Apple Valley Catholic Community  
 St. Elizabeth of Hungary & St. Isidore Parishes 

 

Just starting to explore your faith? not sure where to start? Try Alpha!  
Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith, in a friendly, open and informal environment,
through a series of conversations. This is also the place to enjoy a meal and meet people in your community! 

Pope Francis is strong advocate for Catholics to read the Bible for study and personal spiritual enrichment. Our collaborative offers Bible studies to foster deeper understanding of sacred scripture. People participate in a Bible study for many different reasons. Some of the ways attendees have told us they find these studies helpful:

• Learning what the Bible is, where it came from, and what it means in the Catholic context
• Encourages personal reading of the Bible for prayer and study
• Helps apply faith to everyday life
• Better understanding of scriptures when hearing them proclaimed at Mass
• Feeling a closer relationship to God
• Greater confidence when speaking to other people about the source of their faith.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
For many people interested in getting baptised as a Catholic or entering into full communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation (already baptised in another Christian denomination), the process can be somewhat confusing or intimidating.  After all, this is a major step in one’s life.  The decision to join the Church is exciting and will lead to a deepening of personal faith and relationship to God, others, and self. No matter what has brought you here, the fact that you are interested in taking the next step shows your openness to God and God’s call in your life.  Many people have come through the RCIA program and are living lives of service, faith, and love. Perhaps you are asking where to begin the journey.  The answer is that you have already begun! Your next step is to talk with our RCIA Coordinator, Diahne Goodwin, to discuss details for your paticular journey. A great and recommend place to begin your journey is the Alpha Course. This is a safe and friendly environment to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and meet others.

Diving into the beauty of the Faith has never been easier: at home, on the go, or from any internet connected device. Discover thousands of books, audio talks, movies, documentaries, and studies...With over 4,000 titles, there is something for every member of the family to help them grow closer to Christ and His Church. Now available on almost any device!
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We have purchased a subscription to Formed which entitles all parishioners free use! Go to Formed and put in: Apple Valley Catholic Community where it asks you to find your Parish; then enter your email address and you're all set!

Accompanying others on the Journey of Faith
Please speak or email  Diahne to see when the next Ananias Training will be offered!
 
Inspired by the important role Ananias played in St. Paul's journey to Christ, Ananias Training includes five sessions plus an optional retreat day, and is designed equip people to accompany, or “be Ananias,” to one another, within the Church as well as to those in the world. The training will use Scripture reflections, video, and facilitated discussions to help you to:
 
· Recognize the stages of another's spiritual  journey through compassionate listening.
· Listen lovingly to their real questions and opinions God in order to guide the discovery of how God is present and active in a person's life.
· Talk about our relationship with God.
· Share how we came to be a disciple of Jesus.
· Share Jesus' own story in response to the spiritual hunger of another.

 Some comments from previous participants: 
-This course was a revelation, an eye opener!
-It came at the right time in my journey. 
-This course helped me to know myself better.
-I highly recommend it.

Cursillo (cur-see-yo) comes from the spanish word for "short course." Cursillo is a movement of the Catholic Church that began in Spain. Through a weekend experience, (Thursday evening - Sunday), men and women are invited to experience the love of Jesus Christ on a more personal level and to bring this love and joy into their daily lives. 
Ultreya "Ultreya" is a Spanish word, derived from the original Latin, meaning Onward!   It was said by pilgrims to greet and to encourage one another along the way. In Ultreya we continue our faith journey together through the sharing of prayer, study and action.  Ultreya offers an opportunity to refocus our minds and hearts on Jesus and be renewed in His love and peace. Ultreya gathers the first Friday of every month at St. Elizabeth's  parish center from 7:30-9:00 p.m.

For more information on Cursillo or Ultreya, contact Anita.

Boston Cursillo                  St. Basil Salvatorian Center Cursillo