Adult Faith Formation

INTRODUCTION
   Being disciples of Jesus Christ is a life long journey. Each and every moment of life holds the possibility of growth and transformation, if only we can learn to see with eyes of faith. In the mature believer, the secular becomes sacred. There are no longer two worlds. Teilhard de Chardin said there is nothing profane for those who have learned to see. There is only one world, and it is a supernatural one.
   The following are some of the opportunities offered for adults at St. Albert’s for their enrichment. Hopefully they will contribute to the development of adult believers who are eager and articulate in sharing a faith they embrace and live, a faith that will accept God’s love, to know all is holy, and bring more compassion into the world because of it.
   For more information about any of the programs listed below, or for suggestions, questions or concerns, please contact Paula (see below).  Thanks.

OUR PROGRAMS
     Baptism Preparation
     Baptism Weekends
     Bereavement Ministry
     Bible Study
     Circle of Friends
     JustFaith
     Library
     Marriage Preparation
     Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS)
     Play Group
     RCIA - Right of Christian Initiation of Adults
     RCIA Sponsor, Guest Speaker, and Hospitality Person
     Retreat Information
     Small, Faith-sharing Groups
     Special Events
     Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation Sessions
     Women's Spiritual Journey
     Involvement and Further Information


Baptism Preparation
   Parents anticipating the Baptism of their first child are required to attend a prep session before the Baptism. Both parents are expected to attend.  It is best if you find someone who would be glad to look after your children while you attend.  Thanks!  Prep sessions are held at 7-9 pm in the Narthex/Gathering Area on the following Monday nights: June 2, 2008; August 4, 2008; October 20, 2008; December 1, 2008; February 16, 2009; March 30, 2009; and June 1, 2009.  No registration necessary -- just come!

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Baptism Weekends
   Baptisms generally are celebrated the 3^rd weekend of the month during or after  5pm and 10:30am Masses.
   Baptism weekends scheduled for 2008 are: May 17/18 (during); June 14/15 (after); July 19/20 (during); August 16/17 (after); September 20/21(during); October 18/19 (after); November 15/16 (during); and December 20/21 (after).
   Baptism weekends scheduled for 2009 are: January 17/18 (during); February 14/15 (after); March 21/22 (after… Lent); April 18/19 (during); May 16/17 (after); June 20/21(during); and July 18/19 (after).
   Please contact Paula to reserve your Baptism date.  You may reserve a Baptism date before attending the Baptism Prep Session.

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Bereavement Ministry
   If you are looking for resources to help you deal with the death of a loved one;  if you can offer compassionate caring for the grieving or keep in touch through phone calls, notes or visits, please contact Paula.   In addition, in the new year St. Albert’s will be hosting the seven week HospiceCare program, “Journey through Grief,” on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm, January 15-February 26^th.  Watch this space for registration information, as it becomes available.

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Bible Study
   In January, 2008, a study of the Gospel according to Matthew will begin, since Matthew is the primary Gospel for Cycle A, of the new liturgical year that begins with the 1^st Sunday of Advent, December 2nd.  This 9 week study will begin January 8 and use materials from the Little Rock Bible Study series.  This study will be offered on Tuesday nights at 7pm, but could be offered at other times, if there is sufficient interest.  For more information, or to register, please contact Paula.  Thanks!

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Circle of Friends
    This group generally meets in Albert House the 3rd Wednesday of the month from September through May, at either 9:30 to watch a movie or 11:30 to discuss a book.  Selections are made by the group.  There is a standing invitation to join this group at any time.  For more information, please contact Paula.  Thanks!  The schedule for 2007-08 and current selections follow.  Selections subject to change.

September 19 – book:  “Three Cups of Tea,” 11:30am by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin  

October 17 – movie:  “Ladies in Lavender,” 9:30 start time

November 14 – book:  “The Color of Water” by James McBride, 11:30am
(… scheduled a week early, since the 3^rd Wednesday is the day before Thanksgiving, and I figured that would likely be a problem!)

