| THRESHOLDS is a program in spiritual formation. Rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition and ecumenically inclusive, this program is intended to guide people in their desire to encounter more deeply and embrace more fully the way of Jesus in their everyday lives. Spiritual formation is a process that engages one’s entire life to be open and receptive to the mystery of God in self, others, community and creation. Christian, holistic, and experiential with an emphasis on cultivating spiritual practices that encourage and support persons of faith being fully alive, THRESHOLDS participants will unite with a community of people committed to the spiritual journey.
THRESHOLDS is comprised of eight Core Areas that are foundational to an authentic and mature Christian practice. The themes and topics of the Core Areas will be presented in a variety of formats and timetables. The program is designed to offer both a cohesive structure and maximum flexibility. A topic in each Core Area for example, might be offered one evening a week for 4-6 weeks, Saturday mornings or as a weekend retreat. This format affords people the opportunity to register for a two-year certificate program which is completed after participating in all eight Core Areas.
ORIENTATION & GROUP FORMATION
Saturday, Oct.2, 2010
An additional two-hour Orientation session is required for individuals electing to participate in the two-year certificate program. Formation group meetings outside of the scheduled offerings will be available for those seeking a spiritual formation community.
THRESHOLDS offerings are open to people who desire ongoing spiritual formation and growth, but do not wish to participate in the whole certificate program.
THE Eight CORE AREAS
Year One
BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: Shaped by God’s Word
Sacred Scripture is a privileged way of encountering God and entering into God’s dream of salvation. God’s communication through these sacred texts informs, and forms the nature of biblical faith. (See calendar: Jan. 15 - Feb. 19).
JESUS CHRIST: Seeking Our Source and Goal
At the core of the Christian faith is the experience that God comes to be with us in the person of Jesus the Christ. As Christians we support one another in learning to embody the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus. (See calendar: Apr. 1 - 3).
PRAYER: Cultivating Intimacy with God
Central to Christian Spirituality is the belief that God desires to be in union with us. Prayer is a response to God’s invitation to intimacy and communion. Intentional prayer nurtures an authentic life which is attuned to and concerned about others. (See calendar: Oct. 12- Nov. 16).
COMMUNITY: Being the Beloved Community
The Christian life is no private matter, and we are called to be in community. By God’s design, we are saved as a people. Broken and blessed, we travel and share a common pilgrimage toward wholeness and the fullness of life. Being in community breaks us open to embrace and care for the world. (See calendar: May 4 - 25).
Year Two (Offered in 2011–2012)
DISCIPLESHIP AND SERVICE: Responding to the Call
Discipleship is integral to the responsibility of living the Christian life. As disciples we are apprentices to Jesus who teaches us the way of loving surrender to God and compassionate service to others.
THE FRIENDS OF GOD: Living in Fidelity
The New Testament speaks of the great “cloud of witnesses.” The saints are those who have lived lives in fidelity to God’s lavish love. Connecting the stories of the friends of God with our stories inspires us to live passionate and faithful lives.
THE SACRED SPARK OF CREATION: Partnering with God
As Christians we believe that the cosmos was created not caused. Our own creative energy echoes God’s ongoing creativity and speaks of our call to find God in all things. Our partnership with God inspires and directs us to a kinship with all of creation.
SPIRITUALITY FOR EVERYDAY LIVING: Finding God in the Ordinary
The God-thread is in every aspect of our living, whether at home, in the family, or in the workplace. In these ordinary places we open ourselves to be surprised by God in the mysterious and mundane realities of life, and to respond in ever-deepening faith.
For information on any THRESHOLDS programs, please contact:
David Hoover, MTS, Thresholds Supervisor (714) 744-3175 ext. 4403, dhoover@csjorange.org |
