The Abraham Festival
Theme: Mercy: The Path to Healing
Special
Guest: Sr. Helen Prejean
Muslim, Jewish and Christian Communities come together
to learn of each other and to pray together.
Musical: Dead Man
Walking
Sept. 25, 8:00 PM
Sr. Helen speaks of
her Death Row Ministry
Sept. 26, 7:30 PM
(both St.
Alphonsus Church)
Reflections in Mercy by 3 Generations
Islam: Sept. 27, 7:30PM
Masjid al-Salaam
Judaism: Sept. 28, 7:30PM,
Beth Israel Synagogue
Christianity: Sept. 28, 7:30PM
St. Alphonsus Church
Time
for Prayer Together
Islam: Sept. 30, 7:30 PM
Masjid al-Salaam
Judaism: Oct. 1, 10:00AM
Beth Israel Synagogue
Christianity: Oct. 2, 11:30 AM
St. Alphonsus Church
The Millennium Trail: Oct. 2, 1PM
Bring a lunch with you!
The Speaker’s Forum
2005-6
Children and War:
The Impact: AIDS & Apathy
Mercy Otim-Dir.of the Jesuit Refugee Service
Dorothy Achieng Odhiambo (from Kenya)
One of the factors in combating AIDS in Africa is lack of resources due
to the allocation of these much needed resources to areas that are contrary
to Jesus’ directive (The Beatitudes). This Forum will combine a
thorough examination of this issue with an investigation of the HIV pandemic
that now exits in Africa. Sponsored by Development and Peace.
November 17, 2005 7PM-9PM –in the Hall
An Advent Celebration
Not to Miss!
“God So Loved The World”
Loving the World As A Way of Holiness.
Guest Speaker: Fr. Jack Costello S.J
Jack is Canadian, raised in a small northern town in Quebec. Attended the
Univ. of Toronto and joined the Jesuits in 1959. Ordained in 1971, Jack
spent ten years (1988-98) as president of Regis College in Toronto, taught
there and began an intense involvement with Romero House for Refugees –both
which continue to this day. He published: John Macmurray: A Biography
(2002) and became director of the Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice
in late 1999. Jack participates in groups concerned with peace,
globalization, refugee policy and resettlement, cooperative work with Jesuit
Refugee Service–Colombia, and teaches in the area of social justice, culture
and Christian faith, while giving retreats, writing and fundraising for the
Jesuit Centre. Of the scripture quote
above, Jack says: “This is a foundational Advent text…the very heart of
the matter for Advent…I
would propose the huge grace of a growing care for the earth, the air, the
water, the planet--our part in the cosmos. This IS a grace....”
Don’t miss this event!
Dates: Nov. 19-20- dialogue homily
Nov. 21-22 7:30PM in the church
Alpha Returns
Do you question
the existence of God, the meaning of life, Christianity? This world-wide
program returns, utilizing a series of excellent films, discussion and
dinner. Come Dec. 8 to a banquet and learn about ALPHA.
Call the office to register.
Info Evening: Dec. 8, 6PM in the hall.
Date: January 12, 2006 (for 10 weeks)
Time: 6:00- 9:00 PM in the hall.
Rite of Christian Initiation As Adults
A very exciting program for people of others faiths who
might wish to learn of and consider becoming Catholic. All parishioners are
welcome to learn more of our faith – As we change and grow, so must our
faith! Treat yourself!!
Date: Tuesdays 7:00PM-
beginning Sept. 20
Place: Parish Center
“Theology on Tap!”
Following a U.S. trend noted in Time Magazine,
St. Al’s invites all would be “pub crawlers” to join us for interesting
talks with special guests followed by “tap” time for questions and lots of
chatter and delicious food. Babysitters provided at the parish hall. (Please
call ahead for this service). We meet at Riley’s, second floor JAZZ lounge
around 6:30 and talk commences around 7PM. Come for the fun! Guests this
year include: Glenn Empey, Violinist Natalie McMaster, Chaplain-Lakefield
College School, Dr. Hardy Friesen, Medical Brigades to Honduras and Rob
Winslow, Artistic dir. 4th Line Theatre.
Dates:
October 28, 2005
November 25, 2005
January 20, 2006
February 24, 2006
April 28, 2006
Dialogue Homily
Series
Drawing on God’s Spirit in all people, our Dialogue Homily
Series provides an interview format to break open Sunday readings through
the life experience of people within and from outside our parish.
Rabbi Jordan Cohen,
“We, the People of God.”