December 19 – movie:  “A Patch of Blue,” 9:30am

January 16 – book:  “Evensong,” by Gail Godwin, 11:30am

February 20 – movie

March 12 – book
(Again, this is a week early, since the 3^rd Wednesday of March is the middle of Holy Week – already!!!)

April 16 – movie

May 21 – book

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JustFaith
   Our Catholic faith and biblical tradition extend an extraordinary invitation to each of us and to our faith communities to become agents of God’s compassion and healing in a wounded world. The Good News of Christ is both a comfort and a promise for the poor and, at the same time, a call to those of us who are not poor to be linked with God’s vision of justice and reconciliation.
   JustFaith offers an opportunity for parishioners to experience a spiritual journey into compassion. Most of us long to be a generous and compassionate people. However, the opportunities to explore this tradition in a deliberate and engaging way have largely not been available. JustFaith provides a lively and challenging format to read, discuss, pray, experience and be formed by our justice tradition that changes lives, inspires faithful witness and transforms the world through love and service. This program is now offered in hundreds of parishes across the country.
   JustFaith involves a substantial commitment. The process involves thirty weekly sessions, two retreats, and four border-crossing experiences. In addition, participants are expected to do one to two hours of reading each week. The program asks a lot. Just like the Gospel. In addition, participants have the privilege of developing community as they journey through this program. Participants should come ready for the possibility of change.
   The program is tentatively scheduled to be offered again, beginning fall of 2009.  For more information, please contact Paula (see below).

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Library
   There is a library in the upper level of the parish center. You will find wonderful books on subjects such as Jesus, social justice (the "Kingdom") Scripture, healing, death, dying, grief, spirituality, prayer, family, and much more. There are also audio tapes and videos available.
   The check-out procedure is posted on the top shelf. Please feel free to browse and take things home. If you have newer good books that you would like to donate to the library, please give them to Paula (see below) or leave them at the parish office.

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Marriage Preparation
   Couples who wish to be married at St. Albert’s must either have parents who are registered members of St. Albert’s or be registered members of the parish themselves for at least 6 months before they can reserve a date for their wedding.  Paula Horn is the first contact person to get the Marriage Preparation process started.  Elements of the preparation process include an initial meeting with Paula (which includes a copy of St. Albert’s Wedding Guidelines), discussions with a trained mentor couple in the parish as part of the FOCCUS program, and participation in two diocesan preparation days, which are generally scheduled on Saturdays:  “Real Life, Real Love,” and “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage.”  Please allow a minimum of 6 months to complete the preparation process, once you are eligible to set your wedding date.  Thanks!

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Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS)
   The Ministry of Mothers Sharing is an outreach ministry that creates a confidential place for 8-10 mothers to come together for a couple of hours a week, share stories, and pursue spiritual enrichment.  Further details and registration information can be found by clicking here ---> MOMS

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Play Group
   The purpose of this group is to gather parents with preschool children, so the children may play together while the parents visit and watch. The group meets in the lower level of Albert House on Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:00 AM.
   All are welcome.  Contact persons: Theresa at 834-0227 or Mary at 825-8469.

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RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults    RCIA is for adults who have never been baptized, adults who are baptized in another Christian denomination and are seeking to join the Catholic Church, adults who are baptized Catholic and who are interested in completing their sacraments of initiation (first Eucharist and/or confirmation).
   The RCIA gives participants an experience of Catholic community through educational, social, and spiritual gatherings.
   The RCIA consists of four periods.
   The first is the Inquiry Period, which focuses on the questions of the participants, general characteristics of Catholicism, and on details regarding the RCIA to help participants decide if the RCIA is for them at this particular time in their lives. The first period is very informal, and no commitment is necessary to be in the Inquiry Group.
   The second period is the Catechumenate Period and focuses on giving to the RCIA participants an adult level presentation on foundational topics of Catholicism, such as God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the sacraments, scripture, Mary and the saints, Social Justice, Church, morality, and Catholic customs.
   The period of Purification and Enlightenment is the third period of the RCIA and coincides with Lent. This is a time of prayer and features an overview of different ways of praying in the Catholic tradition.
   During the second and third periods, there are scripture reflection times based on the Sunday readings and others.
   The RCIA culminates at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, when Baptisms, Confirmations, and First Communions are celebrated.
   The fourth period is called Mystagogia. It is a time to reflect on the experience of the Easter Vigil, the sacraments received, and how one is going to continue his or her faith journey after the RCIA.

