The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo • Adult Faith Formation
Opportunities to Learn and Grow
 
Week of December 2-8, 2018
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Today

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
Sunday, December 9. 2:00pm.
St. Edward Church.
   "Rise Up to Glory" is the theme of this annual presentation of seasonal readings and songs which focus on the mystery of Christ's coming at Bethlehem presented by the music ministers of St. Edward Parish.

ADVENT EVENING PRAYER
Sunday, December 9. 5:00-5:30pm. Eucharistic Chapel, St. Edward Church.   
   Advent Evening Prayer is a wonderful chance to Rise up to glory and take part in the church's Liturgy of the Hours (vespers). This prayer includes Scripture, intercessions, reflection, and song.
 

This Week

 
BUSY CATHOLIC'S ONLINE ADVENT RETREAT
December 10-16. 
   "The Savior Among Us" is the theme for our annual online Advent Retreat which features Advent reflections from the teaching of Pope Francis.  During the seven days of the retreat participants will receive a daily scripture reading, reflection and prayer for personal meditation; in addition, participants may share their insights and read comments from other participants on the retreat blog.  Here is an opportunity to become more deeply aware of the mystery of the Incarnation which we celebrate at Christmas. 
• Information at 319-233-0499 and online at waterloocatholics.org/online-advent-retreat
 
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Monday, December 10. 6:30-8:30pm.
St. Matthew Room, St. Edward Parish Center.
   This preparation program is for first-time parents in the Waterloo parishes who are planning to baptize an infant or young child in the near future.  To register for the class, please call the parish office in the parish where you are members or register online at waterloocatholics.org/online-registration-for-baptism.  Parents should be registered members of a parish and may register at the class. 
• Learn more about baptizing infants and children at:  bit.do/infant-baptism
 
PRO-LIFE CHRISTMAS CAROLING -- Monday, December 10. 3:30pm. 2520 Melrose Dr., Cedar Falls. The local 40-Days for Life organization is sponsoring Peace in the Womb Christmas Caroling.  For information contact Kie Maas at 319-231-5711 (email faithluth@aol.com).

WOMEN OF FAITH
Tuesday, December 11. 6:00pm.
St. Luke Episcopal Church, Cedar Falls.
   Join local women of faith for this potluck supper and and evening of learning and conversation.  This month's program is Remembering and Celebrating Our Holiday Traditions.  Bring a vegetarian dishes to share (cheese and eggs are OK, shellfish, gelatin products and alcohol are not).  All are welcome. 
• For information contact Ruth Ratliff at ratliff@cfu.net

BUSY CATHOLIC'S GUIDE TO RECONCILIATION
Thursday, December 13. 7:00-8:00pm.
COR at 220 E. 4th St.
   Find out more about how and why Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.  This session will address practical questions like when and how often Catholics go to confession, what formats are available, how to prepare, and what to say.  No registration required. 
• Information at 319-234-9912 and online at bit.do/catholic-life

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Register Now

ADVENT ONLINE RETREAT -- December 10-16. Information and registration at 319-233-0498 and online at waterloocatholics.org/online-advent-retreat
 
BECOMING CATHOLIC
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, please contact the Faith Formation Office at 319-233-0498.
• Find information and schedules online at http://waterloocatholics.org/rcia-rcra
 
ADULT CONFIRMATION
• Information at 319-233-0498 and online at
https://waterloocatholics.org/adult-confirmation

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Next Week

 
ADVENT EVENING PRAYER
Sunday, December 16. 5:00-5:30pm. Eucharistic Chapel, St. Edward Church.   
   Advent Evening Prayer is a wonderful chance to Rise up to glory and take part in the church's Liturgy of the Hours (vespers). This prayer includes Scripture, intercessions, reflection, and song.
 
COMMUNITY FORUM/HOLIDAY GRIEF
Monday, December 17. 5:30-7:00pm.
COR at 220 E. 4th St., Waterloo. 
   Holidays are often a particularly difficult time for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one, whether the loss was recent or some time ago. In this discussion, Rev. Maureen Doherty will share her personal and professional suggestions for how to cope with grief during the holidays.
• Information at 319-233-0498 and online at
https://waterloocatholics.org/community-forum
 
FOCUS ON FAITH
Monday , December 17. 7:00-8:00pm.
COR at 220 E. 4 ^th St.
   Focus on Faith discussions are held in conjunction with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and provide an opportunity to explore different aspects of the Catholic faith.  They are open to all adults and young adults who want to review or learn more about the faith.  This week's topic is Prayer--Our Relationship to God.
 
