4-part summer series at St. Thomas the Apostle to study women Doctors of the Church
The Doctors and dates their lives and times will be studied include Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) on June 9; Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) on June 16; Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) on June 30; and Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) on July 7.
A total of 35 individuals are recognized as Doctors of the Church, a title conferred on ecclesiastical writers of eminent learning and outstanding holiness because of their contributions to the explanation and defense of Catholic doctrine. Although sainthood is not required, the four women whose work will be studied also are saints.
Facilitator of the series is Chari Rosales, director of St. Thomas Adult Faith Formation & Spirituality (S.T.A.F.F.S.), an engaging and knowledgeable speaker who enlivens her subject matter with clarity, vivacity and a sense of humor. Long active in church ministry, Rosales' areas of specialty include religious history, Scripture study and liturgy. She has studied at Loyola University Chicago, Dominican University in River Forest, and the Universite de Fribourg in Switzerland.
Rosales broadly outlined the series' content with an invitation, saying, "Come to embrace the legacy of the wisdom and faith of these truly remarkable and inspiring women. We will learn about each of the women Doctors' times and struggles, their theologies and mystical experiences, and participate in their modes of prayer."
Free-will offerings will be accepted at the door and reservations are encouraged by Tuesday, June 7, to assure adequate seating.
Reservations and further information about "Women Doctors of the Church: Feminine Mystics/Theologians" are available by contacting Marge Coronado, religious education assistant, at (630) 355-8980, ext. 118, or at mcoronado@stapostle.org.
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 3,300 households of more than 11,000 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs can be viewed at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information, call (630) 355-8980 or visit www.stapostle.org.
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