   Periodically there are simple Rites that celebrate the movement of participants from one period to the next. These Rites allow those in the RCIA to experience the love of God through our Parish Family's support and prayer. They all take place at regular weekend Masses.

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RCIA Sponsor, Guest Speaker, and Hospitality Person
   The sponsor is a very important part of the RCIA. The sponsor is a confirmed, actively practicing Catholic who supports a person in the RCIA, mainly by their presence at RCIA sessions and rites. The sponsor can also help introduce the RCIA participant to other parishioners and to various aspects of parish life that the sponsor may be involved in. The sponsor prays for the person they are sponsoring.   The sponsor does not need to be a walking encyclopedia of Catholicism but should be able to share about their own faith experiences.
   A guest speaker shares his or her expertise on some aspect of the Catholic faith or shares faith experiences.
   A hospitality person helps with the reception held in conjunction with the Rite of Election and/or Easter Vigil.
   Contact Paula (see below) for more information.

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Retreat Information
   Are you looking for a retreat to attend within easy driving distance from St. Albert’s?  Check out the following web sites or call the Parish for more information.
 

The Center to Be in West Bend, WI
www.centertobe.org

Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse, WI
email: www.franciscanspiritualitycenter.org

Holy Name Retreat House in Fish Creek, WI
email: http://www.gbdioc.org/pg/spiritualityRetreatHouse.tpl

Holy Wisdom Monastery (ecumenical) in Madison, WI
(formerly St. Benedict Center)
www.benedictinewomen.org

Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, WI
www.jesuitretreathouse.org

St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon City, WI
www.sarcenter.com/location.shtml

St. Joseph Retreat in Bailey’s Harbor, WI
email: www.stjosephretreat.org

Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque, IA
www.members.aol.com/DBQShalom

Siena Center in Racine, WI
www.racinedominicans.org

Sinsinawa Mound Centre in Sinsinawa, WI
www.sinsinawa.org

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Small Faith-sharing Groups
   There are several small groups of adults that gather for some form of scripture and/or faith sharing. Each group selects their own formats and materials for short blocks of time, usually six to eight weeks in duration. If you would like to start a group or, perhaps, find a group with an opening, please call Paula.

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Special Events
   Watch the newsletter and bulletin for special events such as the Labyrinth, reflections, and guest speakers.

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Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation...
      ...meets from 9 – 10:15am (between Masses on Sunday)on the mornings that Children’s Faith Formation meets:  September 23, 30; October 7, 14;  November 4, 11; December 2, 9, 16; January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 10, 17; March 2, 9, 16.  On the first meeting date of each month, we will explore different ways of “Encountering the Living Christ.”  Other dates each month we will consider a variety of other topics.  Watch weekly bulletins and future newsletters for topics for the year!

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Women's Spiritual Journey
   Have you reached a crossroad on your faith journey? Are you searching for something more in your relationship with Christ? Or perhaps you are just looking to spend more time growing with God.
   We are a small group of women who span all of life's phases. We journey together by meeting weekly on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 1 of the upper level parish center.
   We begin with prayer, then read and discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday.  Discussion questions are provided in a study guide. Spontaneous questions and opinions which generate a lively exchange of opinions and Catholic traditions are encouraged. We are learning from the prescribed readings, as well as through sharing our personal experiences of faith. We find that through this sharing, we are being moved by faith in wonderful ways.
   Come join us.

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Involvement and Information
To become involved in any of these activities or obtain more information, please contact:
 

Paula Horn
Director of Adult Faith Formation
837-3798 Ext 23
paula@saintalberts.org



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2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Phone 608-837-3798   Fax 608-837-8576

For additions / deletions / changes to this website, e-mail paul@saintalberts.org