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PARISH MISSIONS
PROGRAMS OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL
WHAT
A parish mission
or program of spiritual renewal is a 6 day retreat type spiritual event
for Catholic parishes. Most parishes organize a mission annually. The
Staff of The Thomas More Center offers such a program, entitled SPIRITUALITY
FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM.
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Renewal Banner
at
St Anselm's Parish in
Dearborn Heights, Michigan |
The week includes two talks daily,
each different, on a variety of themes that are spiritual and based on
Sacred Scripture. The talks emphasize a positive image of God as well as
challenging all to a more mature response to God’s Word. Each session,
ordinarily two hours in length, includes song and prayer, a 30-40 min.
presentation by one of the staff members, a refreshment break, followed
by a question/answer
and feedback time. During the question/answer time participants may ask
anything at all that pertains to our living a life of faith, its
struggles, changes, concerns, clarifications on matters of faith and
doctrine, or share a personal insight. This is done in the large group,
with the Staff fielding the questions and responding as a team.
The week also includes
experiences of the sacraments. The Staff preaches at all of the opening
weekend Masses as well as one daily Mass during the week. We also
provide celebrations of the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Rite 2) and
Anointing of the Sick. |
BY WHOM
| SPIRITUALITY
FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM is
provided by the Staff of
the Thomas More Center who are committed to collaborative team
preaching. Our preparation for preaching is a result of our communal
study and community life. We are also committed to proclaiming the Word
from both a masculine as well as a feminine voice. |
WHY
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In today’s
rapidly changing world, many Catholics are experiencing increasing
feelings of confusion and uncertainty with their own spirituality and
the role that their faith plays in modern society. People are searching
for hope. At the same time, most people are not comfortable with
fundamentalist approaches to Scripture and Faith in seeking answers to
the complex issues facing our culture. SPIRITUALITY FOR THE NEW
MILLENNIUM provides
parishes with a time for updating and revitalization in the faith, based
on the teachings of the Church and a contemporary interpretation of
Scripture. The program creates fresh enthusiasm among parishioners,
unites parishes, and lays foundations for the future |
FOR WHOM
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The program is
valuable for those adults who are discovering the faith for the first
time, those returning to the faith and those older Catholics trying to
understand
the changes that have occurred in the post Vatican II church. The
sessions are also well adapted to an ecumenical audience; the Team has
had excellent experiences of interfaith participation. Children 12 yrs
old and older may benefit.
In addition to the USA, the
Team will travel to any English speaking country for bookings. |
TIME AND COST
| Most parishes
book SPIRITUALITY FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM at least a year in advance.
Lent, being a time of great demand, usually fills quickly. The fee is
negotiable and is based on travel costs and the season of the year.
Usually a well organized collection will cover the expenses. A stipend
discount is available if two parishes in the same geographic area book
separate weeks, but consecutive weeks.
Ordinarily each year, unless
other countries request bookings, 9 months are spent in the USA, 3-4
months in AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND.
The USA schedule generally
runs from September each year through Easter. The AUSTRALIAN schedule is
post Easter through July. |
HOW TO BOOK
| If a parish is interested and even
remotely considering this program, we encourage you to make contact.
We can assist in helping sort through any questions, possible barriers,
and scheduling difficulties based on what is available.
Once a parish has booked they will be sent a contract
for the agreed stipend. They will also receive an organizational kit
intended for a lay committee to spearhead the preparation. If the kit is
utilized, a large crowd is almost certainly guaranteed.
Names of parishes where the Thomas More Center has
worked can be supplied as references. |
(In USA)
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(In Australia)
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Thomas More Center
27781 Leef Road
Webster, WI 54893
Phone: 715-866-7436
FAX: 715-866-4277 |
Thomas More Center
c/o Msgr. Kerry Bayada
Our Lady of Fatima Parish
PO Box 506
Caringbah, NSW 1495
Phone: 02-9524-7283
FAX: 02-9540-4820 |
E-mail
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E-mail
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Michael Champlin, OP
miketmc@centurytel.net
Joan Bukrey, OSF
joantmc@centurytel.net
Nick Punch, OP
nicktmc@centurytel.net |
Kerry Bayada
olofcaring@atu.com.au
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Secretary
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Secretary
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Joanie Byrnes
416 Riverside Drive
Amery, WI 54001
Phone: 715-268-7749 (home)
Phone: 715-268-7360 (work)
FAX: 715-268-9303
E-mail: silvrduk@amerytel.net |
Kay Cook
286 Burraneer Bay Road
Caringbah, NSW 2229
Phone: 02-9524-5101
FAX: 02-9546-5005
E-mail: jonesycase@hotmail.com |
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