Click here to download Winter Schedule 2012
Saturdays: February 4, 11, 18, 25 9:30-10:30
We are taught that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, to be cared for and used to glorify God (1 Cor 6:19-20), and that a tranquil mind gives life to the body (Prov 14:30), yet we may feel disconnected at times. Come learn to integrate faith, fitness and fun in this gentle exercise class. We will move slowly and intentionally through a fitness sequence designed to strengthen where we are weak, release where we are tight, improve balance, posture and joint health. Then we really unwind with supported stretches and relaxation, accompanied by music and Scripture that soothes the soul. Leave with a renewed sense of peace and quiet, knowing that we truly can be present with God in all that we do. Contact: Diane Doolin, dmdoolin@sbcglobal.net (913) 631-6226. Cost: $20 for the four week session. Bring a sticky-mat, exercise mat or beach towel.
Wednesdays: February 1, March 7, April 4, May 2 7:30—9:00 pm
Are you looking for ways to jump start your prayer life? Do you need some new ideas to motivate you? Would you like the company of others when you pray? This is an opportunity to explore how to incorporate the rich traditions of our Catholic faith into your daily life. Join us once a month for learning, faith sharing and group prayer experiences. Experienced pastoral minister and spiritual director, Mary Kay Whitacre facilitates these sessions.
For more information: marykwhitacre@gmail.com or (913) 645-5382. This will be held in the Romero Chapel, and a donation of $5 per session is suggested.
Second Saturdays of the month, 9:30-11:30
Care and the love of knitting and crochet have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Women who knit or crochet, beginner or advanced, are welcome to join this on-going ministry. The group meets monthly, the second Saturday, from 9:30-11:30, in the library. Many blessings are added into every shawl. The crafter begins each shawl with prayers for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl.
When the shawl is completed, it is blessed a final time before being sent on its way. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, wrapped in the prayers of the ministry.
For more information on supplies, contact Dena Van Walleghem at mamawants2bthin@yahoo.com, 563-6760 or Mary Morin at mmorin02@hotmail.com, 816-356-8128.
January 16, February 13, March 19 7:00 pm in Mary Mueller's Office (across from the sacristy)
Love to read? Like to talk about the books you've read? Read the noted book and join us for the discussion. Read one, two, or all three. Contact Mary Morin, mmorin02@hotmail.com or 816-356-8128, or Sheri Potter at sdpotter@kc.rr.com or 599-2502 for more information.
January 16: Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin. Discussion to be led by Mary Jacobson.
February 13: Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle. Discussion to be led by Mary Morin.
March 19: Title to be determined, Anne Harvey will lead the discussion.
January 29—March 25 11:15—1:15 Library
The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Controversy and the Church University of St. Mary Staff
Join us for a brown bag lunch and lively discussion on topics of relevance to the lives of today's Catholics. $10 per session, or $40 for the series. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH.
• January 29: Theologians and Bishops: Dialogue and Disillusionment Dr. Brian W. Hughes
The historical relationship between Catholic Bishops and Theologians has been one of cooperation, tension, and at times, antipathy. In this session, we will explore some historical events and contemporary controversies to understand better what the major fault lines are for the contemporary church.
• February 12: Convictions and Controversies: What would Jesus do? Sr. Charlotte White, SCL
Immigration, abortion, excommunication: Why can't others see what is so clearly right! What shapes the American Catholic ethic? What is the trajectory of a moral life? This session will take a practical look at these questions.
• February 26: History of Ordination Dr. Amanda Quantz
Scripture does not describe an ordination ceremony. In fact, it doesn't even define clergy, and bishops were not called priests until the fourth century. This session will explore the origins of "ordination", from its earliest form and function to its ecclesiastical designation as a sacrament. Come learn about the criteria for ordination across the centuries, and how it developed into a ritual reserved exclusively for men.
• March 11: Who Do You Say That I am? The Changing Images of Jesus
Sr. Kathleen Wood, SCL
How has my own "image" of Jesus changed over the years? What influences these changes? What are the elements in a culture, a community that shape, reflect, critique its images of Jesus? Through art, music and prayer we will reflect on familiar images and explore some newer, surprising, even unsettling images of Jesus that arise in our ever widening and diverse world.
• March 25: Ministry at the Margins: St. Damien the Leper Dr. Amanda Quantz
Beginning in the 1850s the Hawaiian government began a segregation policy for people suffering from Hansen's Disease, commonly known as leprosy. As the first boatloads of lepers approached the island paradise of Molokai, they were dumped overboard along with crates of supplies, and told to swim to the shore. On October 11, 2009 the Roman Catholic Church quietly canonized a missionary priest, baptized Joseph de Veuster, who ministered to this forgotten community for two decades, with extraordinary creativity and compassion. He eventually died of the disease. Fr. Damien's ministry at the margins is a model for all who would discover Christ in service to our own homeless, orphaned, drug-addicted and diseased brothers and sisters.