The Church teaches that an adult Catholic faith is characterized by three things: (1) Encounter: experiencing an ongoing conversion to Jesus; (2) Growth: being an active member in our Christian community; and (3) Being Sent: living as disciples in mission to the world. We are blessed at St. John Neumann with formal programs (listed below) that encourage these Christian goals. In reality, we encounter Christ, we grow in Christ, and we are sent by Christ in a myriad of ways. In the end, as Christian adults, we must keep our hearts open and be courageous. Christ calls us to orient our entire selves to him! Christ calls us to metanoia—a radical change of heart!  

For more information, contact Therese Stahl at tstahl@sjnstcharles.org or (630) 377-2797. All events are held at St. John Neumann, unless indicated below.

Encounter

Alpha—A great place for you to invite others to explore faith and wrestle with life’s big questions. For those who have not yet encountered Jesus in their lives. Beginning Monday Sept. 30, 6:15pm to 8:30pm.

R.C.I.A.—Right of Christian Initiation of Adults. Begin the process of becoming Catholic through study, prayer, and liturgy. Contact Sr. Carol Stevens or Mark Restaino at (630) 377-2797.

Women’s LIFT (Living In Faith Together) events—Enjoy fellowship with women who share the Catholic faith. Periodic events are held throughout the year.

Youth Faith Formation Family Community Events—All in our community are invited. Saturday, Oct. 26: Bonfire Night. Week of Sunday, Mar. 22: Family Service Week. April 9: Holy Thursday Pilgrimage.

Grow

School of Prayer: The Mass—Fr. Peck presents Bishop Robert Barron’s The Mass study program. Thursdays, beginning Sept. 12, 7pm to 8:15pm.

That Man Is You Men’s Group—Study the teachings of the Catholic faith, Scripture, and the wisdom of our saints. Saturdays, beginning Sept. 7, 6:45am to 8am.

Other Sisters of Martha Women’s Book Study—Reading When Life Doesn’t Go Your Way, by Katrina J. Zeno. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 10, 9am to 11am.

Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother—Gain spiritual insight from the joys and sorrows of Mary’s life. Monday, beginning Sept. 16, 9am to 10:30am or 7pm to 8:30pm.

The Second Greatest Story Ever Told—Study powerful lessons from Fr. Michael Gaitley’s best-selling book. Beginning Tuesdays, Sept. 17, 7pm to 8:45pm; and Wednesdays, Sept. 18, 9:15am to 11am.

Fox Valley Catholic Bible Study for Women: Fall Study on Romans—Thursdays, beginning Sept. 12, 9:15am to 11am, meeting at St. Patrick on Crane Road.   

Little Rock Scripture Study: the book of Psalms—Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 24, 7pm.

First Saturday Formation for Catechists—All in the community are welcomed to participate in these diocesan entry-level courses, while praying the traditional Catholic First Saturday devotion. Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Feb. 1, Mar. 7, and Apr. 4. 8:30am to 11:45am. Includes Mass, class, Rosary, and Reconciliation.

Discipleship Groups—Small communities who meet for six– to eight-weeks, studying Scripture and the teachings of the Church. Beginning in Winter 2020.

School of Prayer: Oremus—Fr. Peck presents the basics of prayer. Mondays, beginning Mar. 2, 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Formed.org Web Site—Study programs, books, audios, and more to help you (and your children) grow in faith and understanding. The site is available at no-cost to St. John Neumann parishioners through our parish account. Visit www.sjnstcharles.org/formed to sign up.

Diocesan Ministry Formation Classes and Diocesan Theological Institute Classes—Two-year ministry formation program to train lay ministers and subsequent studies. Next available Ministry Formation program begins Aug. 2022. For Ministry Formation graduates, DTI classes are ongoing.

Encounter, Grow, Be Sent

The 19th Annotation Retreat—The spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius in daily life. Beginning Sundays, Sept. 15, 7:30am to 8:45am.

Fall Cursillo Retreat—Three days focusing on Jesus, Christian truths, and serving the Church. Presented by the Rockford Diocese. For men: Oct. 17-20. For women: Oct. 24-27. At St. Mary Church, Oregon.

Men’s Huddle—A men’s spiritual retreat over four Sunday evenings, beginning Jan. 5, 2020. 

Evangelization 101—Winter 2020. Learn how to embrace the Church’s call to grow the Body of Christ.

Lenten Parish Mission with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Sunday, Feb. 23, through Tuesday, Feb. 25. Start your Lent off empowered by the dynamic message of Deacon Harold.

Retreat for Youth Faith Formation Volunteer Missionaries—All are welcomed for an evening of spiritual reflection. Wednesday, Mar. 25, 6-8pm.

St. John Neumann Parish Retreat—Living as an Easter People. For men and women of the parish. Thursday evening, Apr. 30, through Sunday afternoon, May 3. Attendees return to their homes to sleep.

Evangelization Intercessory Prayer Group—Hold the parish’s efforts in evangelization in prayer. Meets second Mondays of the month, beginning 16, 7-8pm.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends—Revitalize your marriage. Upcoming weekends in Geneva: Sept. 6-8 and Nov. 8-10; Oct. 11-13 in Elk Grove Village; Oct. 18-20 in Brookfield, Wisc; and Dec. 6-8 in Madison, Wisc.