Aim is to help people deepen relationship with Christ
A four-week summer series on the “Journey from Sin to Holiness — Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues” video series by Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles is planned at 12 sites in the archdiocese. Bishop Barron is an author, speaker, theologian and founder of the global media ministry Word on Fire.
The format allows for about thirty minutes of discussion after the video presentation. In the video, Bishop Barron explains how the seven lively virtues offer antidotes to each sin. They also set people on the right path to healing and happiness.
Sister Mary Kathleen Ronan, coordinator of the archdiocese’s Lay Formation Program, said the topic fits with Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”) on the call to holiness in today’s world, which was released in April.
Pope Francis focused mainly on how the call to holiness is something God asks of each Christian and which requires a personal response given one’s state in life, talents and circumstances. “We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer,” he wrote. But “that is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.”
The 12 sites this summer for the Bishop Barron program cover each deanery of the archdiocese.
Bishop Barron’s course helps people to grow in holiness and deepen their relationship with Christ; grow in virtue and conquer sinful habits; seek freedom in Christ; and become a conduit of God’s love to others.
Summer series sites
“Journey from Sin to Holiness – Seven Deadly Sins – Seven Lively Virtues” is a four-week series including a video presentation by Bishop Robert Barron followed by about a 30-minute conversations in a small group. The only cost for the program is for the materials.
• Queen of All Saints, 6603 Christopher Drive in Oakville, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 6-27
• Sacred Heart, 17 Ann Ave. in Valley Park, 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays, July 11 to Aug. 1
• St. Joseph, 10 N. Long St. in Farmington, 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays, July 9-30
• Our Lady, 1550 St. Marys Lane in Festus, 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays, June 4-25
• St. Gertrude, 6535 Highway YY in Krakow, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 5-26
• Incarnate Word, 13416 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield, (two groups) after 7 a.m. Mass and again from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 11 to Aug. 1
• St. Ferdinand, 1765 Charbonier Road in Florissant, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, July 18-Aug. 8
• Sts. Teresa and Bridget, 3636 N. Market St. in north St. Louis, noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 16 to July 7
• All Saints, 5 McMenamy Road, St. Peters, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 11 to Aug. 1
• St. Mary Magdalen, 4924 Bancroft Ave. in south St. Louis, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 21 to July 19 (no session July 5)
• Cardinal Rigali Center, 20 Archbishop May Drive in Shrewsbury, 4:30-6 p.m. Thursdays, July 12 to Aug. 2
• St. Vincent de Paul, 1000 Rosati Court, Perryville (two groups), 1-2:30 p.m. Mondays, July 9-30, and 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 10-31
To register, email holiness@archstl.org. Information on ordering a journal for $12 will be provided upon registration.
