Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church & School

Dear Parishioners,

        The following outline offers a rich and diverse spread of opportunities for adult faith enrichment during the Spring of 2008. In our Catholic tradition we believe that God is revealed to us and comes to us in a special way through the Word and the Sacraments. These events offer us the opportunities for a more in-depth enrichment around these two primary God-sources within our Catholic tradition.

        The following quote from a talk by Bishop Kicanas gives a very clear and focused perspective on the importance of adult faith formation. He says, “Adult faith formation seeks to get across Christ’s message in a busy, complicated world of diverse values and possibilities. Sometimes our message may seem out of it, irrelevant, unimportant. But we seek to tell others about the Christ and his insight on how best to live your life. Today I am more convinced than ever of the need for adult faith formation.

Save this special insert and give it an honored place within your activities calendar. For your convenience, please use the special registration form on the last page of this flyer to sign up for any number of these events. Our thanks to all who are involved in the coordination of this adult enrichment series. Pray for God’s blessings on these efforts.

Msgr. Tom Cahalane

Our Mother of Sorrows Parish

(Calendario de Oportunidades de Enriquecimiento en la fe para adultos)

(Nacer en la Fe Católica)

1. A.C.A. - Alienated Catholics Anonymous: Monday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m. This six-week series for Catholics who wish to return to and renew their Catholic faith is facilitated by Msgr. Tom Cahalane. Series offered twice yearly, beginning the first Monday after New Year’s (Jan. 7) and again the first Monday after Easter (Mar. 24) (PAC meeting Rm. 1).

2. R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): Inquiry sessions are year-round, so please contact us any time. Formal sessions begin Sept. 2, 2008. This faith formation process is for non-baptized adults, and for baptized adults with very little religious background. The sessions are every Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm and Sunday mornings 10:30-Noon until Easter. Series offered once yearly. (PAC Dining Room).

3. Profession of Faith: Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Beginning Jan. 8, 2008, this 12-week series is for persons who have been baptized as Christians and wish to be oriented to the sacraments and practices of the Catholic Church, preparing for full reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil, March 22. Series also offered in September. (PAC Dining Room)

4. Adult Confirmation: Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Beginning Jan. 22, 2008, this 8-week series prepares Catholics for Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, March 22. Series also offered in September/October. (PAC Rm. 1)

5. Confirmación para adultos: Favor de ver el boletín para más información acerca de como registrarse.

6. Baptism Class for Parents and Godparents: This class is offered twice monthly, on the first and third Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This session is offered to help parents and godparents prepare to have their children (age 0-3 years) baptized. Please contact parish office at 747-1321 to register and for more information on baptizing your child. (PAC Dining Room)

7. Marriage Preparation: Call to schedule an appointment with a parish priest at least 6 months prior to wedding date to discuss preparation options.

(Retiros)

8. "Gifts of Wisdom, Legacy of Love" - Winter Visitors Retreat and Luncheon Tues. Feb. 5

Our Mother of Sorrows warmly welcomes our winter visitors each year, and especially invites you to attend this annual mini-retreat beginning at 9 am in the Parish Activity Center. This year’s morning of reflection will be an opportunity for participants to remember in a special way who has been influential in our lives, the important things life has taught us along the way, and the words of wisdom and prayers we have for our young people today. (Chris Stogsdill facilitates.) The morning will be be followed by Mass at 11:00 am in the church and then a luncheon in the PAC. Please RSVP in the office by Friday, Feb. 1.

9. "Forgiveness" Parish Lenten Retreat w/Fr. Joe Rodrigues: Feb. 15 & 16, 2008

This retreat will offer an opportunity to more deeply explore the need to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness in our lives and provide powerful and helpful insights to help us forgive, even when it is most difficult to do so. Fr. Joe Rodrigues, SDS, of The Jordan Ministry Team brings his uplifting perspective and vibrant presence to this special event as our featured presenter. The retreat begins Friday at 5:30 pm on Feb. 15 with Mass in the church, followed by a Lenten meal of meatless soup and bread in the Parish Activity Center followed by a presentation and discussion until 9:00 p.m. Saturday morning begins at 8:30 a.m. with Mass in the church and the retreat concludes in the PAC at 3 p.m. A $10 fee is requested and includes refreshments and lunch on Saturday. Space is limited so please register early, and no later than Mon., Feb. 11.

