St. Thomas offers series on 'The Joy of Love'

"The Joy of Love" series that will be offered in October by St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville takes its title from a recent apostolic exhortation by the same name in which Pope Francis seeks to help everyone recognize and experience God's love and feel welcome in the Catholic Church.

While affirming traditional church teaching on marriage, "The Joy of Love" ("Amoris Laetitia") extends recognition to the difficulties faced by divorced and remarried Catholics. It also surfaces issues of conscience and pastoral care, as well as the joys and challenges of married and family life.

Pope Francis wrote the document as the follow-up to the bishops' Synod on marriage and the family, as well as the World Meeting of Families last summer in Philadelphia.

"His is a frank, honest and generous-spirited exhortation for all people," said Chari Rosales, director of St. Thomas adult faith formation and spirituality and the program's facilitator.

The document in its entirety will be read and discussed in small groups so everyone can participate, Rosales said.

"Those who are married, single, engaged or just curious will find 'The Joy of Love' interesting reading and will want to discuss it," she said.

Sessions will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays in October in the Lighthouse at St. Thomas, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged in order to gain a complete sense of the content.

The text of "The Joy of Love" is required and is for sale at religious goods stores or can be downloaded from www.vatican.va. Cost of the series is $15; those encountering financial difficulties may make alternative arrangements regarding the fee.

Reservations are requested by Friday, Sept. 30, to ensure seating arrangements. For reservations and additional information about "The Joy of Love," contact Marge Coronado, religious education assistant at St. Thomas, at mcoronado@stapostle.org or (630) 355-8980, ext. 118.