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SYCAMORE – In an effort designed to benefit any Catholic, regardless of the amount of Catholic education one has received, the parish of St. Mary’s Church of Sycamore has joined the Rockford Catholic diocese in the “Why Catholic?” faith series.<\/p>\n
“Why Catholic?” is a four-part faith program designed to help adults connect the teachings of the Catholic faith to their everyday life.<\/p>\n
While the program is geared toward practicing and nonpracticing Catholics, program co-coordinator Jim Fitzgerald said the series also welcomes those considering adopting Catholicism as their faith.<\/p>\n
Fitzgerald said that even though he was born and raised Catholic and attended four years of Catholic grade school and Catholic high school, he doesn’t know or understand his faith as much as he would like to. “Why Catholic?” will allow him to do so.<\/p>\n
Too bad his statement is not an exception. Getting a Catholic education while attending a Catholic school seems to be what is the exception.<\/p>\n
The four-part program will kick off the 2006 Lenten season. According to the pastor of the parish of St. Mary’s, Father Frank John Timar, M.S.C., this is the perfect liturgical season to start.<\/p>\n
“It’s a great time because we are more reflective of our faith during the Lenten season,” Timar said. “It’s all about getting back to basics. We’ll ask, ‘What does my faith ask of me?’ and, almost more importantly, ‘What is it that I believe in?’ ”<\/p>\n
In addition to a way to strengthen faith, the program is seen by some members as a great way to involve their family in the faith.<\/p>\n