10. "Stations of the Cross at Immaculate Heart Convent" Sat., Feb. 23, 8:00-10:00 am

We invite you to join us, along with our catechumens and candidates, on this this special ‘in-town’ pilgrimmage to Immaculate Heart (St. Ann’s) Convent located at 4100 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. (just north of River Rd.) We begin the morning with the 8 am Mass in the convent chapel, then pray the Rosary at the outdoor shrine of St. Bernadette. For those who are physically able, we make the rustic hike up the hill praying the Stations of the Cross in this beautiful desert setting. Dress for hiking, and bring a kneeling pad, if desired. A recent comment from a guest participant stated, "I’ve lived in Tucson all my life and never even knew this place existed. I’m so glad I came!" RSVP in parish office.

11. "Women Mystics Retreat " w/Sr. Luisa Derouen: Sat., Apr. 26., 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Men and women are welcome to participate in this retreat day, and get to know a few of the great women mystics on a deeper and more personal level. Join Sr. Luisa Derouen, O.P., as she leads us in an exploration of the spirituality and some of the writings of four of the most noted Catholic women mystics: Sts. Catherine of Siena, Theresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich and Hildegard. Cost is $10 and includes a continental breakfast and light lunch. The day begins with attending Mass in the church at 8:30 a.m., then continues in the Parish Activity Center. Registration deadline is Wed., Apr. 23.

12. Spiritual Direction is something many Catholics are inquiring about today. From the earliest times in our faith, believers who were serious about the call to follow the Lord would seek out a ‘holy listener’ companion: someone who could listen to their experiences of faith and life, and help them to discern the promptings of the Spirit within them. If you would like to discover what spiritual direction may mean for you and set up a trial/exploratory session, please contact Jan Britt, coordinator for spiritual direction for our parish. You can reach Jan via email at janbritt@comcast.net. A small fee according to the means of participants is suggested, and can be discussed more specifically with Jan. She is a parishioner of OMOS, and a very experienced and well-trained spiritual director, with very good reviews from several of our parishioners since we began this program last fall. If you’d like to talk with Jan personally or are unable to email her directly, please contact Chris Stogsdill in the parish office at 747-1321 for more information.

(Temas de interés)

13. Bible Study - The Letter to the Hebrews: Thursdays from Jan. 31-Apr. 17, 7:00-9:00 pm. Using the Little Rock Scripture Study Series, Fr. Charlie Knapp facilitates this study group intended to help participants take seriously the call to open more deeply the gift of Sacred Scripture, answering the call of the Holy Father and St. Jerome to take the study of this centerpiece of our Tradition seriously. This course combines reading, lecture, group discussion and some daily homework to help God’s Word penetrate more deeply into our hearts. A fee of $20 includes materials and priest stipend (price for couples is $30.) Please RSVP by Jan. 28. (PAC Auditorium, and Dining Room on occasion).

14. U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults Study Group: Every other Monday, next session Jan. 21, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Our parish Deacon Candidates continue to facilitate this bi-monthly chapter-by-chapter study of the recently released United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. Come and see what a valuable resource our national Bishops have compiled for us, based entirely on and fully referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but written by our U.S. Bishops with a fresh and exciting approach in reader-friendly language geared towards an adult understanding of the richness of Catholic teaching, complete with group study questions. Bring your own copy of the document or borrow/buy a copy during the session (cost is $20). No fee for sessions; see parish bulletin for further details. (Parish Activity Center).

15. "A Walk thru the Mass - The Dry Mass": Mon., Jan. 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Msgr. Tom Cahalane takes us step by step through the Mass, explaining the symbols, history and significance behind the celebration of the ‘source and summit of the Christian life.’ No fee or sign-up necessary. (Church)

16. "Thomas Merton - 40 Years Later" w/Frank X. Tuoti: Thurs., Feb. 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Shortly after his death, a Buddhist scholar wrote: "Thomas Merton was not just an extraordinary person - Thomas Merton was an event!" Called "the most significant Catholic figure of the 20^th century", Merton died in Bangkok on December 10, 1968, 27 years to the day after his entrance into the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky. Our presenter, Frank X. Tuoti, is a specialist on Merton, and is himself a former Trappist and contemporary of Merton at Gethsemani. He will lead us in this commemoration of his life and legacy as we explore the many-faceted areas of Merton’s writings, including social justice, war, explorations with the Eastern religions, and, above all, contemplation and the Christian mystical life. Cost is $5. Register by Feb. 4. (PAC Auditorium)

