January 21, 2009

Day of Reflection for mothers

A Day of Reflection designed especially to encourage and spiritually nourish mothers is set for 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 31 at Holy Name Parish.

The talks will give practical ideas on marriage and motherhood. Featured presentations are: “Men, Women and the Mystery of Love” presented by Edward Sri, associate professor at the Augustine Institute; “Real Love” presented by columnist Mary Beth Bonacci, and “A Biblical View of Love in the Year of St. Paul” presented by Legion of Christ Father Shane Lambert.

Sri will be speaking on his new book, “Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II’s ‘Love and Responsibility’” (Servant Books).

“The modern world offers a picture of love and marriage that has caused much confusion and heartache in our relationships with the opposite sex,” Sri said. “John Paul II spent much of his life reminding us of what true Christian love is and offering a vision for relationships between men and women that is life-transforming.  It’s also immediately practical for all walks of life: single people, newly married couples or couples married for over 30 years.”

In Sri’s talk, participants will be encouraged to discover John Paul II’s practical wisdom on the real relationship issues we face every day and learn how it can help us strengthen our marriages, build greater intimacy and trust with our spouse and live greater self-giving love in our own homes. Also find out what John Paul II teaches about the particular needs of a woman and a man in marriage and how knowing this can deepen the marriage bond.

Bonacci, an internationally recognized speaker, will provide her unique insight on relationships, marriage, sex, and about finding real, honest love. She tackles the toughest issues, demonstrating that living respect for God’s gift of sexuality is the only way to find honest love.

Father Lambert, a spiritual director, will present on St. Paul and will offer practical tips on ways to make prayer part of your daily life.

The Day of Reflection is sponsored by Familia (Family Life in America), a nonprofit organization committed to serving the Catholic Church by offering a variety of parish programs aimed at strengthening the family unit. Familia seeks to help men and women live their vocation to marriage and parenthood to its fullest. Familia programs are designed to impact the lives of families by providing focused information and practical tools that can be immediately implemented in daily family life.

Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. Registration will be at 9 a.m.  Confession will be available during the day. Breakfast and lunch will be served. The cost of the day, including meals, is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Holy Name Parish is located at 3290 W. Milan Ave. in Englewood.

For more information or to get a registration form, visit online at dayofreflection.org or contact Laura Burford at 303-932-6061 or via e-mail at mlburford@mac.com.