Adult Faith Formation Commission
The Adult Faith Formation Commission was formed in January of 2006. Adult faith formation is concerned with the ongoing faith life of adults. It asks the question: What do adults within the parish community need in order to grow in their faith? The goals of faith formation are: holiness of life (deepening of relationship with Christ in everyday life), active participation in the Christian community and service of God and neighbor.
In 1999, the U.S. Bishops published a Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation called "Our Hearts Were Burning". In the Introduction, they stated: "We seek to form parishes that are vitally alive in faith. These communities will provide a parish climate and an array of activities and resources designed to help adults more fully understand and live their faith." They identified six dimensions of adult faith, each of which they described as "a fundamental aspect of Christian life and a foundational content area for adult faith formation." Those dimensions are: knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, communal life and outreach/social action.
The members of the Commission are: Bruce Belason, Tom Bell, Kelly Dunn, Fr. George Evans, Jacob Kallupura, John Murray, Kathleen Logan Prince, Dee Schwartz and Janet Wohlers. We plan to collaborate with parish staff and other parish commissions and committees to promote a parish community vision of adult faith formation. The Commission resonates with the words of Jane Regan: "To be genuinely Church in the 21st century, a dedication to fostering mature, committed adult communities of faith is essential." We would welcome any ideas or suggestions that parishioners might have about ways in which we might achieve the vision. Please contact Kelly Dunn.
LENTEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK
March 14
St. Paul spreads the message about Jesus Christ throughout the ancient Near East. He encourages those who lived in Corinth to be ambassadors for Christ. His words still urge us to do the same.
"So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us." 2 COR 5:19
Adult: What does it mean to bean ambassador for Christ? How can you fulfill this role?
Child: What good deeds can you do this Lent to show that you are a follower of Jesus?
March 7
The central message of Lent echoes in the Gospel this week: Learn from past mistakes and repent. The parable is a cautionary tale, intended to invoke a response.
"Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future if not you can cut it down." Luke 13:7
Adult: When has God given you second chances?
Child: How does God want you to be understanding toward others who make mistakes?
February 28
In the mountain experience, the disciples were able to fully grasp the holiness of Jesus. But most often they saw him in his everyday appearance. We believe that He remains present to us through the Holy Spirit in our ordinary activities.
"While he was praying, his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white." Luke 9:29
Adult: How can you become more attentive to the "dazzling" presence of God in the midst of your everyday routine?
Child: God is awesome!!! In what ways is God amazing to you?
February 21
"Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for 40 days, to be tempted by the devil." Luke 4:1
Adult and Child: In what ways are you tempted to be selfish and greedy? How can God help you?
MARCH 21 - A JOURNEY OF COURAGE
Michele Murdock, author of the new book A Journey of Courage, The Amazing Story of Sr Dorothy Stang, will speak at the next Coffee and Contemporary Catholicism program, Sunday morning, March 21 at 10:00AM. It will include a brief introduction about Sister Dorothy Stang - murdered in Brazil in 2005 because of her work with peasant farmers, how Ms. Murdock became involved and inspired to write this book, and the resources used for gathering information. She will read a few passages from the book and then take questions from the audience.
The St. Julia Interfaith Study
"Neighbors Understanding Neighbors"
Perhaps at no other time in history has it seemed more necessary to better understand not only our own religion, but also the religion of others. What do the followers of other religions believe? How do their beliefs affect our families, our towns, and our world? How do 'believers' view those who do not share the same understanding of God?
Fortunately at St. Julia Parish, we have the opportunity to explore these important questions in our Interfaith Study series. By using up-to-date DVD lectures, current readings related to contemporary interests, field trips, excellent speakers and meaningful discussions we gain genuine knowledge and deepen our understanding and appreciation of how people of other religions live and practice their faith.
With the wave of religious fervor sweeping the Islamic world, St. Julia's Interfaith Study began in September 2006 with the comparative study: "Islam and Christianity". A total of 52 people signed up for this first study. The overwhelming enthusiasm prompted a second interfaith study for Spring 2007. This study focused primarily on the Holy Land, and its three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Fall of 2007 we studied Orthodox Christianity.
1) To genuinely understand people of other religions; 2) To pray for people of other faiths, as well as, for world peace; 3) To have dialogue with people of other religions; and 4) To form an interfaith collaborative 'Outreach Initiative' for those who suffer loss.
All adults are welcome. Please come, gain new insight, as well as, meet new faces or re-connect with those you know. For more information, you may contact Dee Schwartz at 781-431-6463, or by email.
