Program shows women have mentored each other since Biblical times; concept still thrives today
Women are invited to explore the "forever journey" they have shared through the ages during the program "Women Mentoring Women … Seeking and Offering Support as Companions on the Journey" that will be held from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, in the Lighthouse room in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.
Jill Bates, who offers spiritual direction at Mayslake Ministries in Downers Grove and occasional retreats and presentations, will facilitate the discussion. She will trace the mentoring concept among women since Biblical times. "From wandering in the desert with Moses, to the story of Ruth, to the companions on the road to Emmaus, to our life's journey today, we will seek to understand the forever journey of Christian women, together," she says.
Bates adds mentoring is "noncompetitive, feels safe, happens forever, is unselfish and is not codependent. It is a way of remembering and building up society for the future."
Through sharing their own stories of mentoring and being mentored, participants also will recognize and enlarge their understanding and practice of these ages-old skills.
Bates has many years' experience as a faith formation director, having served in that capacity at several parishes in the Joliet Diocese, including St. Thomas the Apostle. She also has served as chaplain and coordinator of Catholic Ministries at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Bates holds a master's degree in spirituality from the Loyola Institute for Pastoral Studies and a doctor of ministry degree in ecumenical studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
Reservations for this interactive discussion, at $10 each payable by check or in cash at the door, are encouraged by Wednesday, Oct. 12, because seating is limited to 75 people.
"Women Mentoring Women" is being sponsored by Sophia's Circle of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, a ministry that offers three micro-retreats yearly for women to explore topics related to spiritual re-connections of faith. Each three-hour evening program begins with wine and light refreshments.
Reservations and more information about the program are available by contacting Marge Coronado, religious education assistant at St. Thomas, at (630) 355-8980, ext. 118, or at mcoronado@stapostle.org. In making reservations for more than one individual, please make sure the names and phone numbers of all women are included.
St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,450 households of more than 10,800 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information please call (630) 355-8980.