17. "Climate Change: Impact and Response" (Watch upcoming bulletins for dates and times)

The approach to global climate change by the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change and Catholic Bishops’ Environmental Justice Program has been to focus on the themes of prudence, poverty and the common good, as well as Catholic Social Teaching. This 8-part series is an extension of the JustFaith Ministries program, and will focus on an exploration of these principles and how climate change affects the poor at home and abroad, and how we can take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Watch the bulletin for further details

Watch the bulletin, OMOS Website and the New Vision for details on Fr. Greeley’s annual lecture at Our Mother of Sorrows parish in the church. Details to be announced as soon as they become available.

19. OMOS Annual Parish Mission: March 10, 11 & 12; 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Plan to attend each night of the parish mission and prepare spiritually for the great celebration of Easter. Presenter to be announced. (Church)

(Pequeas comunidades de Fe en espaol)

20. G.I.F.T.S - "Growing in Faith Through Sharing": Weeks of Feb. 3 - Mar. 8

Join a small group and build community through prayer, reflection and faith-sharing on the upcoming Sunday Scriptures. Groups meet once a week on various days/evenings, either in homes or at the parish. $3 for booklet. Deadline for registration is Jan. 21.

21. M.O.M.S. - "Ministry of Mothers Sharing": Wednesday evenings, 7-9 p.m. Beginning Jan. 16, this popular 8-week program helps mothers build community with one another and fosters the growth of their own spirituality through prayer, sharing, journaling and reflection using the book MOMS: A Personal Journal by Paula Hagen, OSB and Vicki LoPiccolo Jennet. The cost is $20 for the book and other materials. Limited space available - registration deadline is Jan. 14. (PAC Meeting Room 2) GROUP ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH! See below.

22. M.O.M.S. - "Ministerio De Madres" los miercoles a las 7 p.m a 9 p.m. a partir del 16 de enero. Compartiendo Nuestra Vida de Cada Día a la Luz del Evangelio esté ministerio de 8 semanas ayuda a las madres a establecer comunidad con otras madres y les facilita el crecimiento de su propia espiritualidad con oración, compartimiento, y relexión. El costo es $20. Espacio limitado- el plazo para inscribirse es el 14 de enero. (Centro de Actividades salon #1.)

23. Pequeas Comunidades de Fe en espaol: los lunes y jueves de 7:00 a 9:00 pm en el PAC. Los invitamos a compartir su fe en uno de los dos grupos que se reúnen por 6 semanas durante la temporada de cuaresma. Nuestro propósito es leer los evangelios del siguiente domingo y

compartir nuestra fe. Ver el boletín para mas informes sobre como registrarse.

24. Men’s Faith and Fellowship: 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays monthly, 6:30-7:30 am; 3^rd Thurs. monthly, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

"I was looking for a Catholic men’s group for a long time and couldn’t find one. I’m so glad to have found this group and I find great connection and community here. It’s refreshed my role as a husband and father." This is one comment from a participant in our Men’s Faith and Fellowship group. Through group prayer, discussion and use of current Catholic faith resources, men 18 and older, single or married, can discuss faith issues particularly relevant to them in a comfortable setting. Contact Vini Nuez at vini@agapelifecoaching.com for more information, or call the parish office at 747-1321. (Parish Activity Center Dining Room)

25. "Pizza and a Movie Night" for Single Parents and their children: Sat., Apr. 12, 6 pm-9 pm

Single parents and their children are encouraged to join us in this evening of food, fun and fellowship, sponsored by our parish Single Parent Project. We’ll have some pizza and munchies, then settle in to watch a movie together (appropriate for all ages; title to be announced.) Bring your pillows, mats/blankets as we ‘camp out’ on the floor to watch the movie. (Chairs available if desired!) Make some new friends and share some time together in Christian community. Please RSVP in the parish office no later than Apr. 7. There is no cost to attend, and you are welcome to bring additional goodies if you like. (Note: This is not a typical ‘singles’ event for adults, but a family-focused gathering for parents and children.) Contact Chris Stogsdill in the parish office if you’d like more information, or if you’d like to help with this fun event. (PAC Dining Room)

Our Mother of Sorrows Parish & Catholic School
1800 South Kolb Rd.
Tucson, Arizona
747-1321