Faith Formation

Would you like to know more about the life of Jesus Christ and his apostles?  Have you seen
The Chosen and have questions?  Come join us for the first three seasons of The Chosen.
 
''The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the Life of Jesus Christ (Jonathan Roumie), seen through the eyes of those who knew him.  Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel, the seven-season show shares an authentic and intimate look at Jesus' revolutionary life and teachings."  https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us   (A discussion period will follow the viewing of each episode.)  
 
Refreshments will be available.  Please join us as we learn more about Jesus Christ, the man, and founder of our Church.
 
Dates:

• Season 4 Mondays, beginning 9/29/2025 - 11/17/2025
• Season 5  Mondays, beginning 1/5/2026 - 2/23/2026   

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Time:

• 6:30 p.m. -- 8:15 p.m.   

 
Coordinators:

• Deacon Mike O’Neill and Dianne McLaughlin

 
Location:

• St Patrick Ministry Building   

 
Registration:
Please contact Dianne McLaughlin, at Dianne.mclaughlin@hotmail.com,  to register for the program.  You can register for the series or one season at a time.  Once Dianne receives your email, she will contact you for additional information and to answer any questions.

This program will review the birth of the Church. Each session includes a video followed by a discussion.

Dates:

• This class has been canceled and will be rescheduled later.

Time:

• 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Location:

• St. Alphonsus Ministry Building

If you would like to register please call the Parish Office at 630-257-2414.

Hearts Afire: Overview
Parish-based Programs from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception (HAPP^®) is a bold and fresh approach to small group, parish-based, faith renewal programs. It is designed to help us live the complete Catholic life of faith, charity, and the sacraments. It’s designed to set our hearts on fire with love of God and neighbor and to inspire us to works of mercy in our families, parishes, and communities.

Program Overview: 
 
 HAPP^® is a PROGRAM in three STAGES:

Stage 1: The Two Hearts
            Part 1: The Immaculate Heart, is a 6-week program, 33 Days to Morning Glory Retreat
            Part 2: The Sacred Heart, is a 10-week program, Consoling the Heart of Jesus Retreat
Stage 2: Wisdom and Works of Mercy
Stage 3: Keeping the Hearts Afire
Stage 1: Part 1

Stage One: The Two Hearts
Part 1
 We begin with the Immaculate Heart, because Mary leads us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Starting with the book 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration  the goal of this program is to lead us to formally entrust ourselves to Mary, as Christ did at the Annunciation and as He willed for His disciples to do at the foot of the cross.

Part 2
 Mary then leads to the Sacred Heart, which begins the second part of Stage One, Consoling the Heart of Jesus. The book Consoling the Heart of Jesus gives us an awareness of God’s infinite mercy and how we can give Him joy, showing us the way to console His heart by accepting His love and trusting in Him completely. It also focuses on what to do with the suffering we all encounter, helping us grow spiritually closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

 Stage Two:  Wisdom & Works of Mercy Group Study
This Wisdom & Works of Mercy Group Study* helps each participant advance in understanding the riches of the Catholic faith and how to concretely live it by doing works of mercy. As a group, participants delve into two books by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC: The ‘One Thing’ Is Three: How the Holy Trinity Explains Everything and ‘You Did It to Me’: A Practical Guide to Mercy in Action, which together provide a rich and robust formation, bringing the faith from head to heart to life.
The Group Study is further enriched with the Study Companion (workbook), DVD talks, and group discussion.

Stage Three: Keeping the Hearts Afire
This is the stage of ongoing formation. After having completed the group studies of 33 Days to Morning Glory, Consoling the Heart of Jesus, and the Wisdom and Works of Mercy book; after having undertaken works of mercy; and being formally recognized by the Association of Marian Helpers, your group will probably want to continue to meet together and grow in their faith. At this point, the friendly staff of our Evangelization Office will be able to recommend a wide range of further group studies that will suit the desires and needs of your group such as Scripture study, gift discernment, thematic studies, and much more.