Crazy Catholic Questions #23: What's up for Lent?

So it is February and Lent is fast approaching!   What do we have planned here at Christ the Redeemer? 

In a word: LOTS!   Ash Wednesday is Feb. 18^th  and we have many prayer opportunities planned at different times during the day: 8AM, 11AM, 1PM, 4PM & 7PM.  THEN each Thursday evening in Lent we have something different planned….

FIRST, on the Thursday immediately following Ash Weds at 7PM we begin with a unique theatrical presentation of the Gospel of Mark entitled “Afraid” from actor Frank Runyeon (see detailed ad on page ??).

NEXT, join us on Thursday, Feb. 26^th at 7PM as Fr. Joe breaks opens all the "secret" features of the fascinating and complex Gospel of Mark. A perfect Lenten evening, especially on the heels of Runyeon's performance…

THEN, for the following three Thursday evenings, March 5, 12, & 19 we are VERY blessed and grateful to have Fr. Vic Clore skillfully lead us through Pope Francis’ current signature work entitled The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium).   This apostolic exhortation is a thought provoking, challenging and insightful work that basically lays out Pope Francis’ vision for his papacy and the future of the Catholic Church.

Fr. Clore is truly a gifted, brilliant priest/presenter with a deeply pastoral touch.   He has been a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit since 1966. He holds degrees in Systematic Theology (STL) and Psychology (PhD), with specialties in faith development and the integration of psychology and spirituality.  His formation in spiritual direction is rooted in the Jesuit Institute for Retreat and Spiritual Direction at Colombiere in Clarkston, MI, and in Jungian analysis.  Fr. Vic is currently pastor of Christ the King Parish in Detroit and is also on the staff of the Dominican Center for Religious Development where he directs retreats and is on the faculty of the Internship in Spiritual Direction Program.   We will no doubt be enlightened and edified by his presentations and presence! 

Interested to know more about where we, as Catholics, are headed?  Join our study and discussion with Fr. Vic – you won’t be disappointed!    We will begin with a soup supper at 6PM, Fr. Vic at 7PM.  Childcare provided!

Also, if you have the time & inclination, A FREE printable version of The Joy of the Gospel is available at:  http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html

AND a FREE and convenient audio podcast (great for your commute to work!) at :  http://www.fullycatholic.com/evangelii-gaudium-audio

Lastly, as I mentioned in the Gospel Reflection last weekend the brilliant theologian & poet Diarmuid O'Murchu is presenting at the parish I used to work at, St. John Fisher, right across from Oakland University March 26-29, more info at Retreat with O'Murchu Schedule

So, again, LOTS of opportunities to deepen our faith, understanding and draw nearer to God this holy season of Lent!  I look forward to ‘being church’ with you!