Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

In an effort to ascertain the needs of our church community we are always asking the question “How can we serve you? “   “How can we best provide for your spiritual needs?” And the consistent answer is: “a desire for more adult spiritual and theological formation”. In essence, Catholic communities like Saint Joseph’s want to have a better understanding of their faith, their history and the Bible. Consequently, we are fortunate to have a diverse and thorough program of adult education.  We hope you will make time in your busy fall schedule for some of our events.

 

This weekend representatives from our parish adult education committee are presenting their brochure:  “Nourishing Our Faith Journey – Fall/Winter.”  When you peruse the flyer you will see an extensive array of opportunities encompassing education, formation, social activities, prayer and retreat experiences, as well as occasions being presented by other local Catholic communities. 

 

Undoubtly there is something within this Fall/Winter program to interest you.  However, I would like to highlight a few interesting possibilities.  Susan Mahan Ph.D. is offering an introductory Bible Study in which her class will explore the Book of Acts.  The Acts of the Apostles is a fascinating look at the development of the early church.  If you are familiar with Bible study this would be a great continuation of your work, if you are a beginner in the study of Biblical history and meaning – this class is a great place to start.  Dr. Mahan is meeting on Monday evenings mid-September through mid-October.  Mr. Tom Holdridge is continuing Wednesday morning Scripture group which is a weekly study of the upcoming Sunday readings.  Both of these groups would appeal to the Bible beginner as well as a more advanced student. 

 

Being Catholic: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is a six week process for parishioners interested in deepening their knowledge of faith.  Being Catholic provides an in-depth exploration of topics like: Faith, Jesus, Bible, Sacraments, Morality and Church.   It is not a classroom lecture, but it is a group dynamic with interesting presentations, discussions and readings. 

 

Being Catholic II is an ongoing educational group, meeting monthly to explore a wide array of subjects.  This fall Being Catholic II is meeting in October with Professor David Pinault on Jesus and Islam, in November with Father Tom Powers, S.J. on Catholic Social Teaching and in December with Javier Zavala on Parables – Snapshots of God.  You may choose to enjoy the entire series or come to the individual session that appeals to you.  Being Catholic II is open to everyone, at any time in the season you may choose to join.

 

Within the Adult Formation brochure there are concerts, journaling workshops, information about our Lenten Mission and on and on.  Please do not just glance at this information and toss it away.  Rather put it on your refrigerator or home bulletin board.  Please join in whatever way your interests and your schedule allows.  These opportunities are for you and in answer to your desire for more adult education experiences.  Each entry on the flyer is a doorway that will enable you to enter into a new understanding and a greater awareness of the God who lives amongst us.

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor