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Why Catholic?

Who we are
What we believe
Why it matters

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish
8404 Cass Ave., Darien, IL

Invites You

to an

Adult Formation
Speaker Series

Tuesday Evenings

October & November

Enjoy a light dinner, Explore interesting and
relevant topics and Engage in lively
conversation.

Childcare available upon request.

For Questions or to register contact
Margaret Pinas, Director of Adult Faith Formation
630-852-3303

Why Catholic? Who we are...What we
believe...Why it Matters

All Sessions held on Tuesday evenings from
*7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

* An optional light dinner will be served between 6:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

October 11: WHY BE CATHOLIC?

OLMC welcomes Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, a nationally known theologian and author, as he explains in a fresh and contemporary way that “catholic” means fullness of life! With an engaging personal witness and story, Dr. D’Ambrosio will discuss many aspects of our faith—from “who needs the Church?” to Mary and the Saints, the Eucharist, salvation and eternity. The presentation will be followed by an “ask the expert” Q & A session.

October 18: BAPTISM-CELEBRATING THE GIFT

Join us for an engaging video teaching by Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio as we explore our baptism. What is the relevance of this sacrament in our adult lives? Do we fully understand what it is we profess to believe as baptized Catholics? Margaret Pinas, OLMC’s Adult Formation director will facilitate our exploration and celebration of our baptism.

October 25: EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

We welcome Fr. Dick Bennett as he leads us in an interactive discussion on the power and presence of God in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Learn about the work of the Spirit in our Church beginning with Pentecost . Contemplate a personal faith relationship and what it means to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. Learn how the Holy Spirit brings transformation and life so “...streams of living water will flow from within you…” (John 7:38). Fr. Bennett is the pastor at Holy Spirit Catholic Community in Naperville.

November 1: MARY & THE SAINTS-MODELS OF HOLINESS

Come celebrate All Saints Day by attending Mass at 7 p.m. followed by a discussion about the richness of this Catholic tradition. Be renewed as we consider Mary, model of Christian living; and the Saints, both ancient and modern, as guides who point us on our own journey to Christ and holiness. *Please note: For this session only, we will not be offering dinner at 6:30. Refreshments will be served after Mass. This session will end at 8:45 p.m. due to Mass.

November 8: THE MASS—WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Join us in welcoming Cheri Rosales, M.A. as she leads us through the Mass explaining in detail what we do at Sunday liturgy. This discussion is designed to deepen our knowledge, understanding and love of the liturgy...the source and summit of all we do as Catholic Christians. Many topics will be discussed including an intriguing look at the sacred vessels, vestments, the liturgy of the Word and the Eucharistic Prayer. Cheri Rosales is the director of Adult Faith Formation & RCIA at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville.

November 15: THE LAITY—EMPOWERED & IMPORTANT

Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Decree of the Apostolate of the Laity. This document defines and charges the laity with their rightful role in the Body of Christ. Be part of an enjoyable and real-world discussion of our call and vocation . Find out about the connection between this document and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Discover how the Church empowers us to fulfill our role as members of the Church and be salt and light to the world. See how this document helps us to determine “who we are, what we believe and why it matters” in the world today. Join parishioners Nancy Brown and Margaret Pinas as they lead us to definitively answer “Why Catholic?”.

For more information or to register for any or all of these sessions please call 630-852-3303. Childcare available upon request. Registration is encouraged so adequate material/food are available for all attendees

Adult Faith Formation
Fall 2005

From the Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

To paraphrase this morning’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus said, “the members of my family are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” We are part of God’s family who are called to live out our faith, hope and love for others. This is a lifelong process. As one young adult said to me, “we are Catholic to the core but we don’t know what that means.”

Sunday Mass is where we hear and share the Word of God. However, we really need more to help us to continue to answer life’s two most important questions: WHO IS GOD? and WHO ARE WE? This is an ongoing process. We need to continue to grow and learn. We can’t answer the God question until we answer the “me” question. This is constantly changing as we change.

Our Small Faith Communities are one way we can learn and share. Bible Study is another way we can grow. Coming to the Adult Formation Speaker Series is another way to help us on our way to God. These talks are opportunities for us to look at things differently.

I usually begin my Sunday homily preparation on the Monday before. The more I read, the more I learn. There is so much I still do not know about God and myself. We all still have much to learn to help us finish the unfinished business.

This series of talks can help everyone who comes to understand more of what God wants of us for the rest of the journey.

Please, come and see.

Fr. Gavin

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish
8404 Cass Ave., Darien, IL
630-852-333