Our annual Joliet Diocesan Peace Day will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 and will feature John Carr as the keynote speaker. Mr. Carr served nearly two decades as the Secretary of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development for the USCCB. He speaks and writes frequently on Catholic social teaching and the moral dimension of public issues. In addition there will be 4 workshops: “Global Climate Change and How It Can Lead to Conflict”, Journey to Justice on the The Jericho Road: An Introduction to the Way of Peace”, and “Conflict, Peace and Christian Vocation” and “Hiroshima: The Story of An Atom Bomb Survivor –The Cries for Nuclear Disarmament Still Rises Like a Mushroom Cloud to the Heavens.” What an exciting program! One you would not want to miss.

Registration and exhibits begin at 8:00 a.m. and the Welcoming and Opening Prayer at 8:45 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:00 p.m. Suggested Donation is $15 without luncheon and $25 with the luncheon. Seniors and students receive a $5 discount. For additional information or to download a registration form, go to http://www.paxjoliet.org/events/peaceday2008.htm or you may call 815-834-4028 for more information. Deadline for registration is April 25, 2008.

SPRING DIACONATE COMMUNITY MEETING

Diaconate Community Meeting at the St. Charles Pastoral Center - 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 10.

The skill of theological reflection involves discerning the movement of God within the daily lives of people, and being able to connect one’s individual journey to the broader Christian Tradition. Theological reflection is an important skill for leaders of small faith communities, RCIA groups or Bible studies. It is also a skill for enhancing one’s personal spiritual growth.

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time: 9:00 m-3:00 pm
Place: St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center
Presenter: Yvonne DeBruin, Director of the Office of Ministry Formation
Cost: $30.00; bring your own lunch. To Register, call (815) 834-4003.

A SPECIAL INVITATION

St. Joseph Parish in Manteno invites all deacons and their families to attend a celebration honoring the priests of our diocese on May 30, 2008, the World Day of Prayer for Priests. On that day the members of the parish will be ending a 40 Hour Vigil during which time we will be praying for intentions of the priesthood. At the end of the Vigil, we will be celebrating a Mass to honor all the priests, seminarians, bishops and deacons in our diocese. At the conclusion of the Mass we will be hosting an old fashioned country barbecue with all the “fixings”, including entertainment from throughout the diocese! RSVP to jenkins1303@comcast.net or call Stephanie Jenkins at (815) 468-8281.

RITE OF CANDIDACY

Rite of Candidacy for the Class of 2011 - 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2008

DEACONS RETREAT

Deacons Retreat at Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein - September 26-28, 2008.

DEACON AND WIVES RETREAT

Deacons and Wives Retreat at Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein - October 10-12.

RITE OF INSTALLATION AS ACOLYTE

Rite of Institution as Acolyte for Class of 2009 - 7:30 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2008.

DEACON AND WIVES RETREAT

Deacons and Wives Retreat at the Portiuncula House of Prayer in Frankfort - October 30-November 2, 2008.