Come and See!: Ave Maria’s Institute for Pastoral Theology at the BOCC
Last October, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI called for a Year of Faith to be observed throughout the Universal Church in order to, among other things, “rediscover the content of the faith that is professed, celebrated, lived and prayed.” In order to prepare for this special time of grace, and to promote perhaps the finest way an individual in the Diocese of Madison can come to acquire an in-depth facility with the content of faith, two professors for Ave Maria University’s IPT program will be offering the following lectures at the Bishop O’Connor Center.
"Opening the Door of Faith: Putting into Action Pope Benedict's Call for a Year of Faith," Dr. Larry Feingold, Friday, April 20, 7:00 p.m.
All are welcome, but particularly those who are interested in considering the pursuit of a masters degree from the IPT’s program beginning again in the fall of 2012, with monthly weekend-long classes offered in Janesville. To reserve your seat e-mail ipt@avemaria.edu, or call 1-866-866-1100. For a flyer, CLICK HERE.
YOUCAT Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
A new catechism aimed at youth and young adults is available from Ignatius Press. The new Youth Catechism derives from the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church as the response to a need for a Catechism translated into "the language of young people and to make its words penetrate their world," Pope Benedict explains. He hopes that young people across the world will "allow themselves to be fascinated" by the adaptation designed for them. The read is a "gripping" one, he writes, because "it speaks to us of our very destiny and because it looks at each one of us closely." He invites youth to approach the book with passion and perseverance, to "remain in dialogue" with the faith by speaking with friends, forming study networks and exchanging ideas on the Internet. Youth must know their beliefs and faith with the same precision as "a computer specialist knows an operating system" or "a musician knows a piece of music," he says. "Yes, you must be more deeply rooted in the faith than your parents' generation, to be able to endure the challenges and temptations of this time with strength and decision." Read more here.Join in on a discounted group order click here for flyer
Catholic Spiritual Mentorship Program
The Archdiocese of Kansas City is joining forces with the Apostles of the Interior Life (www.apostlesofil.org) and the School of Faith (www.schooloffaith.com) to offer a program of formation for spiritual mentors. You may recall that the consecrated women of the Apostles of the Interior Life served with distinction for a number of years at St. Paul University Catholic Center at the University of Wisconsin. This two-year course of study of four components combines eight distance-learning courses with four, one-week intensive in-residence sessions at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is designed for Catholics who have a desire to develop a deep prayer and sacramental life, a desire to increase their knowledge of the Catholic faith, a desire to grow in the virtues and a desire to help others do the same. The program’s intent is to develop spiritual mentors who will be trained to help guide and assist others in the spiritual life. With the shortage of qualified spiritual directors in our diocese and elsewhere, this program fills an important need. For more information, click here.
Updated "For Your Marriage" website
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed an outstanding website offering practical information and resources to engaged and married couples.
Check it out here: www.ForYourMarriage.org
Recent comments from Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI recently addressed the bishops of England and Wales, gathered for their ad Limina visit. Bishop Morlino found the Holy Father’s remarks to be of particular interest and asked that all those who assist in the catechetical work of the diocese read them. They are quite brief but thought-provoking.
Ad Limina address Pope Benedict to Bishops