"No matter where we are in our faith journey, each of us needs to be awakened to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and look at life through fresh eyes of faith,” said Andrea Hoisl, Diocesan director of the Office of Faith Events.
Her office is spearheading a new program this fall which it hopes will do just that.
Called, “Awakening: How is the Holy Spirit at Work in Your Life?” the program is designed to offer participants ways to deepen their faith lives through rediscovering God’s unconditional love and learning more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It also aims to help people develop a richer and more meaningful prayer life and experience the mercy of God through a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“We’re really excited about how this program can broaden the knowledge people have about the Holy Spirit and its significance in their lives and in our world today,” Hoisl said. “We have found people have a limited understanding of how the Holy Spirit can enrich their lives and their faith daily.”
The four-night program will be offered in a mission format over the span of two consecutive Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The first program is scheduled for Oct. 18, 20, 25, and 27 at Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown. Another will take place Nov. 29 and Dec. 1, 6, 8 at St. Pius X Church, Middletown. Future programs are planned for 2023 in other parts of the diocese
Awakenings is open to people of all ages and stages of life. Hoisl said the program will include a series of presentations as well as personal faith and Scripture sharing. She hopes an offshoot of each program will be the formation of faith sharing groups in each of the diocese’s seven deaneries.
“Especially today, more than ever, people need a deeper understanding of God’s presence in our world and in their lives,” Hoisl said. “We hope this program will meet that need.”
The program is free, but registration is required. Those interested in registering for the October program can contact Marianne Nicholas at the Office of Faith Events, 860-848-2237, Ext. 304, or at manicholas@norwichdiocese.net
By Mary-Jo McLaughlin