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Learn to Grow this Lent.
Lent is traditionally a time when Catholics focus on growing in our faith, our relationship to Jesus Christ,
and our participation in the church. Here is a list of enrichment opportunities
for adults and young adults sponsored by Waterloo Faith Formation.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH DISCUSSION.
BUSY CATHOLIC'S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC LIFE.
This online discussion is designed for adults and young adults who want to examine their spiritual life and learn more about how to develop or strengthen their spiritual life. Preparing for Lent is a perfect time to have this discussion. Whether you’re lost and confused or doing well and want to do better, this discussion will help you focus on ways in which you can strengthen and deepen your spiritual life.
• Wednesday, February 10. 6:30-7:30pm.
> Learn more here.
> Register to participate here.
WEEKLY LENTEN DISCUSSIONS.
These weekly online discussions are facilitated by members of the Faith Formation Team and parish staffs. They give participants an opportunity to reflect on the Sunday scripture readings and discuss how the readings shape their personal lives.
• Discussions meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting February 18.
> Learn more and see a schedule of discussion sessions here.
> Register to participate in the group of your choice here.
OREMUS--GUIDE TO CATHOLIC PRAYER VIDEO SERIES.
This five-week online video series explores the essentials of an effective and fruitful prayer life. Fr. Mark Toup helps participants understand the nature of prayer, discover how God speaks to them, and explore the various ways we can respond to God in prayer.
• Wednesday Evenings. 7:00-8:00pm. Starting February 24. Ending March 24.
> Learn more here.
> Register to participate here.
BUSY CATHOLIC'S VIRTUAL LENTEN RETREAT.
"Who Is My Neighbor?" is the theme for our annual Virtual Lenten Retreat which features daily reflections on the parable of the Good Samaritan from Pope Francis' encyclical letter Fratelli tutti. Receive a daily scripture reading, reflection and prayer for personal meditation, share your thoughts and read comments from other participants on our retreat blog.
• March 8-14.
> Learn more here.
> Register to participate here.
FROM RUINS TO RESURRECTION Evening Reflection
Tuesday, March 9. 6:00-7:30pm (Iowa Time). "From Ruin to Resurrection" is the theme of this Lenten evening of reflection conducted by Andy Otto and sponsored by Ignatian Resources.
> Learn more here.
JOURNEY WITH THE ST. JOHN'S BIBLE
Available Through May 2021. This six part series presented by the McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame Choose the days and times you wish to engage with the series.
> Learn more and register here.
GROWING IN FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD THIS LENT
"Lent is a great time to give God a chance to convince you of his desire for your friendship ," writes Fr. William Barry SJ. It is a time for "engaging in practices of penance or prayer that will ready us to experience, more and more deeply, the almost unbelievable love and generosity of God toward us wayward human beings." This seven-part series of reflections is based on Fr. Barry's reflections and features commentary by various spiritual writers and guides.
> The reflections will be posted each Wednesday on our Facebook page here.
GROWING BACK BETTER ONLINE RETREAT
This retreat consists of weekly reflections by the spiritual guide Margaret Silf. The reflections will examine how the past year has challenged us, individually and collectively, in ways no-one could have imagined and has confronted us with the question of whether we want to go back to how things were, or to ‘grow back better’.
> The audio reflections will be posted online each Monday during Lent here.
VIRTUAL LENTEN PILGRIMAGE THROUGH THE HOLY LAND
Magdala organization offers this Lenten pilgrimage which features weekly reflections combining aspects of faith, Lent, and Holy Land destinations.
> Learn more and register here.
KNOW YOUR FAITH DISCUSSIONS
These online discussions are designed for adults and young adults who want to learn or review basic components of the Catholic faith. The discussions are informal; questions and doubts are welcome. Pre-registration required.
• Monday, February 15. 7:00-8:00pm. "Faith and the Meaning of Life."
• Tuesday, March 16. 7:00-8:00pm. "Who Is God?"
• Monday, April 19. 7:00-8:00pm. "God's Revelation: Scripture"
> Learn more here.
> Register to participate here.
These one-hour online discussions are for adults and young adults who want to participate more intentionally in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church. The discussions are informal and welcome questions and doubts. Pre-registration required.
• Tuesday, February 16. 7:00-8:00pm. "Busy Catholics Guide to Lent"
• Thursday, February 18. 7:00-8:00pm. "Busy Catholics Guide to Prayer"
• Tuesday, March 2. 7:00-8:00pm. "Busy Catholics Guide to Reconciliation"
• Tuesday, March 23. 7:00-8:00pm. "Busy Catholics Guide to Holy Week."
> Learn more here.
> Register to participate in the conversation here.
HOLY WEEK REFLECTIONS.
GOOD FRIDAY MEDITATIONS.
These hourly online meditations help busy Catholics join in the solemn commenmoration of the passion and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The meditations, which are available by email, contain the prayers and reflections for the Pope's annual Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome.
• Friday, April 2. Hourly, 7:00am to 8:00pm.
> Register to receive the meditations by email here.
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 of the meeting includes a combination of prayer, reflection, personal sharing, reflective listening and mutual support.
> Learn more here.
LABYRINTH PRAYER.
The labyrinth is a form of contemplative or silent prayer which in the Christian tradition became popular in the Middle Ages as a symbol of life's spiritual journey. A labyrinth will be available for individuals and groups in Will Hall at St. Luke' Episcopal Church in Cedar Falls during Holy Week. For information or to schedule a group call 319-277-8520 or email st.lukes@cfu.net. Prayer guides will be available.
> Learn more about labyrinth prayer here.
Related Links:
> Spiritual growth during a pandemic
> More virtual learning opportunities
> More Lenten resources
> Common Lenten customs
> Fast and Abstinence Rules
[Last Update: 03.07.21]