Relax with IN-SIGHT, monthly discussion group dedicated to reading, the arts, at St. Thomas the Apostle

In aiming for a more relaxed life, you are invited to attend IN-SIGHT, a new monthly discussion group that will read and discuss a variety of literary works and pieces of art in informal evening gatherings at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. The first meeting will be held from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.

IN-SIGHT will continue to meet the fourth Tuesday of each month through May 24, 2016, and individuals are invited to attend these adventures in reading and appreciation every month or as often as they are able to do so. Discussions will be facilitated by Neil Phipps, a St. Thomas parishioner.

This season's theme is "Vision of the Inner Life: Reading for Transformation" and "that is what we hope the results of this process will be for participants," said Chari Rosales, director of St. Thomas Adult Faith Formation & Spirituality (S.T.A.F.F.S.). She explained IN-SIGHT is dedicated to "enriching and deepening your inner life with a group of thoughtful voices stretching hearts and minds by reading and discussing short stories and poetry, and talking about art."

Rosales added, "The idea for this monthly get-together was born following a series held at St. Thomas last winter." That series was dedicated to reading and discussing how poets and fiction writers addressed the concept of atonement in their works. "Those who attended found the discussions so inspiring, exciting and interesting that they wanted more. And they wanted it on an ongoing basis," explained Rosales.

But can reading and discussion really help ease tension? According to Rosales a "New Yorker" magazine article reported that "regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher levels of self-esteem and lower rates of depression than non-readers."

So, come join the group and help your mind help your body.

Topics will range from the classic to the contemporary. Works being considered for discussion include short stories like "Babette's Feast" by Danish author Isak Dinesen, essays, the work of poets Mary Oliver and Wislawa Symborska, and the art of Marc Chagall. A finalized list of discussion topics will be available at September's introductory meeting.

Registration for IN-SIGHT is requested by Monday Sept. 14. For registration and additional information about IN-SIGHT, contact Marge Coronado, religious education assistant, at mcoronado@stapostle.org or (630) 355-8980, ext. 118.

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 3,700 households of more than 11,200 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.

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