let the Retreat House know how many are attending.   Contact American Martyrs Retreat House at 319-266-3543.
Special Anniversary Year Offer: Anyone who has never made a retreat at American Martyrs will be welcomed at half price. Register in advance, pay when you arrive.

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At Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque...

• Days of Quiet & Prayer (4-session series).  Wednesdays, Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 17, Dec. 15.  These faith-sharing sessions facilitated by Sr. Margaret Jungers OSF will be based on the book The Naked Now by Fr. Richard Rohr OFM.  Each day begins at 9:14am and concludes at 2:30pm.  Offering of $75 for the series includes the book, program materials, continental breakfast, lunch and a private room for rest and reflection during the day.  Registration deadline: Sept. 3.  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.

• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion.  Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 – 9:30pm.  Presented by Sr. Pat R. Farrell OSF and Sr. Marian Klostermann OSF.  This workshop will examine the advantages of nonviolent communication (NVC), which focuses attention on compassion rather than fear, guilt, blame or shame.  NVC emphasizes taking personal responsibility for choices and improving the quality of relationships.  Offering: $10.  Registration deadline: Sept. 13. Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.

• An Italian Feast of Food & Trivia.  Sept. 21, 6:30 – 8:30pm.  This annual Italian dinner features the usual scrumptious array of Italian foods.  Between dinner courses, Sr. Ginny Heldorfer OSF will entertain with trivia about Italy, Italian food, and St. Francis.  Offering: $22.  Registration deadline: Sept. 17. Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.

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At Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha...

• Choosing to Love the World Retreat.  Sept. 17-19.  This retreat conducted by Jonathon Montaldo will be based on a new book of reflections, Choosing to Love the World--Thomas Merton on Contemplation, and will explore Merton's idea that Christians must be contemplatives in action.  Fee: $225 (includes lodging and meals); Commuter fee: $175 (includes Saturday lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch).  Contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.

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COMING OPPORTUNITIES


Iowa Dioceses' Institute for Social Action Planned Oct. 9.

   The annual Iowa Institute for Social Action is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, at St. Mary/Holy Cross Parish in Elkhart, Iowa.  The Institute is co-sponsored by the Iowa Catholic Conference and the Catholic dioceses in Iowa.  The keynote speaker for the 2010 Institute will be Tina Rodousakis, Grassroots Advocacy Manager for Catholic Relief Services. Workshops will examine various social justice issues, including the death penalty, domestic violence, payday loans, and voter education. Registration begins at 8:30am. The Institute concludes prior to the 5:30pm parish Mass. A limited number of special rate rooms are available at the Hampton Inn in Ankeny. (Call 515-261-4400 and ask about rates for the Iowa Institute for Social Action.)
www.iowasocialaction.org/

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At American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls...

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At Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque...

• Writing Life Stories (series of 4).  Mondays, Oct. 4 & 18, Nov. 1 and 15. 2:00 – 4:00pm.  This series is faciliated by Sr. Eileen Miller OSF and is designed to help participants remember and record life stories for fun, for posterity, or as a review of life.  Writing experience is not required.  Anyone who can tell a story can write a story with the directions and tips provided in this workshop. Offering: $35 for the series. Registration deadline: Oct. 1. Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.

• Grieving the Loss of a Loved One.  Oct. 14, 7:00 – 9:00pm.  This evening of reflection and prayer will be facilitated by Molly Downs, the author of Letters to Siena--How I Found My Life After Losing My Baby.   It is intended for all who have experienced loss through death, especially those who have experienced the loss of a baby or young child.  There will be opportunities for participants to share if they wish to do so, and a memorial prayer service.  No charge.  Registration requested. Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.

• Top Ten Wellness Habits for Health Care Professionals. Oct. 19, 6:30 – 8:30pm.  This practical, fun and interactive evening for health care professionals will be conducted by Julia theisen from the Body and Soul Wellness Center.  It will explore ten lifestyle habits that can significantly improve the lives of the health care professionals and those for whom they care.  Offering: $15 (CEUs for nurses and social workers available.)  Offering: $15.  Registration deadline: Oct. 15. Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.

• Yoga and Centering Prayer Mini-Retreat.  Oct. 20, 9:00am to 12:30pm.  Marilyn Dansart & Deb May will facilitate this inspirational morning combining the peaceful practices of Centering Prayer and Yoga.  Those with and without experience in yoga and/or centering prayer are welcome.  (Yoga mats will be provided.) Offering: $30 (includes lunch). Registration deadline: Oct. 18. Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.

• Reading That Matters.  This series of book discussions features true stories of people whose life experiences will raise our social consciousness and increase our compassion. Each session is facilitated by Sr. Eileen Miller OSF and takes place 7:00-8:30pm.
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Tuesday, Oct. 12, 7:00 – 8:30pm. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.  Registration
   deadline: Oct. 11.
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Tuesday, Nov. 16. Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by
    Immaculιe Ilibagiza (with Steve Erwin). Registration deadline: Nov. 15.
Offering: $6 per session.  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592.   

• God, Jesus and Prayer in Today’s Universe Story.  Nov. 19-21.  Theologian Michael Morwood, author of God Is Near, Praying a New Story, Finding Our Faith and other popular books will use the contemporary “story” about our universe and our place in it to deepen awareness and appreciation of God’s universal presence, to reflect on the role of Jesus as revealer of this Presence always with us, and to examine the implications for prayer and liturgy.  Friday evening only: $25. Commuter Offering: $100 by Oct. 19 (includes two meals); Overnight Offering: $115 by Oct. 19 (includes 5 meals and accommodations).  Contact Shalom at 563-582-3592.

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At Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha...

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At the University of Northern Iowa...

• Religious Doubt and the Western Secular Tradition.  Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Dr. Hal Wohl, emeritus professor of history at UNI, will conduct this four-week non-credit Lifelong University course on Tuesday mornings in October, 10:30am to 12:30pm.  The course will examine the tension between belief and doubt which has been a major dynamic of Western thought from ancient times to the present day.  Registration fee is $40.00. 
www.uni.edu/llu

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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:

•
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: 09.01.10

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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