Learn how Christian morality can become a way of life in 3-part series at St. Thomas

Facilitator of the series will be Dr. Jill Bates who has many years' experience as a faith formation director in the Joliet Diocese. She also has served as chaplain and coordinator of Catholic Ministries at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, and currently serves as a spiritual director at Mayslake Ministries in Downers Grove.

Dr. Bates also facilitates retreats and speaks on a variety of adult faith formation topics. She 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.

The series itself will explore Christian moral principles beginning with the dignity and vocation of the human person created in the image and likeness of God. In the first talk, Dr. Bates will discuss key concepts such as freedom, responsibility, moral conscience, virtue and vice, law and grace, and the Beatitudes.

In the second session on Nov. 16, Dr. Bates will delve into the first three of the Ten Commandments that pertain to the love of God. The final meeting on Nov. 23 will be dedicated to a study of the seven Commandments that pertain to the love of neighbor.

Free of charge, "Life in Christ: Christian Morality" is being sponsored by the Newman Institute for Lay Formation at the Diocese of Joliet's Office of Lay Formation.

Reservations for this program are encouraged by Friday, Nov. 6, and are available by contacting Marge Coronado, religious education assistant at St. Thomas, at (630) 355-8980, ext. 118, or at mcoronado@stapostle.org.

More information about "Life in Christ: Christian Morality" is available from St. Thomas' Religious Education Office at (630) 305-6318.

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.