January 7, 2024 – Marguerite Thompson “Connecting with God Through Dreams”
Dreaming is a universal, physiological experience, yet it is so mysterious and affects us profoundly on an emotional and spiritual level. Having an appreciation for our dreams can lead to a deeper spiritual resilience. Why do we dream and how does God communicate with us through dreams? Other questions we will explore: Where do dreams come from? Why are they sometimes scary? Often confusing? Why do we sometimes remember dreams and sometimes not? Why do some dreams repeat over and over, with the same images or recurring theme? How can I discern God’s voice in my dreams?
January 21, 2024 – Philip Chard “Existential Angst: Facing One’s Fears in an Uncertain World”
Of all the emotions that drive human behavior, fear can be the most potent and debilitating. It can control and even destroy a person’s life. One particularly challenging variant of fear is “existential angst,” which is a spiritual malady as well as a psychological one. The COVID pandemic, climate crisis, political acrimony, gun violence and geopolitical unrest have brought this affliction to the forefront of many lives. We will examine the experience of existential angst, how it takes hostage the soul, and what we can do to overcome it.
February 18, 2024 – Dan Scholz “Lent Part 1: God’s plan to rescue us and the world”
Throughout the season of Lent this year, the first readings focus on covenants that God established with Israel. We will examine the meaning of these covenants in light of Israel’s Messiah, Jesus.
March 3, 2024 – Deacon Sandy Sites “Establishing a Culture of Change”
Deacon Sandy will address the questions: What is a person of faith to do amid seismic change, like the current culture wars and ideologies swirling all around us? How do rise above our biases on things like racism, gender identity, LGBTQ+, women’s issues, environmental concerns, ageism, religious ideologies, etc.. How can move forward faithfully and truthfully in a fast-paced digital age?
March 17, 2024 – Dan Scholz “Lent Part 2: Now the ruler of this world will be driven out”
We will explore how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus defeated the dark and evil forces of the world.
April 21, 2024 – Al McCauly “Artistic Themes of the Eucharist”
Inward realities are often made known by the use of outward signs and symbols. For two millennia Christian artists have woven symbolic details throughout their masterpieces in order to convey theological truths, inspire the faithful, and educate the illiterate masses. Join us as we learn how to “read” Christian art in order to more deeply understand and appreciate our rich heritage and faith tradition, and as a means to encounter the Divine through contemplation. Notably, in this Revival year, we will explore particular works that express the primacy of the Eucharist and the call to live as Eucharistic people.
May 19, 2024 – Jon Metz “Spirituality of Dignity”
The Spirituality of Dignity will explore the dignity of the human person through the lens of scripture, Church tradition, Catholic Social Teaching, and personal experience. If we are all created in the Image and likeness of God, what does that mean for the expectations of our life. What gifts does our dignity give us? What responsibilities and obligations does others’ dignity require?