Adult Programs

THE YEAR OF PAUL
This weekend, June 28 & 29, the universal Church will celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the official beginning of a year dedicated to Saint Paul, in celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the apostle’s birth. The Pauline Year will run from June 29, 2008 to June 29, 2009. How will you observe this Jubilee event?
Several Fall Bible Studies will focus on the writings of Paul:
- Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study here will study Colossians/Philemon: New Life in Christ (Loyola Press) beginning September 9, 9:15 a.m.
- Tuesday evening adult Scripture Study will study Galatians and Romans (Little Rock Scripture Study, Collegeville: The Liturgical Press) beginning September 9, 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday morning Fox Valley Catholic Bible Study for Women will also study Galatians and Romans beginning Wednesday, September 10, 9:15 a.m. at St. Peter Church, Geneva.
For your prayer this summer, you could pick up your favorite New Testament, and read through the Letters of Paul, from Romans through Philemon. Or notice Next Sunday’s readings in the Daily Readings section of today’s bulletin, and use 2Timothy 4:6-8,17-18 for your prayer theme this week. Praying with Saint Paul: Daily Reflections on the Letters of the Apostle Paul edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. is available for purchase on the Book Wall in the Hermes Center.

WHY CATHOLIC? LEADERS : SMALL FAITH GROUP LEADERS
SUMMER MEETING MATERIALS
- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. Copies of this document by the United States Bishops’ Conference can be found on the Book Wall for $1.95. Copies of the discussion guide are free.
- Instruments of Christ: Reflection on the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi and Enkindled: Holy Spirit Holy Gifts by Albert Haase, O.F.M. and Bridget Haase, O.S.U. are available for purchase in the Book Nook. Father Albert was our Mission Speaker this past Lent. Questions at the end of each chapter may be used for reflection and sharing in your small group.

RCIA SPONSORS
An RCIA sponsor is a confirmed practicing Catholic adult who volunteers to walk with and offer support to an RCIA candidate on the journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church. It is important that the sponsor is a good listener; it is not necessary to be an expert in theology. Sponsors attend weekly Sunday morning sessions, 9 - 11:30 a.m. (including Sunday Mass), September through April, and two Saturday retreat days. The commitment is for one year. If you are interested, please stop at the RCIA table at the Festival of Ministries.

Christ Renews His Parish Weekend Retreats
Christ Renews His Parish or CRHP (pronounced “chirp”) is a spiritual renewal process which brings adult parishioners together in small groups in order to deepen their relationship with Christ and each other. Since its beginning in 1969 in Parma, OH, Christ Renews His Parish has proven to be an effective instrument for spiritual growth in hundreds of parishes across the country. Click here for more information.

Courage and Encourage
Courage is a spiritual support group helping Catholic men and women live in accordance with the Catholic Church teaching on same-sex-attraction. Encourage is a separate group for families and friends.  Meetings are currently being held locally. For information, please call Denise at (630) 587-3007 or see www.CourageRC.net. All inquiries are confidential.

Inviting All Young Adults
Spirit and Truth is a community of young adults (ages 18 and up, single and married) who share the common goal of seeking God. They meet weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m., for Eucharistic Holy Hour, study and socializing at St. Mary Church, 140 N. Oakwood Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185. Questions? Contact Cori Pieper at (847) 302-5229 or c-pieper@comcast.net.

Interested in Becoming Catholic?
For those who are interested in becoming Catholic, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a recent restoration of the ancient practice of initiation into the church: a process of discerning and ritualizing stages of conversion, leading to sacramental initiation through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Participants include: a) those who have never been baptized, b) baptized Catholic Christians who have not received catechetical instruction and whose Christian initiation has not been completed by Confirmation and Eucharist, and c) baptized Christians who have been members of another Church or ecclesial community and seek to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

Weekly Sunday morning classes, September through May, include prayer, discussion, teaching, and community formation, and are for adults who are considering full membership in the Catholic Church, as well as those who were baptized Catholic but never received instruction in the Catholic faith. Inquiry session are scheduled at various times during the summer.

Participants should call Sister Judy or come to a Summer Inquiry Session.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Parish Sponsor
Active Catholics willing to share their faith and attend regular Sunday morning sessions, 9-11:30 a.m., including Mass attendance with the group. Commitment: Three or four Sunday mornings a month, September through April.

Women With Wisdom: Living in Faith Together (www.LIFT)
Women sharing resources and offering support to other women; will be planning two large group events this year. Commitment: Set-up and serving at large group events.

Adult Education Bulletin Board
All adults are encouraged to read the adult education bulletin board in the Parish Center. The brochures displayed there advertise local retreat opportunities, lectures, college courses, workshops, support groups, prayer days and adult enrichment activities that take place at St. John Neumann and neighboring parishes.