HOMELESS PERSONS' MEMORIAL SERVICE
Thursday, Dec. 21. 6:00pm. 
COR at 220 East 4th St., Waterloo. 
   December 21 is a national day of remembrance for homeless persons who have passed away during the past year.  This local commemoration is sponsored by the Hospitality House and Cedar Valley Catholic Social Action Network.  Gather at COR between 5:30 and 6:00; and walk to Lincoln Park for the memorial service.  Bring hats, scarves and gloves to hang on trees in the park for the homeless.  Join us for a light meal afterward at COR. 
• Learn more about the National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day here:
http://nationalhomeless.org/about-us/projects/memorial-day/

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More Opportunities to Learn and Grow

 
ADVENT EVENING PRAYER
Sunday, December 23. 5:00-5:30pm. Eucharistic Chapel, St. Edward Church.   
   Advent Evening Prayer is a wonderful chance to Rise up to glory and take part in the church's Liturgy of the Hours (vespers). This prayer includes Scripture, intercessions, reflection, and song.
 
NEW YEARS EVE RETREAT
Saturday, Dec. 31. 5:00pm-Sunday, Jan. 1. 11:00am.
American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls. 
   "Making Gratitude an Intention of the Heart" is the theme for this overnight retreat conducted by Deacon Len Froyen.  The retreat will explore the convergence of personal stories and the virtue of gratitude as lifeline to hope, happiness, peace and well-being.   Fee is $65.00 per person and includes a copy of Deacon Froyen's book, "Gratitude--Affirming One Another Through Stories." 
• Information and registration available at 319-266-3543 or email DBQAMRHsec@dbqarch.org.

ALPHA FOR CATHOLICS
Starts February 7.  5:30-7:00pm.
O’Hagen Hall, Sacred Heart Parish. 
   Alpha is an exciting and engaging enrichment series for adults and young adults who want to explore or renew their relationship to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith.  Each Alpha program includes a meal, video, and discussion. This ten-week Alpha series for members of Queen of Peace and Sacred Heart Parishes is open to the public. 
• Information at 319-233-0498 and online at waterloocatholics.org/alpha

FOCUS ON FAITH
Monday, February 18. 7:00-8:00pm.
COR at 220 E. 4 ^th St.
   Focus on Faith discussions are held in conjunction with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and provide an opportunity to explore different aspects of the Catholic faith.  They are open to all adults and young adults who want to review or learn more about the faith.  This week's topic is Church Structure and Hierarchy.
 
CRITICAL CHOICES WORKSHOP
February 20, 2019. 1:30-3:30pm.
St. Francis Room, St. Edward Parish.
   This  workshop examines some of the issues which arise at the time of a serious illness or at the end of life and helps participants consider the type of personal, spiritual and medical care they wish to receive if they are seriously ill and unable to speak for themselves.  The workshop is appropriate for individuals or couples of any age.  No fee. Pre-registration required. 
• Information and registration at 319-233-0498 or online at https://waterloocatholics.org/critical-choices-workshops
 
FOCUS ON FAITH
Monday, March 18. 7:00-8:00pm.
COR at 220 E. 4 ^th St.
   Focus on Faith discussions are held in conjunction with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and provide an opportunity to explore different aspects of the Catholic faith.  They are open to all adults and young adults who want to review or learn more about the faith.  This week's topic is Mary and the Saints.

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WEEKEND. 
March 15-17, 2019.  
American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls. 
   CEW is a renewal weekend for adults and young adults designed to enable them to more deeply experience their personal relationship to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith community.  The weekend begins Friday evening at 8:00pm and ends Sunday at 4:00pm.  $135 registration fee includes meals and overnight accommodations. Contact: Stephanie Gardner (319-415-3769;  Email: 69camaro@mchsi.com) or Mike Dudley (319-350-6764; Email: mdudjci@mchsi.com).
• Information online at: waterloocatholics.org/cew

DISCIPLESHIP EXPERIENCE WEEKEND
March 22-24, 2019
American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls. 
   This weekend experience will focus on seven themes or principles of Catholic Social Teaching.  A team of presenters will explain the components of each theme and facilitate discussion about the implications of that principle for daily life in the world today.  The weekend begins on Friday evening at 8:00pm and concludes with Mass Sunday afternoon.  Registration fee is $135, which includes meals and overnight accommodations (commuter rate: $75). 
• Information and registration online at: bit.do/DEWeekend

FOCUS ON FAITH
Monday, April 15 7:00-8:00pm.
COR at 220 E. 4th Street

   Focus on Faith discussions are held in conjunction with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and provide an opportunity to explore different aspects of the Catholic faith.  They are open to all adults and young adults who want to review or learn more about the faith.  This week's topic is Heaven, Hell and Purgatory.

