October 12: News and Resources from the AFFC

Faith Formation Web Resources

Check out these interesting and informative websites to learn more about the Catholic Church, our faith, and what is going on in the world.

  • Crux  was recently launched by the Boston Globe and features the work of John Allen (formerly Vatican correspondent for NCR). They are an English language site that seeks to cover world-wide Catholicism.
  • National Catholic Reporter is a more established Catholic weekly paper, run by lay Catholics and focusing on the Church in the U.S.
  • Catholic News Service is produced by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and covers the worldwide Church, especially the papacy.

And don’t forget to check out St. John’s Faith Matters blog! We regularly post reflection on a variety of Catholic faith topics with an eye towards exploring the richness of our tradition.

Upcoming Faith Formation Events at Boston College

Wednesday, October 22, 4:00 p.m. 
Panel Discussion at Boston College
Presenters: Claire E. Wolfteich, Roberto Goizueta,
Colleen Griffith, and Thomas H. Groome
B.C. School of Theology and Ministry, 9 Lake Street,
Room 100, Brighton Campus
This event celebrates the publication of Invitation to Practical Theology: Catholic Voices and Visions (2014, Paulist Press), a collection of essays which promises to advance the vital conversation around practical theology, especially in Catholic circles. It will feature presentations by contributors Roberto Goizueta, the Margaret O’Brien Flatley Professor of Catholic Theology, B. C. Department of Theology; Colleen Griffith STM Associate Professor of the Practice of Theology and Faculty Director of Spirituality Studies; and Thomas Groome, STM Professor of Theology and Religious Education, and Chair, Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. Moderated by editor Claire Wolfteich, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Spiritual Studies, and Co-Director of the Center for Practical Theology. Free of charge and open to the public. Early registration recommended.

Friday, October 24, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Taking the Church to the Street
Presentation by Rev. Debbie Little
B.C. Gasson Hall, Rm. 100
One day more than 20 years ago, Debbie Little looked at all the people sitting on the Boston Common park benches and thought, “The church is out here, not where buildings are necessarily, but where people are. We need to show up for it!” With this inspiration, she was moved to take the gifts of the church out to people who cannot come in to receive them—gifts which she describes as celebration, accompaniment, welcome, continuity, prayer, music, Bible study, and pastoral care. Who are these people, how do we serve them, where do we begin? Say YES to the small voice within and the leading of Pope Francis, and join Rev. Little as she shares experiences, graces, and struggles of church life on the street. “Jesus was a homeless man and so am I,” says Billy, who will join her with others to share blessings they receive from being met by church on the street. Rev. Dr. Debbie Little is founder and missioner of Ecclesia Ministries and Common Cathedral Boston. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry. Free of Charge.

Thursday, October 30, 5:30 p.m.
Sacraments and Chicken Soup: Sacramental Living in a Post-Conciliar Church
Lecture by Kathleen Hughes, R.S.C.J.
B.C. Corcoran Commons, Heights Room, Chestnut Hill Campus
After identifying some key sacramental insights of Vatican II, assessing the reception of the liturgical reforms in the United States, and concluding that genuine catechesis based on a new theology of sacrament has not yet happened, this presentation will consider a fresh method of opening up the mystery of sacrament. “Mystagogy” as method invites believers to explore the intimate relationship between the liturgy and the way we live our lives, between sacraments and chicken soup. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry. Free of charge.

AFFC LogoSt. John’s Adult Faith Formation Commission
Email: AFFC@stjohnwellesley.org

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