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Opportunities for Catholic Adults
Opportunities for Adults in Recovery
Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities
Opportunities for Married Couples
Opportunities for Young Adults
Local Retreat Centers

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CATHOLIC ADULTS

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WEEKEND
   The Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is a personal and spiritual renewal experience for adult and young adult Christians.  The weekend features witness talks by lay people, and opportunities for discussion, prayer, Reconciliation and Eucharist.  The weekend begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  Contact the Adult Formation Office (319-234-9912).
CEW Weekend for Women:
March 6-8, 2009 at Don Bosco High School, Gilbertville.
CEW Weekend for Men:
March 27-29, 2009 at Don Bosco High School, Gilbertville

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>).
A new three-year cycle starts in September, 2009, in Cedar Rapids.
Information Meeting is pending.
                               
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: Nancy Rigel. 319-234-4996.
St. Edward Parish: Marthe Groves. 319-236-9015.

RETREAT EXPERIENCES
   Retreats 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 the retreat center (319-266-3543 or <DBQAMRH@ arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
Retreats for Women:
February 20-22, 2009 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
Retreats for Men:
April 3-5, 2009  at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
Group Retreats
CDA:
October 10-12, 2008 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
 KCs: November 14-16 2008 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
Seasonal Retreats
New Years Retreat: Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 2009 at American Martyrs Retreat House
Holy Week: April 5-8, 2009 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
Mid-week Retreat: June 16-18, 20089at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
Centering Prayer Retreats:
December 12-14, 2008 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.

February 27-28, 2009 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.

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>).
January 18-19, 2009 in West Des Moines, Iowa.
                  
Click here for more information about the Institute for Social Action

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ADULTS IN RECOVERY


THE BEGINNING EXPERIENCE
   The Beginning Experience Weekend is for separated, divorced or widowed persons who have worked through the initial stages of loss and are ready for a new beginning.  It is a reflective, prayerful and supportive experience which begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon.  Contact the Archdiocesan Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or <DBQCFL @arch.pvt.k12.ia.us>).
November 14-16, 2008 at Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque
March 27-29, 2009 at Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque

DIVORCE AND BEYOND
   Divorce and Beyond is a ten-week 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.  Contact Becky Hargreaves at 235-6040 or Dave Fish at 277-1833.
Fall, Series begins Sept. 13, 2007 at St. Edward  Parish, Waterloo.
Spring Series begins January 17, 2008 at St. Patrick Parish, Cedar Falls.

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 Hope and Healing Ministries (877-896-4673) or American Martyrs Retreat House (266-3543).
September 12-14, 2008 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.

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) or American Martyrs Retreat House (266-3543).
No Committed to Freedom Retreats are scheduled for 2008-09.

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>).
October 17-19, 2008 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
January 16-18, 2009 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
April 24-26, 2009 at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
August 21-23, 2009 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>).
Retreats for Adults with Disabilities:
October 4-5, 2008 at Camp IoDisEca, Solon.
April 4-5, 2009 at Camp Albrecht Acres, Sherrill.
Renewal Days for Adults with Disabilities:
September 20, 2008 at St. Paul Parish, Hampton.
September 21, 2008 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 Room 2 of 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>).
October 10-12, 2008 in Cedar Rapids or Des Moines.
February 13-15, 2009 in Cedar Falls.
May 29-31, 2009 in Dubuque in Cedar Falls.
                   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>).
October 25-26, 2008 in Cedar Falls.
March 28-29, 2009 in Cedar Falls.

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 27, 2008 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
November 8, 2008 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
February 14, 2009 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
May 09, 2009 at 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 communica-tion, forgiveness and trust.  (There are no group discus-sions or group dynamics.)  The program consists of a weekend program and six follow-up meetings.  Contact the Archdiocesan Family Life Office (800-876-3546 or  <smithretro@mwci.net>).
No Retrouvaille weekends are planned for 2008-09.

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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>).
November 21-23, 2008 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
January 9-11, 2009 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
February 6-8, 2009 at Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque.
March 13-15, 2009 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
April 17-19, 2009 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
May 15-17, 2009 at at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls.
June 12-14, 2009 at 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 environ-ment such as a restaurant or sports bar.  Contact the Adult Formation Office (319-234-9912) .
Dates are pending for the Spring, 2009 series.
                             
Click here for more information about Theology on Tap

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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://americanmartyrs.tripod.com/index.html

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
6500 Melleray Circle, Peosta IA 52068
Phone: 563-588-2319, ext. 121.
Email: < monks@newmelleray.org >
Weblink:
www.newmelleray.org

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, WI.
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

 

Posted 01.10.08  •  Last Update 08.15.08

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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