St. Thomas the Apostle parish mission offers 'banquet' of prayer choices March 24 - 26

Where can you sit down and leisurely enjoy a three-day spiritual banquet? Why, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, of course!

Come and sample as many forms of prayer as possible during “Taste and See: A Banquet of Prayer,” a three-day parish mission being held at St. Thomas from Monday through Wednesday, March 24 – 26. Presented by a team of parishioners and staff members, the “menu” includes a selection of three prayer forms being offered each day from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and repeated from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Registration is requested to ensure adequate space is available for all sessions; however, walk-ins are most welcome. The schedule of participatory experiences from which to choose includes:
Monday, March 24

• “Lectio Divina,” in which participants will learn how to pray, using both head and heart, by reading the Bible;
• “Liturgical Movement,” an interactive experience designed to enrich attendance at Mass through understanding the history and naturalness of actions performed during the liturgy; and
• “Liturgy of the Hours,” an overview of the inspired words of the ancient Psalms, which were prayed by Jesus, that will sanctify the seasons, days and hours of life.

• “The Passion – an Ignatian Rosary Contemplation,” an exploration of a powerful version of the Rosary prayer through visualization and contemplation that will deepen relationship with Jesus by gaining insight into his unconditional love;
• “Labyrinth: a Stroll With My Soul,” a walk in meditation on a guided path that leads to calm, harmony, insight and becoming receptive to God; and
• “Poetry as Prayer … Prayer as Poetry,” in which participants will learn about types of poetry that lead to a more personal relationship with God and will listen, reflect, write and share their own prayer poems.

• “Healing and Blessing,” an inquiry into whether prayer changes anything, whether God actually heals and the meaning of “God’s will” that includes reclaiming the lost art of blessing as an everyday practice and calling upon Divine Love to encircle those you love;
• “Contemplative Prayer,” a learning experience leading to a deepening relationship with the living Christ, acknowledging God’s presence within through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and developing a personal journey of contemplative prayer; and
• A “Church Tour” of St. Thomas, revealing the story behind the stained glass windows in the building, the secret of the church’s welcoming cross, and other treasures.