Current and Continuing Opportunities to Learn and Grow
For Catholic Adults and Young Adults in the Waterloo Parishes
Week of October 1-7, 2023
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THE HOLY SPIRIT--GOD'S HEALING POWER
October 1-3. 6:00-8:30pm
St. Edward Church
This three-night mission conducted by priests from the Archdiocese of Dubuque explores the power and love of the Holy Spirit. Praise and worship and confessions every night. Open to the public.
CATHOLIC READERS BOOK CLUB
Monday, October 2. 6:30-8:00pm
Live Video Discussion
The book club meets monthly to discuss books of special interest to Catholic readers and is open to all. This month's book is “Gettysburg--A Novel of the Civil War“ by Newt Gingerich and William Forchen. For information or to receive the video conference link contact Bev Byford at 319 229 6395 (email: byfordbev93@gmail.com ).
• Learn more at: https://waterloocatholics.org/catholic-readers
ALPHA FOR CATHOLICS
Wednesday Evenings Starting Oct. 4. 6:00-7:30pm.
Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Alpha is a faith enrichment opportunity for adults and young adults who want to learn or review the basic beliefs and practices of Christian faith. This exciting, engaging opportunity consists of 13 weekly sessions and one reflection day. Each weekly session includes a meal, video presentation and discussion. The sessions explore such basic questions as “Who is Jesus?” “Why did Jesus die?” “How do I pray?” “How can I resist evil?” “Is there more to life than this?” and more.
• Register online at: https://bit.ly/alpha-fall-23
SACRED SPACE SATURDAY
Saturday, October 7. 9:00am-4:00pm.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Waterloo
This one-day retreat sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of Northeast Iowa includes time for quiet prayer, journal, walk a labyrinth, read, visit with a spiritual companion, learn about Centering Prayer, and communal sung prayer. Includes a catered lunch. Freewill donation.
• To register email your name and contact information to coneiowa@gmail.com by October 2.
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THE CANTERBURY FORUM
Sunday, October 8. 7:00pm.
Live Video Presentation
Dr. Michael Graziano, Assistant Professor of Religion at UNI, will discuss events in American history and politics which led to the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision to allow public prayer in public schools. Canterbury Forum is a venue for the discussion of social and religious issues from the perspective of the mainline religious traditions.
• Information online at www.canterburyforum.net
• Use this link to join the program:
• To receive the livestream program send an email to: canterburyforum@gmail.com
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Monday, October 9. 6:30-8:30pm.
Live Video Discussion.
This preparation program is for first-time parents in the Waterloo parishes who are planning to baptize an infant or young child in the near future. Parents should be registered members of a parish and may register at the class.
• Register online at https://bit.ly/baptism-preparation-class
• Learn more about baptizing infants and children at: bit.do/infant-baptism
FOOD INSECURITY AND LOCAL FOODS
Monday, October 9. 5:30-7:30pm.
Jubilee United Methodist Church, Waterloo.
This event features a free meal and opportunity to discuss how local food systems can work together toward solutions to food insecurity. Sponsored by Cedar Valley Regional Food and Farm Network.
• Learn more at: cvfoodfarmnetwork.org/food-insecurity-local-foods-connect/
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VIRTUAL HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE
Sunday, October 15. 2:00pm.
October is Respect Life Month. Join us in praying that we will all grow in our respect and care for human life in all of its stages and conditions. If possible, pray this virtual holy hour in solidarity with others on the day and time indicated; however you are welcome to pray the holy hour at any other time this month if that is more convenient for you.
• Find the text of the virtual holy hour at: waterloocatholics.org/holy-hour-for-life
KNOW YOUR FAITH DISCUSSION
Monday, October 16. 7:00-8:00pm.
Live Video Discussion
Our monthly Know Your Faith discussions are designed for adults and young adults who want to learn or review basic components of the Catholic faith. This month's topic is "The Last Things—Judgment, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory.” The discussions are open to the public. Pre-registration is required.
• Learn more here: https://waterloocatholics.org/know-your-faith
• Register to participate here: https://bit.ly/KYF-registration
INACTIVE AND ALIENATED CATHOLICS DISCUSSION
Wednesday, October 18. 7:00-8:00pm.
Meet in the lobby at SingleSpeed Brewing Co., Waterloo
The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo host this Listening Session for inactive, alienated, discouraged and former Catholics who wish to discuss their past, present or future relationship to the Catholic Church in a safe, discreet environment.
• For information contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email: dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org).
• Find more information for inactive and alienated Catholics here:
https://waterloocatholics.org/information-for-inactive-and-alienated-catholics
CRITICAL CHOICES WORKSHOP
Saturday, October 21. 9:30-11:30am.
Faith Formation Office, Blessed Sacrament School
This workshop examines the critical issues which arise at the time of a serious illness or at the end of life and helps participants prepare Advanced Medical Directives in case they are unable to speak for themselves. The workshops are appropriate for individuals or couples of any age. Pre-registration required.
• Learn more at waterloocatholics.org/critical-choices-workshops
• Register at 319-233-0498 or online at https://bit.ly/choices-registration
DISCIPLESHIP EXPERIENCE WEEKEND
October 27-29
New Melleray Abbey Retreat House, Peosta, Iowa.
This weekend experience focuses on seven themes or principles of Catholic Social Teaching. A team of presenters will explain the components of each theme and facilitate discussion of its implications for daily life. The weekend begins on Friday evening at 7:00pm and concludes with Mass Sunday noon. Registration fee is $160, which includes meals and overnight accommodations (commuter rate: $40).
• For more information contact Ted or Dede Pietryga at 319-541-6306.
• Learn more at: waterloocatholics.org/dew
CATHOLIC PARENTING CONFERENCE
Saturday, October 28. 9:00am to 3:30pm.
St. Pius X Catholic Parish, Cedar Rapids
The Archdiocese of Dubuque sponsors this conference for parents of all ages who wish to explore the joys and challenges of parenting. Keynote speakers are Alicia and Mike Hernon, co-founders of the “Messy Family Project”.
• Learn more and register at: dbqarch.org/parenting-conference
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The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are eager to encourage and support our sisters and brothers who no longer participate regularly in the spiritual and sacramental life of the Catholic Church. If you or someone you know is an inactive, alienated, angry or disillusioned or former Catholic, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns and questions in a safe, understanding and non-judgmental environment, even if you do not anticipate resuming participation in the Catholic faith community.
• Learn more here or contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org) .
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The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are eager to encourage and support our gay and lesbian sisters and brothers. If you or someone you know is a gay or lesbian Catholic or former Catholic, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns and questions in a safe, understanding and nonjudgmental environment, even if you do not anticipate resuming participation in the Catholic faith community.
• Learn more here or contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org)
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The Bulletin Board
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Adult Faith Formation in the Waterloo Parishes
[Last Update: 09.30.23]