JOHN or DIANE PIRES
for more information or to enroll.
Santa Maria del Mar will offer a six-week series entitled "Catholics Returning Home" beginning Thursday , January 8, 2009 at 6:30 pm in the Learning Center.The purpose of the Catholics Returning Home Program is to welcome any non-practicing or practicing Catholic, to accept where they are on their faith journey and to offer an opportunity to share their unique story. The goal is to listen to real or perceived concerns with love and compassion and facilitate spiritual growth. Sessions meet 3 times per year, in the fall, after Christmas and after Easter. The only requirement is the desire to return to the Church or learn more about the Catholic faith.
The 6-week program is designed to review changes in the Church resulting from Vatican II, study what Catholics believe about the sacraments and address any issues raised using the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and teachings of the magisterium (the Pope and Bishops). Over 77 Catholics have participated in the program at SMdM.
Session 1: Overview of series, faith sharing
Session 2: Presentation on Inactive Catholics
Session 3 : The Church Today, Changes Since Vatican II
Session 4 : Explanation of the Mass
Session 5: Explanation of the Sacrament of Penance
Session 6: Explanation of the Nicene Creed