One of the most energizing programs offered through Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church is the Light Of The World Retreat. Geared toward Catholics interested in renewing their faith, Light Of The World truly rekindles Christ's flame inside each and every one of us. You're invited!
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Light of the World Evangelization Ministries |
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Light Of the World Evangelization Ministries is the National Organization that allows the Light Of the World retreat to be spread through out the United States, Canada and beyond. Light of the World Parish Evangelization Process (LOTW) is a powerful plan for evangelization and renewal within an individual parish.
Embracing the profound words of Pope Paul VI that evangelism is the “essential mission” and “deepest identity” of the Church, Light Of the World answers the call of Pope John Paul II for a “new evangelization” by empowering the laity of a parish to be evangelized and to evangelize others. The program reaches out to every member of a parish, no matter where they are in their faith journey, inviting them to a deeper relationship with our Lord and a greater knowledge of their faith, supporting them in their renewed commitment. The heart of evangelization is a living encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Download A Registration Form For the Next Retreat
The Light Of the World Kerygmatic Retreat facilitates this heart-felt encounter through:
1. A fundamental proclamation of the profound Gospel message; and
2. Providing for a renewal of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
As a necessary step in renewing these sacraments and facilitating a closer relationship with our Lord, special attention is paid to personal healing through Confession and Reconciliation.
Light Of the World is not merely a renewal retreat. Rather, the process provides the opportunity for the retreatants to enter into Small Faith Sharing Communities that promote adult faith formation through prayer, spiritual edification and study of our faith. Light Of the World also provides a vehicle for reaching out to members of the parish who have limited or no involvement in their Church. |
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Facts About Light Of The World |
- In 2009, there were over 100 Light Of the World Parishes throughout the USA, Canada & Australia.
Over 6000 Volunteers served on LOTW retreats in 2009, giving talks, leading small groups, helping retreatants feel welcome with great food and hospitality, and supporting the retreats with prayer in the Adoration Chapels. Both laity and ordained have volunteered.
Light Of the World regularly receives calls from new parishes that want to learn more about this unique pastoral evangelization process.
Light Of the World must raise over $100,000 in 2010 to meet all of the parishes' needs.
Light Of the World is in the Dioceses of:
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Rockford, IL
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Lincoln, NE
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Milwaukee, WI
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Davenport, IA
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Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Colorado Springs, CO
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Owensboro, KY
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St. Louis, MO
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Kansas City - St. Joseph, MO
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Chicago, IL
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Lacrosse, WI
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Joliet, IL
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Broken Bay, Australia
Visit the Official Light Of the World site |
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After attending the Light Of The World weekend retreat, all participants are invited to join a small community group. Groups of 10-12 meet weekly for shared prayer, study, support and service.
Immediately following the retreat, 6 weeks of “Growing in Christ” talks will be held at the parish center with a facilitator from the Light of the World team.
These weekly sessions model what the small community groups will be doing on their own when the 6 week session is over. The structure of the meeting is:
- Prayer and Praise (20 minutes)
- Sharing where we’ve seen Christ this past week (45 minutes)
- Study (45 minutes)
- Pray for each others' needs (10 minutes)
The entire meeting lasts approximately 2 hours.
At the end of the six weeks of “toolbox talks," the group will select a facilitator and place to meet. Monsignor Dan carefully examines the materials that are used for the study portion of the meeting. All the group facilitators meet three times a year for training and fellowship. Currently, Saint Thomas has 22 Light of the World Small groups here at St. Thomas with over 200 parishioners in attendance. |
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Frequent Questions About Light Of The World |
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Do I have to be there for all four days?
Yes, each talk builds upon the talk before it. Unless you can set aside the entire weekend, just wait until the next retreat is offered again, only 6 months away.
Can I go with my spouse?
Yes, both men and women go together, so spouses are certainly welcome. However, if your spouse is unable to come, don’t worry, both singles and couples attend together.
Can I go home at all to let my dog out?
There are breaks during the day, with a longer lunch break. If you don’t live too far – no problem!
Will I be able to go to Mass?
Yes, we will have Mass before the retreat starts on Sat. morning at 7:30am and again Sunday evening to fulfill your Sunday obligation.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing but your “open” self. No need to take notes, no test given! Bring a pillow to sit on or anything that will make you more comfortable. Clothing is casual and comfortable. |
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“The retreat was the best thing that has happened in my life”
“Renewing the sacraments was great. I was an infant, a second grader and a fifth grader when I received the sacraments. So doing this now was very meaningful. This time it was truly MY choice and pleasure”
“The retreat strengthened me and I found inner peace”
“I have been forever changed by this experience”
“I really felt the love and sincerity and power of the Holy Spirit” |
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