Why, “Why Catholic?”? This diocesan sponsored program is based on the 4 pillars of the Catholic Church: The Creed, The Sacraments, Life in Christ and Prayer. We learn about these pillars of our faith so that we can articulate for ourselves and others who our faith is all about. This year we are looking at Life in Christ.
This year’s series deals with sin, conscience, moral issues, responsibility & grace among other topics. The text used is from the Renew International program and gives background information, discussion questions and prayer to be done in a small group setting (5-12 people). The more we share the God in ourselves with others the more we come to understand who God is and how our God works in our lives.
Anyone who has participated in the small group discussions thus far have seen how our faith life is based on the Creed. If you have seen the tiny capsules where you just add water and 24 hours later a huge sponge toy appears, then you understand how our Creed works. We have the capsule (the Creed) and in our living it out (putting it in water) we grow into a better understanding of the tenets of the faith. Our faith life grows.
The sacraments are celebrations and highlight the major, important events in our life: birth (Baptism), making up for times when we were selfish or greedy or…(Reconciliation), food for the journey (Eucharist), our acceptance personally of God in our life (Confirmation), service to God’s people (Marriage & Holy Orders) and the final preparation for leaving this world (Anointing of the sick).
These 4 pillars along with the Church’s Tradition (2000 + years of devotion and life) form the basis of our faith. Come join us this year as we journey with the 3rd pillar, Life in Christ. Sign up for a small group can be done in several ways:
- Complete the sign-up sheet and send to the parish office where you will be grouped with others needing the same time frame
- Talk to family, friends and neighbors and organize your own small group and register as one group rather than individually
A session for those who want a “sneak preview” is being held at various sites throughout the diocese. Those closest to us are:
St. Thomas in Decatur on Tues., Sept. 21 from 6:30-9:00
Immaculate Conception in Mattoon on Wed., Sept. 22 from 6:30-9:00
If you are interested in attending please call the parish office, 857-6404 Sr. Pierre, to register.
