Debate about the death penalty stirs strong emotions and demands careful moral reasoning. Our Church speaks a counter-cultural message of respecting all life. Many reject this moral guidance. So tonight's presentation will review some key facts about capital punishment, turn to Scripture for guidance, and pay close attention to Church teaching and frequently raised questions about the death penalty. We will have time for discussion and questions.

You probably want to say, “I don't have time for this workshop!” That's exactly what we will explore in this 2-1/2 hour workshop - what we have time for. Spend some quiet Advent reflection time in looking at a Christian attitude toward time. And, introduce yourself to Sabbath-keeping as an Advent spiritual exercise.

Lent

Suffering
Wednesday, February 20 & 27, 2002
Facilitator: Ken Overberg, SJ
Daniel Hall, 7:30 - 9:00 pm

February 20 - “The Message of the Martyrs” People are still martyred for preaching the Gospel. Tonight's presentation offers the opportunity to join a pilgrimage (through slides and stories) to the shrines of the martyrs in Guatemala and El Salvador. Some names we recognize (Archbishop Romero's anniversary is in March); others are unknown to most of us. We will reflect on the cost of discipleship in their lives and our own. In the context of faith, we will also address the mystery of suffering.

February 27 - “Divine and Human Suffering” Humanity still experiences Good Friday. Is there any mystery - other than God - more challenging than suffering? Mental and physical illness, starvation and poverty, wars and systemic violence of all kinds overwhelm individuals, communities, entire nations. Each of us has a personal story of suffering. What can be said about suffering? Is there any connection between Jesus' life and suffering and our own? Tonight's presentation will use Scripture and Tradition to develop some alternative responses to these profound experiences and questions. There will be time for discussion.

Hope in the 21st Century
March 6 & 13, 2002
Facilitator: Sr. Maria Hill, CSJ
Daniel Hall, 7:30 - 9:00 pm

March 6 - “HOPE IS ....  !” The title suggests that hope exists and can be defined in many different ways. What is it? Where can one find it? How can one incorporate it into the very fabric of one's being? We will explore these questions and make connections between Jesus' life and ours.

March 13 - “Hope In the Midst of Suffering” Hope is rooted in the suffering and death of Jesus. It is central to our faith to think of Jesus' death and resurrection as one great mystery. We will delve into the corners of this paradox and rest in the knowledge that hope is an acquired virtue of the faithful Christian.

Concert
Dan Schutte
Spirituality for the Muscian
Friday, February 8, 2002
Nave, 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 9, 2002
Nave, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Liturgical ministry requires more from musicians than simply knowing their craft and understanding the rites. In order for musicians to be true vehicles of prayer for others, they must themselves be persons of prayer. This session offers reflections on music ministry and the ways in which music ministers can deepen their own spirituality as music-makers in the Church. Cost for concert: $5.00/individual or $10.00 per family. Cost for workshop: $30.00 (includes continental breakfast and lunch).

Discussion Groups
Dates & Times: TBA
Facilitator: Marti Barnes
Place: Host Homes

If things get better with age, then we're all heading for magnificence , right? The focus of this year's discussions will be Harvest Us Home: Good News as We Age, by Rea McDonnell, SSND and Rachel Callahan, CSC. This book demonstrates a radical shift in our perceptions of "aging" and brings a new way of looking at this time of spiritual vitality. If you wish to purchase your own copy, please contact Marti Barnes. One or two other books will be added and possibly scripture/faith sharing groups will form. Please watch the weekly bulletin for organizational details.

Prayer & Spirituality
Thursday, April 11 & 25, 2002
Facilitator: Sr. Madonna Hoying
Our Lady's Chapel, 10:00 - 11:30 am

April 11 - Our “Prime Time ”Mission to “BE ”Jesus - On this day we will look at how our call to be authentic Catholic Christians gives us a special mission to “BE” Jesus. We will see how that leads us through our own humanness, vulnerability and compassion to be a song of God's love in our world today. We will do this with prayer, presentation and discussion.

April 25 - Our “Prime Time” Invitation to LIVE His Call of Love - Again, our time together will include prayer, presentation and discussion, as well as a short film on how to balance law and compassion. During this session, we will consider Jesus' greatest command to love others prayerfully, with compassion and truth.

RCIA for Youth
Separate schedule
Facilitator: Ruthie Barnes and RCIA Team
This facet of the RCIA corresponds to the adult process and is done on an age appropriate level. Participants in all facets of the RCIA come together to celebrate the rites at points in the process.

