Diocese of Allentown
Adult Formation Newsletter
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The Feast of Saint James the Greater on Wednesday, July 25, 2018
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Greetings!
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter and learn about all of the great offerings that we have planned for the coming months!
We hope that you are able to join us at some of the wonderful events and courses that we have available for you!
In Christ,
Office of Adult Formation
Diocese of Allentown
610-289-8900
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The Institute for Catechesis and Formation
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Learn Your Faith + Live Your Faith + Love Your Faith
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Join us to enrich your faith with ICF courses taking place in the Summer of 2018!
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An overview of fundamental Catholic teachings based on the founding Symbol of our Faith. This course provides catechists with a foundation in the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith, and is a good starting point leading to further study. The course is highly recommended for Catechists; but everyone is invited to learn more about what it means to say, I believe…
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CAT II - Classroom Applications
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Practical information for catechists on their role as formators in the Faith. The course includes learning to create lesson plans, communication with parents and how to engage them in religious instruction, material delivery at age-appropriate levels, and more.
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The Institute for Catechesis and Formation is intended to provide an opportunity for all of the faithful to delve deeper in their understanding of God's saving plan for us all.
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2018 Diocesan Men's Conference
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Spiritual Combat: Armed with the Spirit
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Registration is now open for the 2018 Diocesan Men's Conference. The Conference focuses on spiritual warfare. Presenters will explore how men can grow closer to God in the midst of daily struggle and temptation and the importance of spiritual surrender. This seventh Men’s Conference includes keynote speakers and opportunities for Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and a Saturday evening Vigil Mass celebrated by The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown. A separate Spanish track will be offered.
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Additional Opportunities for
the Sacrament of Confession
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Women of Grace 2018 Annual Retreat
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For more information or to register visit:
or
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Steubenville Adult Conferences
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Defending the Faith Conference
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Do you want…
- a deeper understanding of Catholic Church teaching and knowledge of how to convey it to friends and family?
- a greater sense of confidence in your faith?
- to learn how to live your faith in your everyday life?
July 27-29, 2018
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**Deacon Bruce Swist will be running a bus to the Defending the Faith Conference departing from Holy Guardian Angels in Reading on Friday, July 27 and returning on Sunday, July 29, 2018.
Contact Deacon Bruce Swist for details.
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The Office of Adult Formation has a resource library that is available for
parishes, prayer groups, and individuals to review. This month we will highlight one of our resources called
CATHOLICISM.
Journey with Bishop Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 16 countries. Be illuminated by the spiritual and artistic treasures of this global culture that claims more than one billion of the earth's people. Learn what Catholics believe and why. Discover the full meaning of the faith.
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For more information about
CATHOLICISM visit
For more resources in our Diocesan library visit
or Call 610-289-8900, Ext. 2027.
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Why are the formulas of faith important?
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The formulas of faith are important because they permit one to express, assimilate, celebrate, and share together with others the truths of the faith through a common language.
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The Catholic Mirror:
Reflections on Our Life in Christ
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We all long for forgiveness at various points in our lives. When we do something offensive or harmful to another we can find ourselves with a sense of shamefulness and we possibly avoid the person we have hurt. We find ourselves out of right-relationship with the other person. We are no longer in communion with them and find ourselves questioning where we stand with them, what they think about us. If left unaddressed, the feeling can grow and the relationship can die. The best course of action is a swift move to an apology as soon as we recognize our offense. The apology may help to heal the injured relationship, but depending upon the severity of the offense, some further action may need to take place to bring the relationship back to life.
People can tend to avoid apologies though because they require admitting that we knowingly did something that hurt another. It seems that the accidental transgressions are more easily and immediately apologized for as we perceive that the other would be more forgiving of an accident. The truth is, we don't know if we will be forgiven when we apologize, especially if we voluntarily hurt another. Apologies take courage, courage in the face of the fear that wonders if we will be forgiven or chastised. This fear, if left un-faced, can harden and turn into resentment making us even more resistant to healing the relationship. At least with the fear there is a desire to return to right-relationship, with resentment there is no desire to return to a healed relationship.
Fortunately, the Sacrament of Confession is easier; we already know that God will forgive us, presuming that we truly penitent, which includes firm resolve to not repeat our sin. No matter our sin and shame, God will forgive us. Many who have not been to the Sacrament of Confession in decades find themselves deeply relieved after finally revisiting the Confessional. Christ is awaiting our arrival in the Confessional; He is waiting to forgive us. We should overcome our doubts, fears, or resentments and take His free offering of healing.
Let us Praise the Lord.
-And give him thanks.
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Thank you for reading. We pray that you have a restful summer. Hopefully we will see you at some of our events!
Deo Omnis Gloria.
Diocese of Allentown
Office of Adult Formation
2121 Madison Ave
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017
610-289-8900
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The Memorial of St. Benedict
on Wednesday, July 11, 2018
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Rick Dooley, Assistant Director
Office of Adult Formation
610-289-8900, Ext. 2027
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Mary Fran Hartigan, Director
Faith Formation
610-289-8900, Ext. 2026
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