Year two of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Rediscover: initiative kicks off next month with a new speakers series focused on its 2014 theme of prayer. A prayer experience, “Cor Jesu” (Latin for “Heart of Jesus”) follows in the spring.
Father Bill Baer of Transfiguration in Oakdale, and Pat Millea and his wife, Kenna Millea, of St. Michael parish in Prior Lake will lead sessions exploring why and how Catholics should pray.
Pat Millea, St. Michael’s director of high school youth ministry and confirmation, speaks to youth and young adults around the country and the archdiocese. Kenna Millea coordinates religious education at Our Lady of Peace in Minneapolis, the family’s home parish. She will begin a master’s program in marriage and family therapy this spring.
“We are a couple who is comfortable with sharing the realities of our relationship with God, both as a couple and as individuals,” Pat said. “There have been countless humbling experiences that highlight our humanity, but we have had many encouraging moments that illustrate God’s generosity and grace. Our prayer with and to God is central to our marriage, family, work and friendships. The Rediscover: presentation will be a more clear opportunity to encourage our brothers and sisters in faith.”
While the couple says they are “far from being experts” in prayer and spirituality, they are keenly aware of the ways people are constantly being challenged to better trust in God.
“More than anything, we will offer our experience as a Catholic family who is trying to offer every part of our life — family, work and play — as a prayer to our Father,” Pat said.
All Rediscover: faith 2014 Speakers Series talks begin at 7 p.m. and run 90 minutes, including hospitality time. (See a full listing of Speakers Series events below.)
Rediscover: launched in December 2012 as a way for Catholics in the archdiocese to strengthen their faith lives and invite others to know and love Jesus and his Church more deeply.
The launch coincided with Pope Benedict XVI’s Year of Faith proclamation and the call for a “new evangelization.” In a Dec. 6, 2012, Catholic Spirit column introducing the initiative, Archbishop John Nienstedt wrote that it’s everyone’s responsibility to spread the Gospel, and that’s accomplished through knowing Jesus.
“Ultimately, we must rediscover Jesus, so that we may rediscover, or perhaps discover for the first time, the joy and peace we are called to share with the world,” he wrote.
Prayer experience
“Cor Jesu” involves worship through eucharistic adoration, confession, praise, benediction and fellowship.
“All are welcome to participate how they wish,” said Sheryl Moran, a community volunteer from Our Lady of Grace in Edina and co-chair of Rediscover:’s Faith Formation Committee. “Whereas previous Rediscover: events have been an experience of the mind, ‘Cor Jesu’ is an experience of the heart to encounter Jesus.”
All “Cor Jesu” prayer evenings are from 7 to 9 p.m. (See below for dates and locations during Lent.)
The speakers series and prayer events are free of charge; no registration is required. The Rediscover: initiative also includes book clubs and an archdiocesan-wide celebration.
Book clubs
Last year, more than 500 book clubs formed in parishes throughout the archdiocese. Not only have they helped Catholics learn more about their faith, but they also have fostered community.
After members of Our Lady of Grace in Edina read Matthew Kelly’s “Rediscover Catholicism,” they went together to receive the sacrament of reconcilation and then celebrated afterward.
This year’s recommended readings are Peter Kreeft’s “Prayer for Beginners” and Edward Sri’s “A Biblical Walk through The Mass.” Those interested in starting a book club at their parish are encouraged to contact their priest.
Celebration
The 2014 Rediscover: Catholic Celebration slated for Oct. 3-4 at the Minneapolis Convention Center will bring together Catholics in the archdiocese to celebrate Mass, hear internationally-known speakers and learn about worship and service opportunities.
New to the celebration, which was held on a single day last October, is a Friday evening session that will be geared toward adults in their 20s and 30s. It will feature speakers, live music and social time.
More than 5,000 people attended last year’s celebration at the St. Paul RiverCentre, and others listened to a live national broadcast of the event on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.
Organizers expect more than twice as many people this year.
“When registration opens this spring, register early,” said Eileen Bock, project manager for the Office of Communications. “It’s a bigger space, but it may still sell out.”
Connect with Rediscover:
- Website: Rediscover-faith.org
- Facebook: Rediscover Faith
- Twitter: @RediscoverFaith
- YouTube: YouTube.com/rediscoverfaith
- App for Android, iPhone and iPad
- Special section in each edition of The Catholic Spirit
- The Rediscover: Hour on Relevant Radio 1330 AM — 9 a.m. Fridays
Free talks begin at 7 p.m.
- Feb. 3 – “Why Pray,” Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata
- Feb. 4 – “Why Pray,” St. John Neumann, Eagan
- Feb. 10 – “How to Pray,” Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata
- Feb. 11 – “How to Pray,” St. John Neumann, Eagan
- Feb. 24 – “Why Pray,” Our Lady of Grace, Edina
- Feb. 25 – “Why Pray,” St. John the Baptist, New Brighton
- March 3 – “How to Pray,” Our Lady of Grace, Edina
- March 4 – “How to Pray,” St. John the Baptist, New Brighton
‘Cor Jesu’ prayer experience
Prayer events begin at 7 p.m.
- March 11 – Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul
- March 25 – St. Hubert, Chanhassen
- April 8 – All Saints, Lakeville
