2008 Program Archive

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THE GOSPEL OF MARK

SANTA MARIA CHURCH
40 Santa Maria Way
Orinda, CA 94563
(925) 254-2426

This six week program will explore key themes and story lines in the first eight chapters of the Gospel of Mark. These chapters form the core of Mark’s narrative in which Jesus challenges the disciples to follow him to the Cross. The Cross is the symbol and reality of Jesus’ solidarity with the poor, broken and hated of this world. Throughout the first eight chapters we meet people of uncommon courage whose boldness of action typifies faithful discipleship. Finally, faithful disciples are represented by the courageous women who ministered to him in Galilee and boldly came to his tomb to anoint him only to find him risen in their hearts.
This series will serve as a prayerful, intelligent and challenging introduction to reading the Bible in general and St. Mark in particular.

WEDNESDAYS
9:30 am – 11:00 am

1) FEBRUARY 13, 2008
A VOICE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS (MARK 1)
THE PURPOSE, SETTING AND PLACE OF MARK’S GOSPEL

2) FEBRUARY 20, 2008
I WILL TEACH YOU TO GIVE LIFE (MARK 2 and 3)
THE MEANING AND CONSEQUENCE OF FOLLOWING JESUS

3) FEBRUARY 27, 2008
THE PARABLES OF THE REIGN OF GOD (MARK 4)
CROSSING THE BOUNDARIES WITH UNCOMMON COURAGE

4) MARCH 5, 2008
THE GOSPEL OF MARK 5
THE UNIVERSAL PROCLAMATION OF GOSPEL IN WORD AND DEED

5) MARCH 12, 2008
YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT (MARK 6-7-8)
COMPASSION BORN OUT OF BROKENNESS

6) MARCH 19, 2008
GOING TO GALILEE (MARK 8: 34-37)
TAKING UP THE CROSS AS THE BANNER OF LOVE AND COMPASSION

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ST. IGATIUS OF ANTIOCH
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS 2008

FOUR SCENES FROM THE PASSION OF JESUS
FEBRUARY 10, 17, MARCH 2, 9, 2008
SUNDAY
4:00 – 5:30 pm

THE PASSION NARRATIVES FOR HOLY WEEK 2008
STUDIES IN MATTHEW AND JOHN
FEBRUARY 15, 22, 29, 2008
FRIDAY MORNING
8:30 – 9:45 am

THE RESURRECTION ACCORDING TO PAUL AND MATTHEW
APRIL 14, 28, MAY 12, 2008
MONDAY NIGHTS
7:30 – 9:00 pm

STUDIES IN ST. PAUL (PART I)
JUNE 23, 30, JULY 7, 2008
MONDAY NIGHTS
7:30 – 9:00 pm

STUDIES IN ST. PAUL (PART II)
SEPTEMBER 8, 15, 22, 2008
MONDAY NIGHTS
7:30 – 9:00 pm

THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.

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DYING AND DEATH ISSUES
ALL ENDINGS ARE NEW BEGINNINGS
FOUR MEDITATIONS ON DYING, DEATH, AND BEYOND
SOME INTERFAITH PERSPECTIVES

AN INTERFAITH CONNECTIONS PROGRAM

SUMMERSET I CLUBHOUSE
1675 Cristin Drive
BRENTWOOD, CA 94513

Call (925) 783-7157 for access at the gate

TUESDAYS
FEBRUARY 12, 19, 26, MARCH 4, 2008
7:30 – 9:00 pm

FEBRUARY 12, 2008
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM
“AXIAL” CONSCIOUSNESS
AND THE RISE OF INDIVIDUALITY
“THE CYCLES OF NATURE”

FEBRUARY 19, 2008
RETURN, REBIRTH AND REINCARNATION
INSIGHTS FROM HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM
“KARMA AND NIRVANA”

FEBRUARY 26, 2008
MEMORY, JUDGMENT, FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION
INSIGHTS FROM ZOROASTRIANISM, JUDAISM AND ISLAM
ACCOUNTABILITY BEFORE GOD

MARCH 4, 2008
CHRISTIAN BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
HEAVEN, HELL, PURGATORY AND LIMBO
JUDGMENT OR HEALING

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ST. RAYMOND’S CHURCH
MORNING OF RETREAT
DUBLIN, CA

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2008

LIFT HIGH THE CROSS
CENTERING FOR FOCUS IN THE MIDST OF BUSYNESS

9:00 am – 9:45 am THE SPIRITUALITY OF LENT
THE ODDITY OF ASH WEDNESDAY
GOOD HUMOR IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

10:15 am – 10:45 am EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
RECONCILIATION, REPENTANCE, HEALING
“FEW ARE GUILTY, ALL ARE RESPONSIBLE!”

TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

11:45 am – 12 NOON MEDITATION ON THE CROSS
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AS MANTRA OF COURAGE
THE PRACTICE OF COMPASSION

THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
IN RESIDENCE – ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH CHURCH
ANTIOCH, CA

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LIFT HIGH THE CROSS
A DAY OF RETREAT
DEEPENING OUR EXPERIENCE OF HOLY WEEK
HOLY ROSARY PARISH
ANTIOCH, CA

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008

9:00 am – 9:45 am THE SPIRITUALITY OF LENT
A REFLECTION ON ASH WEDNESDAY

PRAYER PARTNERS MEET

10:15 am – 11:00 am THE PALM SUNDAY EVENTS
A BIBLICAL APPRECIATION

PRAYER PARTNERS MEET

11:30 am – 12 NOON TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
THE TREE OF OUR DEFEAT BECOMES
THE TREE OF VICTORY

12 NOON – 12:30 pm LUNCH

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm GROUP PRAYER MEDITATION ON THE CROSS

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm REFLECTIONS THE CHRISM LITURGY
THE OILS OF THE CHURCH SIGNS OF
THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

PRAYER PARTNERS MEET

2:15 pm – 2:45 pm THE RITE OF SIGNING
THE CROSS AS SIGN OF RESURRECTION

PRAYERFUL CONCLUSION

THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
IN RESIDENCE – ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH CHURCH
ANTIOCH, CA

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ST. ANNE’S
DAY OF RETREAT
BYRON, CA

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2008

LIFT HIGH THE CROSS
SPIRITUALITY IN THE MIDST OF STRESS

10:00 am – 10:45 am THE SPIRITUALITY OF LENT
THE ODDITY OF ASH WEDNESDAY
GOOD HUMOR IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

11:15 am – 12:00 am TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
AS MANTRA OF COURAGE

TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

12:45 am – 1:30 pm THE OILS OF THE CHURCH SIGNS OF
THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

1:45 pm -2:15 pm MEDITATION ON THE CROSS
THE PRACTICE OF COMPASSION

THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
IN RESIDENCE – ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH CHURCH
ANTIOCH, CA

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SCIENCE AND RELIGION

(ALSO CONSIDERING SOME ECUMENICAL
AND INTERFAITH PERSPECTIVES)

PRESENTER
THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
THE INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT
OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA
AND INTERFAITH CONNECTIONS
A HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

The interaction of science and religion has been turbulent as of late. This has not always been the case. At one time the scientific pursuit was part of the religious quest for truth. In the modern period religious truth found itself in serious trouble as science developed its own method based on observation, inquiry, experimentation and verifiable results. Suddenly the religious quest and scientific inquiry found themselves on a collision course.
The rise of modern biblical scholarship has contributed greatly in fostering a more sophisticated dialogue between religion and science in spite of the resurgence of fundamentalism and biblical literalism. Traditional methods and institutions are undergoing an essential breakdown as a new global and cosmic consciousness emerges. Our three week series will introduce and explore these developments.

