Adult Faith Formation

We have many opportunities for adult faith formation available in our cluster. Here are some to watch for:

Ministry Formation Classes — sponsored by Catholic Education Ministries of the Diocese of St. Cloud, undergraduate level theology courses are offered fall and spring semesters at the Newman Center. Classes can be taken for credit or audit. For more information, contact Brenda Kresky at 251-0111 or see http://www.stcdio.org/offices/cem/faith-formation/ministry-formation-program-schedule.html

Lectio Divina — Lectio Divina is an ancient prayer practice meaning “holy reading.” This practice involves meditation on scripture in several movements of listening and response. Lectio Divina prayer services will be held at 4:00 pm once a month on the second Sunday of the month in St. Mary’s Cathedral lower church.

Faith For Living — Facilitated by Fr. Tony on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:15-7:15 pm, these sessions will explore an adult, contemporary understanding of our Catholic faith. Topics and guest speakers are published in the bulletin about a month prior to each event.

Mother’s Rosary Group — This group of mothers, grandmothers and children meet the first and third Wednesday of the month in the childcare room for fellowship and prayer. Watch the St. Mary’s page of the bulletin for meeting dates and cancelations.

Annual Rev. Wil Illies Memorial Lectures — As a fitting tribute to Father Illies, an annual lecture program named "The Rev. Wilfred A. Illies Heart Speaks to Heart Lecture” is held each Spring at the Newman Center. Lisa Cahill will be featured for the 7th annual lecture on March 23, at 7:00 pm in the Newman Center Chapel.

In addition to the annual lecture, the Wil Illies Memorial Endowment is proud to sponsor a talk by Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, OP, who will speak on, "A Love that Lets You Breathe: How God is Present in Our Loves” on September 29, at 7:00 pm in the Newman Center Chapel.

Triple Plays at Newman Center — Occasionally, the Newman Center brings in speakers for presentations for parishioners and students. We often do this during Coffee & Rolls on Sunday mornings or on a holy day, as part of a "Triple Play" event. We will always let you know when someone is coming!

For People Wishing to Join the Catholic Church — Questions about the Catholic Church, Church teachings and faith are discussed during the inquiry phase of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). All are welcome to attend these informative sessions, usually held in the fall. If you are considering joining the Catholic Church or completing your initiation process, call your parish office!

Eucharistic Adoration — Eucharistic Adoration involves praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. As a prayer form, the experience of sitting with Jesus can be powerful. Adoration is held at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesdays from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm, followed with a prayer service from 7:00-8:00 pm in the lower church. At St. Augustine’s Adoration begins with a short prayer service after morning Mass on Friday and continues until 6:00 pm in the music sacristy.

Community Meals — Each weekend of the month, various churches in the St. Cloud area provide a meal to those in need. Newman Center and University Lutheran partner to provide the meal on second Saturdays of the month; St. Augustine’s provides the meal on third Sundays; and St. Mary’s Cathedral provides the meal on the last Sunday of each month. Call 1-800-543-7709 or watch your bulletin for ways to get involved!

Festival of Praise — Charismatic praise and worship held on various Friday evenings, 7- 8 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral Lower Church. This is an opportunity to spend an hour of lifting hearts and minds to glorify our God. “God inhabits the praises of the people” Ps.22:3. Dates: June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18.

St. Cloud Metro Adult Faith Formation Events — Staff at the St. Cloud metro parishes share their event schedules at www.christseedstcloud.com/events. These events are also published in our bulletins when space allows.