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September 9, 2021An exciting new opportunity for adult faith formation will begin Sept. 14 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City.
“Saint Francis TALKS” is an initiative created by Father William Novak, pastor of Saint Francis and vicar general, to help adult Catholics better understand and live their faith. The idea stemmed from his reflection on some of the recurring questions he has been asked during his time as a pastor.
While the Catholic faith is rife with traditions that were created to bring us closer to God, many people are unaware of the meaning and theology behind them. The series of talks are free and address a wide range of topics, including cremation, marriage, church architecture and traditions honored during Mass.
“I’m responding to a need that people have to know more about their faith,” Father Novak said. “I want this to be an opportunity for Catholics who truly want to live their faith to do so, and they can’t really do that if they don’t know it.”
In addition to Father Novak, several other guest speakers are scheduled to host the monthly talks. Father Novak expressed a desire to make the talks as accessible as possible, in part by offering them on varying weeknights. People who are unable to attend in person can watch the talks on the parish YouTube channel where they will be live-streamed.
During a retreat this past year, Father Novak felt a calling to expand the church’s adult faith formation program.
“This is one area that I felt we needed to focus on,” he explained. “We truly need to be proud of our heritage, proud of our teachings, and we need to be able to know them so that we can evangelize.”
"Saint Francis TALKS" will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1901 N.W. 18 in Oklahoma City. Free childcare will be provided, and hors d'oeuvres will be served before each talk.
There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions following each talk. The talks are open to the public and people of all faiths are welcome and encouraged to attend. Dates and topics for the first four “TALKS” are:- Sept. 14 - Death and funerals;
- Oct. 12 - The dignity and sanctity of marriage;
- Nov. 11 - The tradition of Catholic church architecture;
- Dec. 14 - Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of the Americas.
Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
