EVENTS

• Video Bible Study Revelations
• St. Petronille Adult RE Catholic Reading Group
• Catholic Reading Group Summer Suggested Book List
• Regular Events
• Re-Membering Church

INTRODUCTION/MISSION

Dear Fellow Parishioners:

Life-long learning is a philosophy we strive for in our chosen professions and
other aspects of life.  Knowledge of our faith now needs to be included in this
genre.  Pope John Paul II states: "One of the constant concerns whose urgency
is confirmed by present day experience throughout the world, is the catechesis
of adults.  This is the principal form of catechesis because it is addressed to
persons who have the greatest responsibility and the capacity to live the 
Christian message in its fully developed form."

This statement by the Pope encourages us to embark on this life-long learning
process which is both personal and community based.  Personal in regards to
prayer and spiritual enrichment and community based by how we live our faith
by ministering to others.

The lens of education in the Catholic faith is shifting from that of child-
centered to one of adult-centered.  Generations of Faith is an outgrowth of 
that philosophy.  It brings all generations, learning and socially together on
church campus.  This requires the collaboration of all ministers to work 
together as one entity.  It is a very exciting, stimulating, invigorating time
for Adult Religious Education and all ministries.

Currently, there are over twelve ministry components of Adult RE.  These depict
a very active "hands on" church community.  Waiting in the wings are four
more ministries that parishioners would like to see come to fruition.  During the
fiscal year of 2003-04, two new ministries came into being.  Namely, Theology
on Tap and the Women's Evening Bible Study.  At the request of young adults in
the parish, Theology on Tap was offered in summer of 2003 at the St. Petronille
School Library.  This program was planned and very well attended by young adults.
There were 40-50 people in attendance at each session.  With the completion of 
our new Parish Center this program experienced tremendous growth.  The Women's
Evening Bible Study came about at the request of several women parishioners whose
attendance was prohibited at the AM session due to work and family commitments.
This program has been very well received and will continue.  

In October, 2004, the second Annual Marriage Series was offered in our new Parish
Center.  This program was well received and many compliments were given about our
new facility.

This is the third year that Adult RE has had a Senior High School student intern
from the Special Education Department at Glenbard South.  The student intern is
given office tasks to perform according to his/her capabilities.  This has been
a mutually gratifying situation between St. Petronille's Adult RE and Glenbard
South.  This is living the tenets of our faith.

For those of us who have been involved in Adult RE for several years watching
the growth of this ministry has been a very rewarding and exciting experience.
The Holy Spirit is alive and well and working in our parish community. The
possibilities are endless with the hand of God guiding us on the way and Jesus
walking by our side.  The Director, her part-time assistant and all the 
volunteers think that it is simply fabulous to be a part of this fast growing
ministry.

RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS)

The RCIA process is the treasured jewel of the Catholic faith and the door to
knowledge of Catholicism.  At St. Petronille, it is an integral and important
part of our parish community.  We have been blessed with dedicated parishioners
who have answered the call to be sponsors.  In 2004, we have a group of
sponsors which has added another dimension to both our small and large group
discussions.

Our priests and deacons and parishioners do presentations on specific topics.
Leona Yater, a participant in the New Wine program is doing an internship this
year in RCIA.  Her job responsibilities last semester was orientation and
training of RCIA sponsors.  This semester, she is facilitating the weekly
Sunday gospel reading and discussion part of RCIA as her job commitment allows.
She is a RCIA alumna.

This is just one example of RCIA alumna involvement in parish life.  Our other
alumna are active as Eucharistic Ministers, Religious Education Teachers, CCW
leaders, Choic members, Parish Finance Committee, St. Petronille School Board
members, Adult RE volunteers and Lectors.  The RCIA process has emphasized the
philosophy of participatory empowerment for evangelization.

The support that our RCIA process receives from clergy, deacons and parishioners
has made it one of the best processes in the diocese.  Visiting deacons have
expressed a wish that their RCIA process was formatted like ours because, "It
works so well.

Once again before the Easter Vigil we will have a dinner for our RCIA candidates,
sponsors and their relatives and friends.  After the vigil we have a dessert and
beverage reception.  These two events are always well attended.

With the completion of church campus, the RCIA meetings take place in our new
Board Room from 9:45-11:15 a.m.  Each session consists of opening prayer,
discussion of Sunday gospel, large and small group discussion and a presentation
about a specific faith related topic.  All materials are provided and there is
no registration fee. If you feel there is something missing in your life and
want to learn more about the Catholic Church, call 630-469-0404, ext. 2107.

RCIA & ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MINISTRIES
Adele Less Meister, Director

R.C.I.A. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
M.O.M.S  Ministry of Moms Sharing
Marriage Preparation Workshop
Support Group for Parents of Special Needs Children
Re-Membering Church
Divorce Support Group
Women's AM Bible Study
Women's PM Bible Study
Parish Bible Study
Emmaus
St. Petronille Seniors Club
St. Petronille Senior Sewing Club
Small Christian Communities
Adult Enrichment
Elizabeth Ministry
Mid-life Group
Theology on Tap