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Adult Formation
and
Education Programs
Sponsored by the
Catholic Parishes in Waterloo
2007-2008
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. Watch your parish bulletin or check our website for
dates.
For more about
Bible 101 click here
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.”
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. in a context of mutual respect
and understanding.
• Forums are scheduled at various times throughout the year.
Watch your parish bulletin or check our website for specific
dates and topics.
For more about Catholic Forum click here
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. It meets once a
month to discuss the selected book and its application to our
personal, social and spiritual lives.
•
To attend or find out about the book the club is reading this
month, contact Bev Byford at 319-232-1326 (email:
DBQ213re@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).
COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
“Companions on the Journey” provides individual adults 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.
For more about Companions on the Journey click here
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.
For
more about Cool Catholics click here
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. 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.
For more about First Tuesday click here
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM
This eight-week series of programs is designed for life-long
Catholics, recent converts, and inactive or former Catholics who
want to review or expand their understanding of what it means to
be a Catholic Christian. The series examines the principle
characteristics of the “Catholic Imagination,” and how they are
embodied and experienced in Catholic teaching and practice.
• This opportunity is conducted in a comfortable, interactive
learning environment and is offered at various times during the
year.
For more about Introduction to
Catholicism click here
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. This process is highly recommended
for those who are, or wish to become, more active in the
church’s ministry of social justice and peace.
OUTREACH TO CATHOLIC SEEKERS,
INACTIVE and ALIENATED 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
discuss 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.
• Contact the Director of Adult Formation.
For more about
Outreach to Catholic Seekers click here
For
more about Outreach to Inactive Catholics click here
For more about a Faith-Sharing
Group for Inactive Catholics click here
OUTREACH TO CATHOLIC
SINGLES
The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo provide an outreach ministry to Catholic singles
(ages 40-60) which includes a variety of opportunities for
social, educational and spiritual activities. These
opportunities include a monthly "Single Mingle" and opportunities for
community service at the Catholic Worker House or a Habitat for
Humanity construction site.
•
Contact the Director of
Adult Formation or check our website for current opportunities
for single adults.
For more about
Opportunities for Single Adults click here
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.
For more about
Baptism of Infants and Children click here
PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION
For adult Catholics who have been baptized and fully catechized
but not confirmed, the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo offer
immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. 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.
For more about RCIA click here
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.
For more about RCRA click here
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, minister or 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.
For pending 'Cellar' programs click here
THEOLOGY ON
TAP
"Cedar Valley Theology on Tap" is a unique opportunity for support, formation
and education designed exclusively 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
religious topics 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 where a full bar and menu are
available before, during and after the program.
• 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.
For more about Theology on Tap click here
_______________________________
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
CATHOLIC ADULTS
For a list of spiritual growth opportunities click
here
For a guide to public prayer and
devotions click here
Posted 12.18.07
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Last Update 04.18.08
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