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Re-engage with your faith
RE-ENGAGE WITH YOUR FAITH THIS FALL..WITH CHRIST AND YOUR COMMUNITY
In February and March of 2020, fifteen parishioners from our parish joined each other online through Zoom to experience a formation called Discovering Christ. This particular formation is focused on the encouragement of Pope Francis when he says “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ” (EG 3).
The experience these parishioners had expresses what Pope Francis’ next words of hope were after his quote. He says “Jesus is always capable of restoring our joy”. Pope Francis asks us to have an openness that allows Christ to encounter us daily. Discovering Christ guides you into this openness.
Over the next few weeks you will be hearing the stories of our parishioners and their experiences. They hope to encourage you to consider joining them this October as we form another small group of those who would be interested in such an experience. After each story the parishioner will share their contact information so you can personally reach out to them with any questions about their experience. In the meantime, if you would like to learn about ‘Discovering Christ’ sooner you may contact me through my parish contact information below.
Your friend in Christ,
Darrin Nelson
Adult Faith Formation and Parish Evangelization
Contact info:
dnelson@stmaryswatchung.org
(908) 756-6524 ext 15
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Discovering Christ invitation
I remember the first time when I read these words from Saint Pope John Paul II, “Christ fully reveals man to himself. The person who wishes to understand himself thoroughly must draw near to Christ”. These words, from his encyclical Redemptoris Missio, were like an answer to a long standing prayer I had with God. My prayer was, “God I have a great desire to know you in relation to who I am and what you desire for my life.” It was as if Saint John Paul II was speaking directly to me saying “Darrin, draw closer to Christ and you will find your answer”.
Small confession. At the time of this revelation I was a very active yet complacent Catholic. What do I mean by ‘active and complacent’? I was going to mass every Sunday, actively participating in adult faith formation, and I had a very good routine prayer life. At some level I thought this is what being a very ‘good active’ Catholic was all about. However, at the same time I was realizing why so many Catholics were stepping away. They were not finding real relevance between ‘the practice of their faith’ and the very real life challenges they were faced with each day. “Christ fully reveals man to himself” says Saint Pope John Paul II. ‘Discovering Christ’ is an opportunity for you to personally encounter why God came to us in Christ. Discovering Christ will help you to begin seeing the relevance of your faith with the many life challenges we face daily. Jesus’ words and deeds that ‘amazed the people’ (Luke 4:32) are proclaimed so that you are amazed by how the Gospel message transforms your life and how it provides our salvation. Are you ready to personally ‘Discover Christ’ in your life? To participate with Discovering Christ starting Tuesday October 6th you have the option to either be present at the Parish Center with proper Social Distancing State protocols or via Zoom.
The formation has 8 sessions with a Saturday retreat. To learn more about the program you can sign up for a program info-session that will be held on Monday, September 21st at 7 pm via Zoom (see online registration form above) or contact me in the parish office.
Your friend in Christ, Darrin Nelson.
Adult Faith Formation and Parish Evangelization Darrin Nelson; (908) 756-6524 ext 15
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