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LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES IN NOVEMBER

Fr. Harrington Will Examine St. Paul's Relevance for Today

The Rev. Jay Harrington, a Dominican priest and native of St. Edward Parish in Waterloo, will present a two-part conference on St. Paul, the "Apostle to the Gentiles," Friday evening, Nov. 14, and Saturday morning, Nov. 15, at St. Edward Parish in Waterloo.  Fr. Harrington will examine the historical facts about St. Paul and his conversion to Christian faith, the major themes of Paul's Letters, and St. Paul's importance for the Church today.  The presentations are sponsored by the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and are one in a series of opportunities being planned to commemorate the Year of St. Paul, which marks the 2000th anniversary of the birth of the "Apostle to the Gentiles." To pre-register call St. Edward Parish Office at 319-233-8060.
                                Click here for more information

Workshop Planned to Address the Five Last Wishes

A "Five Wishes" Workshop, co-sponsored by the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and Wheaton Franciscan Health Care, will be held on Nov. 12, 1:00-3:00pm, at St. Edward Parish in Waterloo.  The workshop will help individuals identify and express how they want to be treated if they are seriously ill and unable to speak for themselves.  Unlike a living will, a Five Wishes document addresses the full range of medical, personal, emotional and spiritual issues involved when a person is seriously ill or dying.  Similar workshops will be held later in the year at Sacred Heart and Queen of Peace parishes.
                                                               Click here for more information

Parenting Series Looks at Family Rituals

"What Are Your Rites?" is this month's topic in the "Life's Lessons: Nurturing the Parent/Child Connection" parenting series sponsored by the Faith Formation office at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Waterloo.  The November program will focus on how family traditions and rituals help create households of faith.  It will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6:00-7:00p, in the parish center at Blessed Sacrament.  The presenter is Barb Duggan, director of religious education at Blessed Sacrament.
Contact Barb Duggan at 319-235-9430.

Cool Congregations Recharge! Workshop Is Nov. 1

Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, a coalition of religious organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship, will sponsor a Cool Congregations Recharge! Workshop Nov. 1, 9:00-11:30am, at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 2410 Melrose St., Cedar Falls.  Tim Fink, director of IIP&L will present an update on state energy policy; local utilities will explain their energy saving programs and up-front financing, and there will be an opportunity to discuss what faith communities are doing to help reduce global warming.  The workshop is designed for individuals and congregations who want to learn more about how to reduce carbon emissions by reducing energy consumption.  For information or registration, call 319-273-2038 or email: <annajo12@uni.edu>.

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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES IN NOVEMBER

 

At Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque

• Come Create and Contemplate.  Wednesday, Nov. 5, 9:00am-3:00pm. Here's a special opportunity for those who sew.  This reflection day will include a combination of listening, creating, praying and sharing and is designed for for those who knit, crochet, embroider or do needlework of any kind.  Each participant will have a private room and time to work on their own project.  Fee: $35 (includes lunch).  Pre-register by Nov. 3.  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563- 582-3592; email: info@shalomretreats.org

• Deep Listening.  Nov. 5, 7:00-9:15pm.  Presented by Lisa Wagner of Still Point Theater Collective in Chicago.  This vivid and moving 90-minute play examines the subjects of death, dying and end of life care.  It engages the audience with familiar stories, gentle humor and music.  Offering: $20. (CEUs available for nurses and social workers.)  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592; email: info@shalomretreats.org

• Health From Within--An Extreme Makeover.  Nov. 15, 9:00am-3:00pm. Presented by Drs. Abigail Tebbe and Jaime Shaver.  This program, based on the book Body By God, is designed to transform individual lives by providing information on better health and improving one's attitude about people, work, relations, life and the future.  Helps participants develop a mission, philosophy and plan for a new way of living.  Offering: $35 (includes lunch).  Registration deadline: Nov. 12.  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563-582-3592; email: info@shalomretreats.org

At Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha

• Meditation Retreat.  Nov. 7 to Nov. 9.  This weekend retreat is designed for anyone who is just learning about meditation or those who desire to deepen their practice of meditation.  The weekend will include presentations and opportunities to practice Zen meditation and mindfulness meditation, chanting, sounding and centering prayer.  Fee: $225 (includes lodging and meals); communters: $175.  To register, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.

• Women in Interfaith Dialogue.  Nov. 14, 4:00-9:00p and Nov. 15, 9:00a-4:00p.  This two-day discussion will explore women in leadership positions in faith communities and how women in religious leadership might come together to promote better understanding and improvement in local communities and the world.  Fee: $45 (includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch).  Overnight accommodations available.  To register, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.

