Spirit & Light - Adult Faith Formation

This collaborative now has a name and mission statement! – Spirit and Light: A Catholic Collaborative for Living Faith

Spirit and Light is the catechetical center for Oak Park’s two parishes: Ascension and St. Edmund, and St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles.

Mission Statement – Spirit and Light kindles the fire of faith in each person to bring the joy of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s presence to the world.

Vision Statement – Spirit and Light is an inspiring, prayerful, inclusive Catholic initiative for learning, reflection, discernment and encouragement that

- reaches out to people wherever they are;

- the journey of seekers and empowers those sojourners to walk with each other;
- enriches connections with God;
- inspires people to live the Gospel;
- stirs the soul-hunger for meaning;
- and fosters a vibrant community living in joy and deepens relationships among people of faith.

To get involved or ask questions, contact Marci Madary at [email protected].

There are a number of ways to learn of upcoming programs. In addition to our Sunday bulletin, our weekly parish newsletter arriving on Fridays will keep you abreast of not only the opportunities offered here at Ascension and St. Edmund, but also activities offered by other parishes and organizations. Sign up for the newsletter HERE. For additional information: Marci Madary: [email protected]

Some of the ongoing groups Ascension and St. Edmund provides are:

Book Reading and Discussion is offered at various times. Books and opportunities for discussion will be published in the bulletin.

Contemplative Prayer and Meditation (Saturday at 8:30 AM) shares a reading for private meditation and then provides a shared discussion time for group reflection.

Lectionary and Bible study (Thursdays at 9 AM) reads and reflects on the upcoming Sunday readings as well as individual books of the Bible.

Men’s Spirituality (3rd Saturday of the month) provides an opportunity for men to gather and discuss the Sunday Scriptures in light of their own journeys of faith.

Moms Faith Sharing Circle (one evening per month) welcomes women at all stages of motherhood to enter into deeper conversations and prayer within a safe and supportive environment.

Retreats and Mornings of Reflection (offered one or more times during the year) provide the time and space to “come away for a while.” Very often these mornings focus on an aspect of an upcoming liturgical season or on a theme the parish has been studying/reflecting upon as a whole.

Small faith sharing groups (Lent) provide an opportunity to gather in parishioner’s homes and reflect on the upcoming Sunday Scripture. By sharing stories of faith in light of the Scriptures, parishioners come in touch with the movement of the Spirit within the lives of their fellow pilgrims.

Speakers (varies throughout the year) may provide a single session or may offer a series for more in depth coverage of a particular topic. Often these are co-sponsored with other groups.

Women’s Spirituality Group (3rd Thursday of the Month in September through May) selects a book to read over the year and spends time in discussion and faith sharing particularly in light of being a woman.