Director of The Orchard Multi-faith Spirituality Centre, in
Peterborough, Ontario. Rabbi Cohen has worked and studied in Canada, Israel,
the United States, Australia, and Asia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in
English Literature, Master’s Degrees in both Hebrew Literature and
Education, and was ordained as a Rabbi at the Hebrew Union College in New
York.
September 24-25
Noel Cooper,
“The Bible & A Life Long Journey of Faith”
Noel Cooper was Coordinator of Religious Ed. for the York Catholic District
School Board from 1972 until his retirement in 1998.He has taught Religious
Education for teachers, sponsored by OECTA and OCSTA, winter and summer,
since 1970. Noel holds degrees in Theology and Sacred Scripture.
October 15-16
Fr. Jack Costello S.J.
“For God So Loved The World”
Director of the Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice, Jack
participates in groups concerned with peace, globalization issues, refugee
policy and resettlement, cooperative work with Jesuit Refugee
Service–Colombia, and teaches in the area of social justice, culture and
Christian faith
November 19-20
Cheryl Lyons
“Life in the Spirit!”
New Program Director for the St. Joseph’s Spirituality
Centre
January 28-29
Richard Wink
“Ministry of SVDP”
Richard is President of our St. Vincent de Paul. He shares the gospel
call to break bread with those in need.
February 18-19
Our Parish Book Studies
Fall – Evening Book
Study
The Heart of
Christianity
By Marcus Borg
World-renowned Jesus scholar Marcus J. Borg shows how we can live
passionately as Christians in today’s world by practicing the vital elements
of Christian faith. Borg says: “My hope is that this integration of study,
experience, and memory may be helpful to people seeking to understand what
is going on in the church in North America today and seeking to deepen their
own understanding of Christianity and the Christian life. To use the words
of my wife, Marianne, this is a book ‘for lovers of faith and those seeking
a faith to love.’”
Facilitator: John Martyn
John Martyn is a parishioner, retired teacher, community activist and
volunteer. John is Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Spirituality
Centre. We are very grateful that John is back for his fourth year as
facilitator.
Thursday, October 20, 2005 (for six weeks)
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (in the lower parish hall)
Fall – Afternoon Book
Study
With Burning Hearts
By Henri Nouwen
Drawing on Luke’s Gospel Narrative of the story of the two disciples on the
road to Emmaus, Nouwen weaves a reflection on the meaning of the
contemporary celebration of the Eucharist. He raises the question: “How is
this daily celebration connected with the daily life of ordinary men and
women?”
Facilitator: Gwen Johnston
Gwen Johnston is a retired teacher, grateful mother of four and grandmother
of two. She feels privileged to have had the opportunity of teaching in
several Catholic and public school systems throughout North America. Her
favourite day in the liturgical year is Holy Thursday because it
commemorates the institution of the Eucharist.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005 (for four weeks)
1:30p.m. to 3:00p.m. (in the chapel)
Fall – Evening Bible
Study
A six-week Bible
Study based on the book
“Language of the
Heart” by
Noel Cooper.
Noel will focus on how the Bible supports our life-long journey of faith.
The Bible (even the Old Testament!) assures us that God’s love reaches into
human lives and leads us towards wholeness. Our six evenings will explore
the Jewish understanding of God who was revealed to Moses, the creation
narratives, the prophets, the life of Jesus and the origin of the gospels,
the insight of the Gospel of Mark, the Reign of God and the miracles of
Jesus, and gospel teaching about the Resurrection of Jesus and our hope for
life beyond death.
Facilitator: Noel Cooper
Noel Cooper was Coordinator of Religious Education for the York Catholic
District School Board from 1972 until his retirement in 1998.
He has taught Religious Education courses for teachers, sponsored by OECTA
and OCSTA, winter and summer, since 1970. Noel holds degrees in Theology
and Sacred Scripture. Noel and his late wife Patricia are parents of Andrew,
Paul and John.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005 (for six weeks)
7:30p.m. to 9:00p.m. (in the lower parish hall)
The Gospel According
to the Simpsons
Media Study
Does popular culture have anything to say about spirituality? What cause
for reflection can a popular TV show provide us today? What do you mean
there is spiritual value in “The Simpsons”? Are these questions you have
asked yourself? If not, perhaps they are now cause for intrigue. We are
offering a media study throughout the year looking at these questions. We
will use specific episodes of the Simpsons as focal points, along with other
forms of media (including movies, music and books) as a way to explore
several important faith-related themes.
This study is open to anyone from 13 to 113, and can be attended in its
entirety or on a session-by-session basis.
