Theologian explains value of personal experience in enriching spiritual life, faith in Oct. 15 program

We’re all storytellers at heart. But how do you tell the story of those extra special events that have affected you spiritually so you can review them, relive them and savor them so they continue to inspire you?

Attend “Here’s What Happened … Telling Spiritually Significant Experiences in Story Form” and internationally renowned theologian and storyteller Jack Shea will explain how to do just that. The program will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Lighthouse room in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Cost of the program is $35 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

According to Shea, personal experience is a complementary but overlooked resource that can buttress those resources the Catholic Church offers to support, develop and direct one’s spiritual life and faith. Personal experience brings home profound truths in unique ways, enhancing Church resources that include the sacraments, scripture, ministries and multiple service opportunities.

During the program, Shea will explain how to host these spiritually significant experiences in memory and give them shape in stories so their effects continue indefinitely and can be shared. 

Shea lectures nationally and internationally on storytelling in world religions, faith-based health care, contemporary spirituality, and the spirit at work movement. He also is the author of 13 books on theology and spirituality, and two books of poetry. Included among his books are “Gospel Light: Jesus Stories for Spiritual Consciousness,” “Elijah at the Wedding Feast and Other Tales,” and “Spirituality and Health Care:  Reaching Toward a Holistic Future.”

His most recent work, “The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers,” is a four-volume series that provides literary/spiritual interpretations of the Sunday Gospels. These interpretations are a valuable resource for lectionary-based preaching and teaching.

Sponsored by S.T.A.F.F.S. (St. Thomas Adult Faith Formation & Spirituality), “Here’s What Happened … ” is part of St. Thomas’ official observance of “The Year of Faith,” Oct. 11, 2012 – Nov. 24, 2013, as proclaimed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Reservations as early as possible are encouraged because of the popularity of Shea’s presentations and the entertaining, educational mode in his approach. Reservations may be made with Chari Rosales, director of S.T.A.F.F.S., at (630) 355-8980, ext. 138, or crosales@stapostle.org. 

St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God’s unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,300 households of more than 11,000 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs can be viewed at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information, call (630) 355-8980 or visit www.stapostle.org.

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