LOCAL AREA EVENTS

1. FORMATION TOWARD CHRISTIAN MINISTRY (FTCM)

2. 2008 DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND

3. DISCERNMENT GROUP

4. RETREAT OPPORTUNITY BAYOU AWAKENING # 12

5. LIFE AWARENESS RETREAT

1. FORMATION TOWARD CHRISTIAN MINISTRY (FTCM)
This program offers basic theology and spiritual development to Catholic adults who want to deepen their commitment to Jesus and more fully answer their baptismal call to service as a mature disciple. FTCM offers the theological content courses needed for Diocesan certification as a catechist. FTCM is also a pre-requisite for catechetical leadership formation, youth ministry leadership formation, and deaconate formation. For more information go to the website by clicking the title of this paragraph or contact (713) 741 - 8730 the Office of Continuing Christian Education for the Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston.

2. 2008 DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND

The Eucharist Calls Us To Reach All People! In the Eucharistic celebration we recall the passion and death of Christ and celebrate His resurrection into a new life by which He calls us to a life of service. The 2008 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) begins Sunday, February 3rd in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston. Our theme – The Eucharist Calls Us To Reach All People – reminds us of our Christian mission: to reach out in service to all people. This week, all registered parishioners will receive a letter from His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston - Houston, along with a personalized pledge card, inviting participation in this year’s Diocesan Services Fund. Please complete the enclosed pledge card and return it in the mail in the special envelope provided or bring it to Mass next weekend. If you prefer, you may go online at www.archgh.org/dsf to make your donation. Your generous gift will allow our Catholic community to continue the many vital programs and services that Reach All People in our Archdiocese. Including the Catholic Newman Center at University of Houston that is funded by the DSF.

3. DISCERNMENT GROUP
“Come follow Me…” Discover the road less traveled. This monthly gathering is for young adults ages 18 and up discerning a vocation to the priesthood and/or the religious life every fourth Thursday of every month. The topic for this month is “How Family Systems Affect Our Lives, Decisions, and Choices” on April 24th, 2008 and the speaker will be Winnie Honeywell, Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Family Life Ministry. We will begin at 6:00 PM Food & Socialize and at 7:00 PM Program Begins at the University of St. Thomas in the Ahern Room in the Crooker Hall on 3800 Montrose Houston, TX 77006-4626. Join priests, sisters, brothers, seminarians, and other young adults for an evening of great food, rich prayer, inspirational music, and compelling words as you grow in your courageous conviction to serve Christ and the Church. Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Vocations. For information call Jesse Garcia at (713) 652 - 8289 or e-mail at jgarcia@archgh.org

4. RETREAT OPPORTUNITY BAYOU AWAKENING # 12

Bayou Awakening is a retreat for college age young adults (18-25), focusing on deepening your relationship with Christ. There are several talks on topics like, "What is a Christian?" "Prayer," "Faith," "The Mystical Body of Christ." There are opportunities for small group conversation, quiet prayer time, mass, and reconciliation. Join us for a great weekend of spiritual renewal! For retreatant and staff applications, see http://www.archgh.org/youngacm/awakening.htm Please turn in your application to attend the next Bayou Awakening Retreat coming up on September 19-21, 2008 at Kickapoo Ranch in Hockley, TX. Applications are being received by mail at the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry at 2403 E Holcombe Blvd Houston, TX 77021 or by e-mail at agomez@archgh.org and/or you may call America Gomez at (713) 741 - 8778.

5. LIFE AWARENESS RETREAT
A Religious Vocation Weekend for Single Adults on July 25th – 27th at the Holy Name Retreat Center 430 Bunker Hill Houston, TX 77024. This retreat is held to assist single adults, ages 18-45, who feel a “tug” toward a vocation to priesthood or consecrated life. During the weekend, the participants listen to presentations made by Priests, Brothers and Sisters and engage in discussions as they discern what God is saying in their lives. The Life Awareness Weekend is a great “First Step” and a great way to get good solid information about Church Vocations. For more information and to register see the pamphlet at http://www.archgh.org/VocationOffice/LifeAwareness2007-RegForm.pdf

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