ARISE Together in Christ
With grace and the prayers of our fellow parishioners and the participation of faith communities throughout the entire Boston area, ARISE Together in Christ began its six-week session October, 2008. Season 2, "Change our Hearts" began in February, 2009. Here in St. Julia Parish, nine small faith-sharing groups, with a total of 92 participants, met weekly to share the Gospel and their faith in parishioners' homes, at our Weston Parish Center, and at our St. Joseph House in Lincoln. This fall 's program was "In the Footsteps of Christ".
We invite you to join the ARISE small group faith-sharing program, which begins its fourth "season" the weeks of February 14th and 21st and continues for 6 weeks. The theme "New Heart, New Spirit" will focus on forgiveness and reconciliation. Sign-up weekend will be January 23-24, and can also be done online. (Fall attendees will be contacted by group leaders to see if they wish to continue.) We also seek new leaders - one training session is required in January. Call Christine Brandt (893-4642) if interested.
Here's what some parishioners have said about the process:
• A long-time parishioner remarked that she is feeling much closer to her Church than she has in years.
• One man said he is hoping that through ARISE he will reconnect with the vitality he experienced when he converted to Catholicism years ago.
• A woman in one group said she appreciated being able to hear the voices of people of different generations talking together about faith.
• Someone else said he savored the opportunity to dialogue about everyday faith experiences in a comfortable setting.
• One said it was good way to get to know fellow parishioners.
"As one of the 10 hosts of ARISE, Session One, what did you think of the experience?"
Philomena Gildea, host for a Thursday morning group, enjoyed the opportunity to welcome the dozen participants to her home each week. She said that the experience "was a pleasure" and that all who joined the ARISE experience seemed to enjoy it.
Questions? Call Joan Duffy at 781-894- 7701.
Members of ARISE are compiling recipes for a cookbook Food for the Body & Soul. Proceeds will benefit Hearth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending elder homelessness. Please visit www.Hearth-home.org for more information, and read our cover letter describing our project here.
We invite you to be a part of the project by submitting no more than three of your favorite recipes by either completing the form that can be found at the back of the church or in the parish office, or downloaded here. Please use only one side of form, one recipe per form. You may also xerox copies of your favorite recipes and mail them to Alpheen Menachery at 68 Laurel Road, Weston, MA 02493, or scan/type your favorite recipes and e-mail them to alpheen@hotmail.com or betsyczar@comcast.net. Recipes will be organized into the following categories: appetizers & beverages, soups & salads, vegetables, main dishes, breads & rolls, desserts, and miscellaneous. Please check your recipes for accuracy and legibility. Print your name as you would like it to appear in the cookbook next to each recipe submitted. Recipes must be received no later than March 26 and final selection for inclusion in the cookbook will be at the discretion of the committee. Our goal is to start selling the cookbooks by September 2010. Questions: Contact Carol Ritter at dolvemat@comcast.net, or 339-222-9704.
Bible Study at St. Julia Parish
As you greet Spring: February 23 -- April 6 Tuesdays at 9:15: The Catholic Letters of JAMES, JUDE, AND PETER were written to bring the salvation wisdom of Jesus to first century Jewish Christians. While JAMES seeks to teach these early believers 'right Christian behavior', PETER comforts and encourages them as they face severe persecution for their faith. JUDE offers a rousing pep talk "to remain strong in the faith, be vigilant, and oppose heresy", in order to be saved. Might this pep talk and encouragement and reminder of right Christian behavior be just the message today's Christians need to hear as we live in a predominantly secular and irreligious society today? All materials provided, including a new Bible for first time members, for a fee of $25. Questions? Contact Dee Schwartz at 781-431-6463.
Saint Julia Bible Study Group meets on Tuesdays from September through June from 9:30 - 11:00 AM in the Parish Center. Meetings include a video lecture, refreshments, and discussion. One member comments, "Bible Study has become my auto pilot for life." Another member emphasis, "Bible Study renews my mind, psyche, and my body." A third member states, "I live in His presence all week thanks to studying God's Word with a group of people who both challenge and encourage me." Another writes, "Bible Study keeps my perspective focused on what is meaningful in life." Finally, another member writes, "Bible Study is a bonus way in which I receive Jesus along with the Eucharist." This group is coordinated by Dee Schwartz.
Sharper than any two-edged sword, and
Piercing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and
Able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the human heart."
(Hebrews 4:12)
Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) supports candidates and catechumens as they journey toward their reception into the Catholic church. See RCIA for more information.
Women's Spirituality Circle meets at St. Julia Church in Weston and is coordinated by Nancy Corcoran, CSJ.