• Iowa Immigration Multicultural Fair.  Prairiewoods Spirituality Center's Welcoming the Stranger Committee and Mt. Mercy College Campus Ministry will co-sponsor the Iowa Immigration Heritage/Multicultural Fair Nov. 13, 3:00-8:00p, at Mt. Mercy in Cedar Rapids.  The keynote speaker will be Dr. Mark Grey, Director of the Iowa Center for Immigrant Leadership and Integration at the University of Northern Iowa.  For information, call 319-363-8213.

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COMING IN DECEMBER


'Busy World' Retreat Planned for Advent

"Living in Hope" is the theme of the Busy World Advent Retreat, sponsored by the Catholic parishes in Waterloo.  The retreat starts Sunday, Nov. 30, and ends Monday, Dec. 8.  Unlike a traditional retreat, participants gather only twice -- for a short introduction at the beginning of the retreat and for a small group discussion at the end of the retreat.  The rest of the time, they spend 20-30 minutes each day reflecting on scripture and spiritual reading in their home.  The daily prayers and reflections will be based on Advent meditations written by Fr. Henri Nouwen.  There is a nominal charge for materials.
Contact the Director of Adult Faith Formation at 319-234-9912.
                                Click here for more information

Infancy Narratives Are Focus of Social Justice Advent Retreat

The Waterloo Catholic Worker House and the Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice Network will co-sponsor a Social Justice Advent Retreat  on Saturday, Dec. 6, 9:00am-4:00pm, at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St., Waterloo.  Frank Cordaro, co-founder of the Des Moines Catholic Worker Community and Catholic peace activist, will examine the stories of Jesus' birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.  The retreat is open to the public.  $25 per person ($15 for students); includes lunch.  Registration requested; to register call 319-290-2025.

Advent Retreat with Fr. Pat Geary Dec. 6 at American Martyrs

St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center, Cedar Falls, is sponsoring an Advent Day of Reflection at the American Martyrs Retreat House on Saturday, December 6, 2008.  The presenter will be Fr. Pat Geary.  The day will begin at 9:00am and end with Mass at 4:00pm.  There will be a $10 charge for the day which will include lunch. To register, contact St. Stephen at 319-266-9863.

'Infrequent Catholic's Guide to Reconciliation' Planned Dec. 7

The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will sponsor an "Infrequent Catholic's Guide to Reconciliation and Confession" prior to the celebration of Communal Penance on Sunday, Dec. 7. This program will provide an opportunity to explore how and why Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Confession. It will address practical questions like when to confess sins privately to a priest, what sins to confess, how to prepare and what to say in confession.  The program will begin at 2:00pm in O'Hagan Hall (church basement) at Sacred Heart. Participants are welcome to participate in the Advent Communal Penance service which begins at 3:00pm in Sacred Heart Church.
                               Click here for more information

Patience is Focus of Advent Stories at St. Stephen's

Veteran storyteller Gail Froyen will present "Patience, People,” an evening of stories for Advent reflection, on Monday, December 1, at 7:00pm at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center in Cedar Falls.  The event is free and open to the public.  St. Stephen Center is handicapped accessible.
Contact the Student Center at 319-266-9863.

Raising Generous Children is Focus of Parenting Series

"Give It Your All" is this month's topic in the "Life's Lessons: Nurturing the Parent/Child Connection" parenting series sponsored by the Faith Formation office at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Waterloo.  The December program will focus on how to raise generous children who are able and willing to contribute to the greater good.  It will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17,  6:00-7:00p, in the parish center at Blessed Sacrament.  The guest presenter is Linda Manternach, director of the Office of Family Life for the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Contact Barb Duggan at 319-235-9430.

Workshop Will Examine Journaling as a Prayer Form

St. Patrick Parish in Cedar Falls will sponsor a workshop on "Keeping a Journal--An Ancient Prayer Form" on Friday, Dec. 5 (6:30-9:00pm) and Saturday, Dec. 6 (9:00-11:30am) in the St. Patrick Parish Center.  The workshop is designed to introduce personal journaling as a spiritual discipline and occasion for prayer.  Participation is limited.  There will be a $5 fee for materials.
[The workshop was previously scheduled for Nov. 8.]
Contact St. Patrick Parish at 319-266-3523.

Speaker Will Address Coping with Loss at the Holidays

The American Association of Retired Persons and various local organizations including the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will sponsor a public address by Elizabeth Harper Neeld on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.  Harper Neeld, will address the challenges which victims of last spring's natural disasters will face during the holidays and suggests practical ways victims can cope with these challenges.  Harper Neeld is author of Navigating Your Way Through Difficult Times and Seven Choices--Finding Daylight After Loss Shatters Your World.  The program is free and open to the public. 

At Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque

• Celebrating Holidays in a New Way.  Thursday, Dec. 4, 5:00-8:30pm.  This special evening of dinner, reflection and prayer is designed for anyone who has lost a spouse during the past year and is preparing to celebrate the holidays in a different way.  Facilitated by Barbaqra Meloy Callahan and Sr. Margaret Jungers OSF.  Fee: $20 (includes dinner).  Pre-register by Dec. 2.  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563- 582-3592; email: info@shalomretreats.org

• Advent Retreat.  "The People That Walked in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light."  This weekend retreat Dec. 5-7 is conducted by Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, retired bishop of Detroit and founder of PaxChristiUSA.  Bishop Gumbleton will use the biblical readings of Advent to help participants prepare for the coming of the Messiah and creation of a world of peace and justice.  The weekend will include a combination of reflection, communal prayer, Eucharist, and quiet time.  Fee: $125 ($110 by Nov. 5) for overnight guests.  $110 ($95 by Nov. 5) for commuters.  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563- 582-3592; email: info@shalomretreats.org

• Advent Evening of Reflection.  Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:30-9:00pm.  Fr. Robert Beck, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Loras College in Dubuque, will conduct this reflection evening titled "Back from Exile."  This is an opportunity to spend some time with the Advent readings from Isaiah and to reflect on the presence of God in our lives.  Fee: $10. Pre-register by Dec. 9.  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563- 582-3592; email: info@shalomretreats.org

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COMING SOON

 

Social Action Institute Will Highlight Immigration Issue

Antonio B. Cube, Jr., national director of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Justice for Immigrants Campaign, will be the keynote speaker for the Sunday session of the 2009 Iowa Institute for Social Action January 18-19 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines.   The keynote for Monday's session will be delivered by a panel of ministers involved in aiding immigrants in Postville, Iowa.  The annual two-day Institute is sponsored by the four Catholic parishes in Iowa and is designed for individuals who are or wish to become involved in the church's social ministry.  In addition to the keynote presentations, there will be a variety of workshops dealing with various social action issues.
                         Click here for more information or registration


At Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque

• Grayson Warren Brown Concert and Workshop.  Grayson Warren Brown, an internationally recognized liturgist, composer, author and recording artist, will present a concert on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:00pm and a liturgical workshop, "What Do You Want, Why Are You Here?" on Saturday, Jan. 31, 8:30am-2:30pm.  The workshop is designed to help participants identify what, if anything, they hope will happen in their worship experience.  Concert fee: $15 at the door ($12.50 by Jan. 16); workshop fee: $50 ($40 by Jan. 16).  Contact Shalom Retreat Center at 563- 582-3592; email: info@shalomretreat

Bible Study Series Will Explore Environmental Stewardship

The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo and the Cool Catholics Committee will sponsor a five-week bible study, "Stewardship of the Earth" in February and March.  This bible study experience 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.  The bible study will meet on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:00pm, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and March 4, 11 in the rectory parlor at Sacred Heart Parish, Waterloo.  To pre-register call 319-234-9912.
                               Click here for more information

Local CEW Weekends Planned for March

The Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is a spiritual renewal opportunity for adults and young adults who want to revive or strengthen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community.  The weekend begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  The weekend features talks by lay people, opportunities for small group discussions, prayer, Reconciliation and Eucharist.  The CEW Weekend for Women is scheduled March 6-8, 2009; the Weekend for Men is March 27-29; both will be held at Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville.  For information or registration contact Cathy Reindl  (319-266-1562) or Sharon Weber  (319-232-1584).

Workshop Will Explore Catholic Devotions and Popular Piety

The Archdiocese of Dubuque's Office of Worship will sponsor a one-day workshop on Catholic devotions and how they relate to the Church's liturgy on March 28, 9:00am-3:00pm, at St. Pius X Parish in Cedar Rapids.  "Liturgy, Devotions and Popular Piety" will address the difference between popular devotions and the liturgy and what devotions are appropriate in the public life of the church, based on the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy.  Presenters include Fr. Scott Bullock, Fr. Greg Bahl, and Fr. Jim Secora.  Cost: $25 per person ($20 each for five or more persons from a parish or cluster).  Registration deadline: Mar. 20Contact the Office of Worship: 800-

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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.

Adult Study Groups
• Fr. Jerry Kopacek’s monthly study group is examining the scriptural foundation and historical development of the Eucharist. 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 DiscernmentCompanions 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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 Adult Formation Opportunities
For an annual guide to spiritual growth opportunities or
a weekly email bulletin, contact:

Director of Adult Faith Formation
320 Mulberry Street, Waterloo IA 50703.
(email: <DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).


Posted 03.30.08 • Last Update: 10.27.08
 

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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