We have mentioned several times the wonderful small book by Michael Paul Gallagher: Faith Maps – Ten Religious Explorers, from Newman to Ratzinger.
A number of people in the parish have read it and are enthused; it is a book that is serious, profound and very contemporary, yet written in a style and manner appealing and valuable for everyone. Most important, it’s also a great book to gather around with others to ponder and share…deeply enriching, as we learned from a small group led by Sr. Evelyn who met on Sunday afternoons in Lent. Our plan is to organize in the Fall additional meetings, groups to talk about the ten explorers” of the book: John Henry Newman, Maurice Blondel, Karl Rahner,
Hans von Balthasar, Bernard Lonergan, Flannery O’Connor, Dorothee Soelle, Charles Taylor, Pierangelo Sequeri and Joseph Ratzinger. In addition, we will have several lectures on these distinguished men and women, beginning on Tuesday, June 5, with Father Imbelli’s presentation on Cardinal John Henry
Newman. We urge you to get a copy of Faith Maps! It is readily available on-line, in paperback ($12 – $18) and the parish has a number of copies – contact John Stewart, 617 969-0950 and he will get it to you.
Faith Formation Calendar
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, who received the Nobel Prize in
literature in 1946.
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
Newman is considered one of the theological “giants” of the 19th century, an age when belief in God seemed in deep trouble in many countries. His extensive writings reflect his drive to make sense of the Christian vision, to appreciate in greater detail just how we arrive at faith. We too live in an age when many are struggling to understand the role that God plays in our lives. The thoughts and inspirations of Newman are as relevant today as they were when he died in 1890.
St. John’s Faith Formation Commission
(Email: AFFC@stjohnwellesley.org)
