Year of Faith – Last fall Pope Benedict XI summoned Catholics throughout the world to celebrate, in a “worthy and fruitful manner” a Year of Faith beginning October 11, 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. In a dramatic statement, parish communities were urged to focus their formation and devotional efforts on the magnificent gift of faith that is offered to each of us and “to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ.” In this spirit, St. John’s Adult Faith Formation Commission has created a special project to plan and present to members of our parish a series of discussions, readings, lectures and other programs focused on the often difficult task we all accept when we are baptized of renewing and expanding constantly our lives as faith-filled followers of Jesus Christ. This will be a major undertaking and we will be calling on people for help. We urge you now to go to the Vatican website and read the Pope’s letter Porta Fidei, which opens with these stirring words: The “door of faith” is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime.
Faith Formation Calendar
April 22, 7:30 p.m. Iran in Turmoil – Talk and Discussion
Sacred Heart Parish, Newton Centre
May 5, 7:30 a.m, Social Hall – Men’s Group
For information and to receive in advance the material to be discussed, contact Deacon Tom Smith (smithum@verizon.net)
May 8, 6:30 p.m. Social Hall – Evening for Woman
Final gathering for this year! Come with your Spring/Summer recipe. All welcome! Moderator: Sr. Evelyn Ronan
May 10, 7:30 p.m. Parish Center – Book Discussion Group
Demian, a short novel by Hermann Hesse
June 5, 7:30 p.m. Social Hall – Lecture and Discussion on John Henry Newman by Father Robert Imbelli
Associate Professor, Department of Theology, Boston College
