Rise . . . and do not be afraid.  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 opportunities for adults and young adults sponsored by Waterloo Faith Formation.
 
MAKE PLANS FOR LENT -- Monday, February 17. 6:00-7:00pm. COR at 220 E. 4th St.   Join us for refreshments and conversation to talk about what you’re planning for Lent and to learn more about faith formation, enrichment and spiritual growth opportunities sponsored by the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo.  No registration required. 
If you're interested, but unable to join us, contact the Faith Formation Center at 319-233-0498.
 
KNOW YOUR FAITH DISCUSSION NIGHT: INTRO TO SPIRITUAL DIRECTION -- Monday, February 17. 7:00-8:00 pm. at COR at 220 E. 4th St. Waterloo.  Ever hear people talk about spiritual direction and wonder what it is all about?  Join us for refreshments and conversation on the basics of spiritual direction: what it is and what it is not, what to say in a session, how to find a spiritual director, etc. 
If you're interested, but unable to join us, contact the Faith Formation Center at 319-233-0498.
 
BUSY CATHOLIC'S GUIDE TO LENT -- Tuesday, February 25. 6:00-7:00pm. COR at 220 E. 4th St.  This opportunity is for adults and young adults who want to participate more intentionally in this important liturgical season.  We will review the origin and purpose of Lent, major themes of the Lenten season, and various components of Lent observance today.  No registration required. 
Information at 319-234-9912 and online here.
 
BISHOP BARRON'S VIDEO SERIES ON THE EUCHARIST -- Bishop Barron, author of the popular "Catholicism" series, examines the meaning and purpose of the Eucharist in this four-part series.  Learn more here.
Register online and indicate the days and times which work best for you at: http://bit.do/eucharist-video
 
BRIDGES TO CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING -- This five-part discussion series uses the insights of Thomas Merton and other spiritual writers to help participants understand and develop a more reflective and peaceful life.  Learn more here.
Register online and indicate the days and times which work best for you at: http://bit.do/bridges-2020
 
BUSY CATHOLIC'S GUIDE TO RECONCILIATION – Wednesday, March 4. 6:30-7:30pm at COR, 220 E. 4^th St. Find out more about how and why Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.  This discussion 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 here.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION 101 -- Saturday, March 7, March 28, April 4. 9:30-10:30 am. Faith Formation Center, Blessed Sacrament Early Childhood Center.  This three-part Lenten series examines various dimensions of spiritual direction: what it is, the importance of holy listening, and the ability to discern movements of the heart.  The series is free and open to the public.  No registration required.  It is not necessary to attend all three.  Learn more online here.
If you're interested, but unable to join us, contact the Faith Formation Center at 319-233-0498.
 
BUSY CATHOLIC'S ONLINE LENTEN RETREAT -- March 16-22. This year’s online retreat features reflections on the Beatitudes by Pope Francis.  Receive a daily scripture reading, the Pope’s reflection and prayer for personal meditation; share your insights and read comments from other participants on our retreat blog.  Information at 319-233-0498 and online at https://waterloocatholics.org/online-lenten-retreat
Register online here.
 
KNOW YOUR FAITH DISCUSSION NIGHT: THE DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS -- Monday, March 16. 7:00-8:00 pm. at COR at 220 E. 4th St. Waterloo.  St. Ignatius of Loyola gives us a great gift to help us discern what path to take or what decisions to make in our lives.  Let's take a look at Ignatius’s 14 Rules of Discernment and discuss how they might guide us in our spiritual lives.  Guest presenter (by video): Fr. Bob Gross   No registration required. 
If you're interested, but unable to join us, contact the Faith Formation Center at 319-233-0498.

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WEEKEND -- March 27-29. Riverview Conference Center, 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.  $75 registration fee includes meals and overnight accommodations. Contact: Tom Pfiffner at 319-239-4732 (email tompfiffner@gmail.com)
Information online here.
 
BUSY CATHOLIC'S GUIDE TO HOLY WEEK – Wednesday, April 1. 6:30-7:30pm. COR at 220 E. 4^th St.. Find out more about the most sacred time in the year.  This discussion will discuss the origin and structure of holy week and the meaning of the three solemn days of "the Triduum"--Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.  Free and open to the public.  No registration required. 
Information at 319-233-0498 and online here.
 
GOOD FRIDAY MEDITATIONS -- Friday, April 10.  These hourly online meditations, available by email, contain the prayers and reflections for the Pope's Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome.  The hourly meditations begin at 7:00am and continue until 8:00pm. There is no charge to receive the meditations. 
Register for the email messages here.

Find a guide to more Lenten resources here.

[Last Update: 02.14.20]