Jesus's parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories meant to challenge our ways of thinking. Although parables are drawn from ordinary life, the messages they convey are deep. They do not define things precisely, but use comparisons to point us in the direction of an understanding of how God works.
PRESENTATION BY FR. MICHAEL JONCAS
Join us, October 18 at 7 pm, for a presentation by Fr. Michael Joncas on the parables! Fr. Joncas is a priest, world-renowned composer, and was a professor at the University of St. Thomas for over three decades up until his retirement earlier this year. He received a Master of Arts degree in Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame in 1978, went on to study at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome, then was ordained in 1980. Fr. Joncas has composed more than 20 collections of liturgical music. Some of his most well-known hymns include On Eagle's Wings (1978) and Shelter Me (2020). He has also published six books and more than 100 articles. In his retirement, he continues to preach and preside sacramentally in various parishes and worshiping communities, teach in person and online, write articles and blog posts, and compose liturgical music.
3-WEEK RETREAT IN DAILY LIFE
In anticipation of Fr. Joncas’ presentation, we have designed an at-home, 3-week retreat in daily life to help participants pray with many of Jesus’ parables. Parables often have both a literal and a deeper meaning and are meant to be mulled over, not just read. This retreat will help participants do just that! The prayer material will include daily reflections rooted in Ignatian Spirituality.
All participants will be emailed the prayer material on September 26. We will also have physical booklets of the prayer material available to pick up from our parish office.
We will hold two optional small group discussions for participants to discuss the fruits of their prayer. Both meetings will take place in the church.
- Thursday, October 6 at 7 pm (Discussing the first week of material)
- Tuesday, October 11 at 7 pm (Discussing the second week of material)