Coordinator - Becky Goff
277-1873

Overview

Sunday Mornings at MCPS - 9:30am to 10:30am
during Sunday morning Faith Formation Classes for Children

 As part of our commitment to providing a variety of well-rounded and convenient Adult Faith Formation for our parishioners, our parish is happy to offer again, this academic year, our "Catholic IQ" series.  Begun in the year of the 2000 Jubilee, this program allows parishioners to work to improve their "Catholic IQ" by attending weekly discourses on a wide range of contemporary and traditional Catholic topics.

 Attendance in this series is "no obligation", as there is no homework or required outside reading, and each topic is covered in one session, such that each week's discourse stands on its own; folks are welcome to attend as they can.  "Catholic IQ" discourses are held at the Catholic Middle School each week during the academic year, following the same schedule as that for the children; we start 5 minutes later than the RE kids, and end 5 minutes earlier, to facilitate participation by parents of these children.  Parents of children less than 4 can avail themselves of the nursery provided each week on the Middle School premises.

 The foundation of this series is based on the "limitlessness" of God for those who seek him.  Contrary to some conventional thinking, we hold that our religious education did not end when we were confirmed or graduated high school.  There is so much to God!  There is so much that has been revealed in His Word.  We also should stand on the shoulders of great faith journeyers who have left us their insights and learning for our increased understanding of God's infinite mystery.  We also are ecumenical, offering topics so that we might best relate to those of other religions whose lives touch ours. 

 Catholic IQ discourses are not strictly-speaking "classes" (teacher lectures, students listen) or catechesis (although the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are our foundational references) - all attendees are encouraged to bless each other by sharing their own faith experiences, and engaging in lively discussion, whenever and to the extent they feel comfortable.  Our only "code" is that we honor the questions, struggles, and personal journeys we all have in life - there are no "bad" or "off-the-table" questions.

 In this very "democratic" class, the topics discussed each week are selected by the attendees, and led by a variety of speakers from within our parish family.  (For instance, we have diverted, as the majority willed, at times to do faith sharing from the "Why Catholic?" program of our archdiocese.)  For most sessions, using the questionnaire attached, participants indicate topics of interest (and definite "disinterest"!), and we plan our topics around their choices.  Once the voting is basically complete, topics are scheduled for the year, and posted so folks can plan accordingly. Notes for the class are often e-Mailed to participants in advance, so that those who choose can keep them for reference, read them in advance, and/or prepare questions for the upcoming session.

  So welcome - please join us!  Set a positive example for your friends and family, by actively seeking new understanding of God and His Church. If "Catholic IQ" does not seem right for you, please also consider our other Adult Faith Formation programs, like Little Rock Bible Study, Why Catholic?, and GIFT - details on these are available from Kevin Ryan (277-3428 ktryan@holy-spirit-church.com )- parish Faith Formation for Adults Director.