RCIA for Children of Catechetical Age
Contact Parish Office for Dates & Times
Facilitator: Aimee Baer and RCIA Team
This facet of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) corresponds to the adult process and is done on an age appropriate level. Participants in all facets of the RCIA come together to celebrate the rites at various points in the process.

Retreat In Preparation for Easter Sacraments
Saturday, March 16, 2002
Time TBA
Facilitators: RCIA Team
St. Clare Monastery, Miles Road, Cincinnati

This retreat is for the RCIA adult participants, their sponsors, spouses and significant others. Its purpose is to assist all involved in prayerful preparation in anticipation of the Easter Mysteries to be celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

This one-hour session provides an opportunity for expectant and new parents to talk with one another about the human experience of waiting and the wonder of giving birth. Together, those gathered ponder the religious significance of that experience and reflect upon the rich meaning of the sacramental symbols.

Confirmation Orientation Meeting
Wednesday, October 24, 2001
Facilitators: Aimee Baer, Ruthie Barnes & Catechists
Location: Nave/Daniel Hall: 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Young people, 8th grade or older, and their parents are presented with answers to such questions as "What is Confirmation?", "How do I know if I am (or my child is) ready to be confirmed?", and "Who can serve as a Confirmation sponsor?" General information about the Confirmation preparation process here at St. John Neumann is also shared.

First Reconciliation Parents' Orientation
Thursday, January 10, 2002 Facilitators: Fathers Feldhaus and Tensi and Aimee Baer
Location: Nave 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Parents of children preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation meet to gain new insight into the components of confession and penance as part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Discussion focuses on moving from the “laundry list” of sins to conversion experiences in day-to-day living. Parents are given a list of activity suggestions to help the family continue to grow as people of reconciliation and forgiveness. All parishioners who desire to grow in their understanding of this Sacrament of Healing are welcome to attend.

First Communion Parents' Orientation
Wed, November 14, 2001
Facilitators: Father Bob Farrell, Father Feldhaus and Aimee Baer
Location: Nave 7:00-9:00 pm

Come and find out how and why we prepare for and celebrate Eucharist at St. John Neumann. Parents are a vital part of both the preparation and celebration of Sacraments in their children's lives. Practical hints on how to make the day meaningful for your child will be shared.

First Reconciliation Retreat
Saturday, February 2, 2002
Facilitators: Group Leaders and Aimee Baer
Church Building: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

This activity-filled retreat for grade three children and parents is designed to help families dialogue about the importance of forgiveness in our lives and develops the ideas presented at the Reconciliation Parent Orientation. (Snow Date Saturday, February 23, 2002)

First Communion Retreat
Saturday, February 16, 2002
Facilitator: Group Leaders and Aimee Baer
Church Building: 10:00 am-2:00 pm

This retreat for parents and second grade children preparing to join us at the Table of the Lord is a memorable day full of activities: banner designing, video viewing, music making, bread and wine tasting, and lunch munching. The goal of the retreat is to provide a deeper understanding of what it is to be a “Eucharistic” person. (Snow Date Saturday, February 23, 2002)

Chronological Listings

DATE	EVENT	TIME	PLACE
9/18/01 & 9/25/01	Basic Beliefs of the Catholic Church Joe Shadle	7-9:45 PM	Daniel Hall
10/23/01	The Book of the Prophet Ezekiel Fr. Tim Schehr	7:30-9:00 PM	Daniel Hall
11/13/01	Death Penalty: A Pro-Choice Life Issue Fr. Ken Overberg	7:30-9:30 PM	Daniel Hall
12/08/01	Advent Morning of Reflection Time for Life: The Christian Use of Time Sr. Deborah Harmeling	10 AM - 12:30 PM	Daniel Hall
1/21/02	Understanding The 10 Commandments in Today's World Jerry Barney	7-9 PM	Daniel Hall
2/08/02	Concert Dan Schutte	7 PM	Nave
2/09/02	Spirituality for the Musician Dan Schutte	9 AM - 3 PM	Nave
02/20 & 02/27/02	Suffering Fr. Ken Overberg	7:30-9 PM	Daniel Hall
03/06 & 03/13/02	Hope in the 21st Century Sr. Maria Hill	7:30-9 PM	Daniel Hall
04/11/02 & 4/25/02	Prayer & Spirituality Sr. Madonna Hoying	10 - 11:30 AM	Our Lady's Chapel

Ongoing Opportunities

Catholic Parenting: 9:30 - 11:30 AM in Daniel Hall

Saturdays, September 22, & November 17, 2001
January 12 & March 9, 2002

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