Waterloo Catholics

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Bulletin Board

- Current and Continuing Opportunities to Learn and Grow
  For Catholic Adults and Young Adults in the Waterloo Parishes
  Week of December 8-15, 2024
  • • •
  This Week
  
  PENITENTIAL ROSARY FOR IMMIGRANTS
  Dec. 8-11. 7:00pm
  Queen of Peace Church, Waterloo
  These evening prayers on the seven days preceding the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Mary on behalf of immigrants who may soon face the danger of family separations, arrest and mass deportations. The prayer services will be live-streamed on the parish Facebook and YouTube pages.
  • Read an explanation for the purpose of the prayer services by Fr. Nils Hernandez at https://tinyurl.com/penitential-rosary
  • Read the Iowa bishops' letter to migrants at: https://bit.ly/iowa-bishops-letter
  
  ADVENT VIRTUAL RETREAT
  December 9-15.
  “Becoming Pilgrims of Hope” is the theme for this Advent virtual retreat. Daily emails will provide a reflection, practice and prayer for each day of the retreat. The daily reflections are by Sr. Janet Schaeffler OP, a nationally recognized author and leader in adult and catechist formation.
  • Learn more at: waterloocatholics.org/virtual-advent-retreat
  • Register at https://bit.ly/advent-retreat-24
  
  WEEKLY ADVENT DISCUSSION
  Monday, December 9. 7:00-8:00pm.
  Live Video Discussion
  This weekly online discussion gives participants an opportunity to reflect on the Sunday scripture readings and discuss how the readings shape their personal lives.
  • Learn more at: waterloocatholics.org/advent-discussion.
  • Use this link to join the discussion: meet.google.com/vva-duoo-nff
  
  BAPTISM PREPARATION
  Tuesday, Dec. 10. 6:30-8:30pm.
  Live Video Discussion.
  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. Parents should be registered members of a parish and may register at the class.
  • Register online at https://bit.ly/baptism-preparation-class
  • To arrange an inperson meeting email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org
  • Learn more at: https://bit.ly/baptizing-infants-and-children
  Next Week
  ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
  Sunday, Dec. 15. 2:00pm
  St. Edward Church
  “We Are Filled With Joy” is the theme for this inspiring selection of scripture readings and religious carols which capture the spirit of the Advent season. This annual program is free and open to the public.
  
  WOMEN OF FAITH
  Tuesday, Dec. 17. 6:30pm.
  Live Video Discussion
  “Wise Persons from Everywhere” is the theme for this month’s program which moves to online for the winter months. Join women from various local faith communities for this online conversation about the Magi recounted in Matthew’s Gospel and how their arrival in Bethlehem has been depicted in art over the ages.
  • For information contact Ruth Ratliff at ratliff@cfu.net
  Coming Opportunities to Learn and Grow
  
  HOMELESS PERSONS' MEMORIAL SERVICE
  Saturday, Dec. 21. 6:00pm.
  Lincoln Park, 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 Cedar Valley Hospitality House and Waterloo Catholic Faith Formation. Gather at Lincoln Park for the memorial service. Bring coats, hats, scarves, mittens and gloves to hang on trees in the park for the homeless. Join us for a light meal afterward at the Cedar Valley Warming Center.
  • Learn more about the National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day here:
  http://nationalhomeless.org/about-us/projects/memorial-day/
  
  INACTIVE AND ALIENATED CATHOLICS DISCUSSION
  Monday, Dec. 30. 7:00-8:00pm
  Meet in the lobby at Starbeck’s Smokehouse in Waterloo
  The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo host this discussion for inactive, alienated, discouraged and former Catholics who wish to discuss their past, present or future relationship to the Catholic Church in a safe, discreet environment.
  • For information contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email: dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org).
  • Find more information for inactive and alienated Catholics here:
  https://waterloocatholics.org/information-for-inactive-and-alienated-catholics
  
  PREPARATION FOR ADULT CONFIRMATION
  Saturdays, Jan. 18 and 25. 9:00-11:00am.
  New Life Center at St. Edward Parish
  This preparation program is any Catholic adult, age 19 years or older who has been baptized, catechized, and is actively participating in the spiritual and sacramental life of the Church. Those who participate will be prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with Archbishop Zinkula in March. Pre-registration required.
  • Learn more at https://waterloocatholics.org/adult-confirmation
  • Register at: https://bit.ly/adult-confirmation
  
  ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
  Saturday, Jan. 25. 8:00am-1:30pm
  “Beauty in Christ—Women of the Word” is the theme of this year’s conference featuring Barbara Heil and Kathryn Whitaker. Participate in person at local parishes or online from your own home.
  • Learn more at: www.archwomensconference.org
  
  ANNUAL MEN’S CONFERENCE
  Saturday, March 29. 9:00am-3:30pm.
  St. Pius Church, Cedar Rapids
  Evangelist Michael Gormley will be the keynote speaker for this year’s men’s conference. Archbishop Zinkula will be the celebrant and homilest.
  • Learn more at: www.ArchMensConference.org
  Continuing Opportunities
  Spiritual Growth
  Feeling Lost or Confused, Searching for More? Members of our faith formation team are pleased to meet personally with individuals who are looking for direction in their spiritual lives. We can help you discern how to continue growing in your faith, your relationship to Jesus Christ, and your participation in the Catholic faith community.
  • Learn more here or contact the Team at 319-233-0498 or email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org.
  
  Faithful Companions
  Faithful Companions is an opportunity for adults and young adults who want to continue growing in their spiritual life through conversations with a small group of spiritual companions. Groups meet monthly under the direction of a spiritual guide. The format will include a combination of prayer, reflection, personal sharing, reflective listening and mutual support. The atmosphere will be prayerful, respectful and confidential.
  • Find out more online here.
  
  Local Online Prayer Opportunities
  • Lectio Divina -- Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. Join us for the ancient practice of quiet prayer and reflection called Lectio Divina conducted online via Zoom and led by Carolyn Pfiffner a trained spiritual director . This ancient tradition of the Catholic church involves reading scripture, meditation and prayer. For registration and more information email pfiffnercarolyn@gmail.com.
  • Centering Prayer -- These 30 and 20-minute sessions are led by members of Contemplative Outreach of Northeast Iowa Monday nights at 6:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30am and Sunday afternoons at 3:30pm. Intercessory prayer follows the Centering Prayer on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For information contact Julie Rowell at julirowell@mchsi.com
  • Prayer Partners -- Looking for an online prayer partner? Send us an email with your age, gender and relationship status and we'll pair you with a local person. Contact Dave Cushing at dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org
  • • •
  Alpha in the Waterloo Parishes
  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.
  • Find out more about Alpha online here.
  • • •
  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 here.
  • • •
  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.
  • Learn more here or contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org) .
  • • •
  LGBTQ 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.
  • Learn more here or contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-0498 (email dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org)
  • • •
  Trending Today
  
  Trending Today is our summary of news and commentary about what’s happening in the Church and the world. Read it on our Facebook page at facebook.com/WaterlooCatholics
  To receive it by email send a request to dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org.
  • • •
  The Bulletin Board
  The Bulletin Board is updated each Sunday. To receive an email notice when the update is posted, send a request to: dbqwcaf@dbqarch.org
  • • •
  Adult Faith Formation in the Waterloo Parishes
  The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are committed to providing formation, education and spiritual growth opportunities for adults of all ages. We value the individual's life experience, respect the diversity of personal convictions, and welcome the wisdom of every participant. We will never intentionally embarrass or offend participants.
  [Last Update: 12.05.24]

Bulletin Board

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