Thursday, 03 May 2012 09:23

Unveiling Vatican II: A document study for the Year of Faith this summer at SLC
Father Jarrod Lies, director of the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, will lead “Unveiling Vatican II: A Document Study for the Year of Faith,” studies on the four primary documents of Vatican II, beginning May 30 at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita.
The seeds of Vatican II were planted almost 50 years ago. On Oct. 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII, opened the Second Vatican Council which lasted until Dec. 8, 1965. Following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1959, he called the council in order to help the church adapt to the rapid global changes at every level of society. According to Pope John XXIII the council was called to apply that unchanging doctrine of the faith to the present needs and circumstances of contemporary society.
As he said in his opening address: “What is needed at the present time is a new enthusiasm, a new joy and serenity of mind in the unreserved acceptance by all of the entire Christian faith, without forfeiting that accuracy and precision… What is needed … is that this doctrine shall be more widely known, more deeply understood, and more penetrating in its effects on men’s moral lives. What is needed is that this certain and immutable doctrine, to which the faithful owe obedience, be studied afresh and reformulated in contemporary terms.”
To achieve these goals, the Second Vatican Council produced 12 decrees and 4 constitutions. The four constitutions are the primary documents of the council and will be the focus of the study this summer. Here is a brief description of the four constitutions and plans for the classes which will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. on the designated evenings:
Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum):
May 30 and June 6
This document sets forth the Church’s understanding of Divine Revelation and how it is handed on specifically through Sacred Scripture. It discusses how Scripture and Tradition are both sources of revelation and how God inspired the authors of Scripture by His Holy Spirit and entrusted the written word to the protection of the Church. It also sets out certain principals by which to approach scripture and understand its meaning.
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium):
June 13, 20 and 27
This document sets forth the Church as the “Light of the Nations”. It discusses the nature of the Church as the People of God and the role of the Bishops, Religious and Laity within the Church. Among its most important teaching is the universal call to holiness of all the members of the Church no matter what their state in life is. It ends with a deep discussion of Mary’s role in relation to the life of the Church.
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sancrosanctum Concilium):
July 11 and 18
The main purpose of this document is to undertake “the reform and promotion of the liturgy.” It is this document that encourages the “fully conscious and active participation in the liturgical celebrations.
In view of this the document sets forth certain principles for the promotion of sacred liturgy and discusses the Mystery of the Eucharist and other sacraments. It further discusses sacramentals, the Divine Office, the Liturgical Year, Sacred Music, Art and Furnishings.
The Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes):
July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8
This document sets forth the Church’s understanding of her relationship to modern society in all its facets. It discusses humankind’s situation and role in the modern world. It speaks especially of marriage and the proper development of Christian culture. Is also speaks of the proper understanding of economic and social life, the life of the political community and the fostering of peace among the nations.

Events at SLC honoring Christian womanhood
‘Ladies Evening Out’ planned for May 11
WICHITA – Two events focusing on Christian womanhood will be presented at the Spiritual Life Center next weekend.
A “Ladies Evening Out” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 11. Women are invited to attend an evening of wine, appetizers, discussion, and prayer. Teresa Monaghen, of the Pro-Sanctity movement, will present a talk on “Speaking to Others of our Friendship with Christ.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to stay past the scheduled conference time to enjoy some quiet prayer on their own. They may even choose to reserve a bedroom overnight and make a retreat out of this event. The cost for the evening is $10.
On Saturday, May 12, Monaghen will present the SLC’s annual Mothers Retreat. This year’s day of prayer is inspired by the story of Katie Davis, a 22-year-old mother of 14 adopted children in Uganda. Attendees will learn how her example teaches all of us to live ordinary lives with extraordinary love.
The retreat will include conferences, daily Mass, opportunities for discussion with other moms, and a special Mothers’ Day luncheon. All moms, grandmothers, and spiritual moms are welcome to attend. Check-in for the morning will begin at 8:30 a.m. The day will conclude by 3 p.m. The cost is $40.
“We are extremely excited about this special weekend,” said Spiritual Life Center Program Coordinator Kristi Uhlschmidt. “I had the privilege of attending last year’s Mothers Retreat, and I loved every minute of it. It’s so easy to reach burnout as a mom sometimes, and that day was such a blessing to remind me of great vocation that God calls all moms to live out. I really hope to bring all of my gal pals out to the center to be renewed and reminded of our unique beauty as women of Christ.”
Register at www.slcwichita.org or by calling (316) 744-0167. Please call if you’d like to reserve a bedroom and make these two events a retreat.

Volunteer working to draw more to the bookstore at the Spiritual Life Center
Sandy Sullivan, the volunteer manager at Monk’s Corner, the book and gift store at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita, has been working to draw more of the faithful to her corner of the center.
Sullivan, who started volunteering there around Christmas, said she has a vision to expand what is offered there to meet the needs of the faithful who live on the east side of Wichita.
In addition to a wide variety of Catholic books, the Monk’s Corner offers gifts, such as rosaries and icons, and cards for Catholic events.
Sullivan said the bookstore is a perfect draw for the Spiritual Life Center. “The center is such a blessing to Wichita,” she added.
Father Ken Van Haverbeke, director of the center, said Sullivan was a wonderful example of stewardship.
“We understand that stewardship is placing our gifts at the service of one another. Just as the Spiritual Life Center is a gift to the diocese, so Sandy and Monk’s corner is a gift to our retreat center.”
Month’s corner is open from about 8:30 a.m. to about 9 p.m. during the week and is open on some Sundays.
Call the center at 744-0167 to verify that the bookstore is open.
“You are welcome to get a cup of coffee and sit down in one of our comfy chairs and make yourself at home,” Sullivan said.
She said the book group’s book for this month is Hines’ Feet On High Places scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 14. The movie for June’s discussion relating to scripture will be “Walk the Line”, with the date to be announced. Those attending will be invited to bring a picnic dinner with them.

SLC to host Holy Family Memorial Mass on first Wednesdays
A Mass will be celebrated at 11:15 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Spiritual Life Center as part of the perpetual memorial associated with The Holy Family Special Needs Foundation.
Fr. Ken VanHaverbeke, priest moderator to the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities and the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation, will offer the Mass.
All families who contributed to the memorial in memory of their loved ones are invited to attend. Lunch is available after Mass.