Facilitator: Adam White
Adam was born and raised in Peterborough and St. Alphonsus Parish has been a
part of his life for most of that time. Adam graduated from Trent
University in 2001 and Teacher’s College in 2002. Adam loves looking at
matters of faith and life’s big questions from new perspectives, which he
hopes this media study will allow us to do. This year, Adam is teaching a
grade three French Immersion class at St. Catherine School.
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
7:30p.m. to 9:00p.m. (in the chapel)
Winter – Bible Study
Letters of Paul
St. Paul is one of the most controversial figures of Christian History. The
historian Alfred Loisy called him the “true founder of Christianity”. Many
modern Catholics find his thoughts difficult and sometimes in conflict with
contemporary world-views. Yet almost half of the New Testament, as we know
it, is attributed to Paul. Join us for several evenings of exploration into
St. Paul’s ministry, his writings and his true gift to the Christian faith.
Facilitator: Douglas Finbow
Douglas Finbow is a Catholic layman and has been an educator at all levels
of Catholic education. He has taught Biblical Studies programs at St. Paul
University in Ottawa and the University of Toronto. He is currently
Principal of Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Courtice and teaches
at the Trent University School of Education and Professional Learning.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006 (for six weeks)
7:30p.m. to 9:00p.m. (lower parish hall)
Winter – Evening Book
Study
Sharing The Darkness
By Sheila Cassidy
Sharing the Darkness is an exploration of the spirituality of caregiving.
It speaks to the joy, challenge and suffering that caregivers in any setting
experience. The book is a mix of biblical and personal reflection that
often provides more questions than answers.
Facilitator: Dr. John Beamish
John Beamish is a family physician and the medical director for Hospice
Peterborough and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Palliative Care
Unit. He has experience as a caregiver in both the professional and
personal spheres.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 (for four weeks)
7:30p.m. to 9:00p.m. (lower parish hall)
Winter – Morning Book
Study
Gift From The Sea
By Ann Morrow Lindberg
“A modern-day classic “Gift from the Sea” is like a shell itself in its
small and perfect form. It tells of light and life and love and the security
that lies at the heart”. New York Times Book Review
Facilitator: Mary Ann Campanaro
Mary Ann is a wife, mother and teacher. Mary Ann retired from the Separate
School Board after teaching for about 35 years. Mary Ann volunteers with
Hospice Peterborough as well as the parish. She has facilitated grief
support groups, one book study, is a Eucharistic Minister, an inveterate
gardener, cottager, cook, traveler and “celebrator” of any life events that
gives her the excuse to celebrate.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 (for four weeks)
9:30a.m. to 11:00a.m. (in the chapel)
Spring – Evening Book
Study (Lent)
The Five Love
Languages
By Gary Chapman
The Five Love Languages covers the many ways in which you can offer
affection and comfort to someone you care deeply about.
Facilitators: Flo and Bruce Levia
Bruce and Flo are members of St. Alphonsus Parish. Bruce has had a variety
of roles at Pepsi (Quaker Oats) for the last 30 years. He has a special
interest in sports, both playing and coaching, and theatre – no doubt
inspired by his two “actor” sons!Flo is a nurse with experience in
psychiatry, geriatrics, V.O.N., and 20 years experience as a mother/child
Lactation Consultant. Flo currently has a private practice in CST for
adults with a variety of pain issues and is a member of our Parish Health
Cabinet.
Both Bruce and Flo have been involved with “World Wide Marriage Encounter”
since 1994. They are currently accepting registrations for the next
Peterborough Marriage Encounter Weekend taking place January 13-15, 2006
(see info night in Oct.!)
Tuesday,
March 7, 2006 (for four weeks)
7:30p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Spring – Morning Book
Study (Lent)
Finding Peace
By Jean Vanier
“My hope is that more and more people will discover that the peace we all
yearn for is not just the work of governments but the task of each one of
us. We can all become makers of peace. We can do our part. The future of
the world is in the hands of each of us, and it depends on our commitment
together with others for peace, each according to our own gifts and
responsibilities. Peace is not a question just of stopping this or that
catastrophe, but of rediscovering a vision, a path of hope for all of
humanity.” Jean Vanier
Facilitator: Joanne Devlin
Joanne is a member of St. Alphonsus Parish. Two years ago, Joanne
facilitated the very successful book study “Happiness Is An Inside Job”.
Joanne is a nurse, member of St. Alphonsus Health Cabinet and
psychotherapist.
Thursday, March 9, 2006 (for four weeks)
9:30a.m. to 11:00a.m.
Please call the office (745-8623) to register. All of the above books can
be ordered or purchased at Titles Book Store or Chapters. Please order your
books early.
