CATHOLICISM and YOUCAT Study Group

Our Holy Father Benedict XVI has announced 2012 as the Year of Faith. This will begin in earnest on October 11th which is the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the Second Vatican Council. It is almost unbelievable that much time has already passed and as one person put it to which I had mentioned this said; “and yes, Father, we have lived through it and are living through it!” This is so true. It presents us with a golden opportunity to become excited about our Catholic Faith once more; who we are as Catholics; what we believe; what Christ’s Church offer us and the world. All of this coincides with the New Evangelization so often mentioned by our Holy Father and called for by him. Why wait until the last minute to do something about this or get involved or to “catch the fire”? Yes, there is a very great need for us to rediscover the “joy of being Catholic” and have a better understanding our faith. Just stop and think about this for a few seconds. OK? Are you through thinking about it? Good! Now let’s do something about it – together!

I will be offering a look at our Catholic Faith using two new popular sources: CATHOLICISM a video presentation about Catholicism and YOUCAT the Youth Catechism handed out at World Youth Day this past summer which is much easier to used and read then the big book The Catechism of the Catholic Church. These discussion secessions will begin on Thursday February 16th at 7:00 in the evening in the Pilgrim Center at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine and continue on consecutive Thursdays evenings. It will begin with CATHOLISM and the next Thursday will begin with YOUCAT. This will allow us to discuss not only our faith and what we believe but also the rich heritage and tradition our Church possesses and our spirituality.

If you only what to come to CATHOLICISM or YOUCAT by itself that is OK but I would suggest doing both together. There is one catch you will have to pay for the YOUCAT book which is $15.00. The money from the sale of this book goes directly to the shrine. You also have to register through me by call me at the shrine or my secretary Ms. Gayle Alt. The reason for this is because I only have 25 YOUCAT books. Don’t worry about this being a “high class” study group. Nope. It will be very laid back. And can be adjusted accordingly as it develops.

This study group is being offered outside of our Lenten Program which will be determined later on.

Thanks for reading this and please consider coming and call me at the shrine for more information or questions you might have and God bless you.