TU RNING POINT RETREAT (SERENITY WEEKEND)
April 26-28, 2019.
American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls. 
   This retreat (formerly called a Serenity Weekend) is for individuals participating in 12-Step recovery programs like AA or Alanon.  The retreat begins Friday at 6:00pm and concludes Sunday at 1:00pm. $135 registration includes accommodations and meals. $25 deposit required in advance.  (This retreat fills up quickly.) 
• Contact American Martyrs at 319-266-3543 or Bernie F at 319-350-3345.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS
   Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offering enrichment weekends for married couples for over 40 years.  These weekends are designed for married couples who desire a richer, fuller married life.  During the weekend couples learn to communicate in a deeper and more enriching way, free from the distractions and interruptions of daily life.  Weekends are held at retreat centers or hotels. Advance registration is recommended. Weekends are currently scheduled for October 19-21 in Marathon WI; Nov. 2-4 in Coralville IA; March 8-10 in LaCrosse WI; April 12-14 in Ankeny IA; May 3-5 in Dubuque IA; Sept. 20-22 in Cedar Falls IA; Nov. 1-3 in Coralville IA.
• Information and registration is available online at www.iowa-wwme.org

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Introducing…Alpha for Catholics
 

Alpha is a faith enrichment opportunity for adults and young adults who want to learn or review the basic convictions of Christian faith.  This exciting, engaging opportunity consists of 10 weekly sessions and one reflection day.  Each weekly session includes a meal, a video presentation, and a discussion.  The sessions explore such basic questions as “Who is Jesus?” “Why did Jesus die?” “How do I pray?” “How can I resist evil?” “Is there more to life than this?” and more.  Alpha in the Waterloo parishes begins this fall and will be available at your parish sometime during the coming year.
• Information at 319-233-0498 and online at:
http://waterloocatholics.org/alpha

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Interested in Being Catholic?
 

The Catholic Parishes in Cedar Falls and Waterloo offer a variety of opportunities for adults and young adults who are interested in joining the Catholic Church.  These include the Rite of Initiation for individuals who have never been baptized and the Rite of Reception for those who have been baptized and catechized in another Christian denomination.
Please join us for inquiry sessions at 220 East 4 ^th St, Waterloo:
• For more information contact Ellen Voegele at 319-233-8060 or Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498.
• Find information and schedules online at http://waterloocatholics.org/rcia-rcra

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Catholic Seekers
 

Are you an adult Catholic who feels you have outgrown the faith you learned as a child?  Join our new group of Catholic Seekers who are searching for a more mature, adult understanding of your faith. 
• For information contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org) or register online at:
http://bit.do/catholicseekers

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Inactive and Alienated Catholics

 
The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are eager to encourage and support our sisters and brothers who no longer participate regularly in the spiritual and sacramental life of the Catholic Church.   If you or someone you know is an inactive, alienated, angry or disillusioned or former Catholic, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns and questions in a safe, understanding and non-judgmental environment, even if you do not anticipate resuming participation in the Catholic faith community.
• For information contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org) .

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LGBT Catholics
 

The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are eager to encourage and support our gay and lesbian sisters and brothers.   If you or someone you know is a gay or lesbian Catholic or former Catholic, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns and questions in a safe, understanding and nonjudgmental environment, even if you do not anticipate resuming participation in the Catholic faith community.
• For information contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org) .

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Can You Help?

 
SHARE YOUR FAITH ... with individuals preparing to join the Catholic Church.  We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic parish individuals or couples who are will to serve as parish representatives or sponsors for new individuals in our initiation programs for adults and young adults.  Most of your responsibilities can be arranged to fit your schedule. 
• Contact Ellen Voegele or Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498.

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