PART ONE – APRIL 2, 2008 – WEDNESDAY 7:30 pm
THE ORIGINS OF THE RELIGION VS SCIENCE CONFLICT
EVOLUTION, PURPOSE, DESIGN AND RANDOMNESS
INSIGHTS FROM HINDUISM

PART TWO – APRIL 9, 2008 – WEDNESDAY 7:30 pm
PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY AND MYSTICISM
INSIGHTS FROM FREUD AND BUDDHA

PART THREE – APRIL 16, 2008 – WEDNESDAY 7:30 pm
GENETICS AND ROBOTICS
INTELLIGENT DESIGN REVISITED
INSIGHTS FROM JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM

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HOLY FAMILY MOTHERHOUSE
FREMONT, CA

THE HOUR IS COMING AND IS ALREADY HERE
WHEN WE WILL WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH

A CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD’S FAITH TRADITIONS
REJOICING IN ALL THAT IS TRUE, GOOD AND HOLY

Our six session program is designed to introduce the major faith traditions of humankind. We no longer attempt to discover which religion is true to the exclusion of others. We now seek the truth of each faith tradition. Session one of our series explores the motivation and basis for interfaith exploration. Finally with session six, we will explore the possibility for the development and practice of Interfaith Spirituality.

APRIL 6, 2008
THE BASIS FOR INTERFAITH STUDY
NO WORLD PEACE WITHOUT RELIGIOUS PEACE

APRIL 27, 2008
INTRODUCTION TO THE TRADITIONS OF HINDUISM
COSMIC SACREDNESS

JUNE 8, 2008
INTRODUCTION TO THE TRADITIONS OF BUDDHISM
COMPASSION FOR ALL CREATURES

JUNE 29, 2008
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
THE SPLENDOR OF GOD

JULY 27, 2008
INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
THE CALL OF GOD

AUGUST 17, 2008
THE PRACTICE OF INTERFAITH SPIRITUALITY
THE WAY OF MANY FAITHS

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FUNDAMENTALISM

CHRIST THE KING
PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER
6520 Van Maren Lane
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
(916) 725-4720

PRESENTER;
THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT

TUESDAYS APRIL 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2008

THE ROOT OF CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALISM
THE HISTORY OF FUNDAMENTALISM
THE MODERN CAUSES OF FUNDAMENTALISM
GLOBAL FUNDAMENTALISM AND TERRORISM
7:00pm – 9:00pm

WHAT BEGAN AS A SERIOUS REFORM OR RESTORATION MOVEMENT INSIDE AMERICAN PROTESTANTISM HAS BECOME FOR BETTER OR WORSE THE SUBJECT OF A CRISIS IN THE WORLD RELIGIOUS SCENE. PERHAPS NO WORD STIRS MORE PEOPLE THAN THE WORD “FUNDAMENTALISM!” FUNDAMENTALISM IS NOW A DESCRIPTIVE TERM FOR A CERTAIN APPROACH TO THE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE BASED ON ASSURANCE, CERTAINTY, AND PREDICTABILITY.

WE WILL ATTEMPT A WORKING DEFINITION OF TERMS, AN INTERESTING HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, AN EXPLORATION OF ROOT CAUSES OF TRADITIONAL FUNDAMENTALISM, AND, FINALLY, AN ANALYSIS OF FUNDAMENTALISM AND RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE.

THIS PROGRAM WILL BE A RESPECTFUL BUT HONEST APPRAISAL OF FUNDAMENTALISM AS A RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT BASED ON A CERTAIN INABILITY OR UNWILLINGNESS TO COPE WITH MODERN AND POST-MODERN DEVELOPMENTS. AS SUCH OUR STUDY IS AN IMPORTANT MOMENT IN OUR SEARCH FOR RELIGIOUS PEACE IN THE MIDST OF WORLD CONFLICTS.

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THE GOSPEL OF MARK

SANTA MARIA CHURCH
40 Santa Maria Way
Orinda, CA 94563
(925) 254-2426

This five week program will explore key themes and story lines in the last eight chapters of the Gospel of Mark. These chapters of Mark’s narrative move dramatically to the events of the Passion of Jesus. The implications of discipleship become abundantly clear. The Cross is the symbol and reality of Jesus’ solidarity with the poor, broken and hated of this world. The faithful disciples are represented by the courageous women who ministered to him in Galilee and boldly came to his tomb to anoint him only to find him risen in their hearts. We might discover some clues about Mark’s identity and the purpose of his Gospel in the accounts of the final moments of Jesus’ life.

WEDNESDAYS
9:30 am – 11:00 am

1) APRIL 9, 2008
THE BREAD OF THE FEW BECOMES BREAD FOR THE MANY
REVISITING THE DYNAMICS OF MARK 6, 7 AND 8

2) APRIL 16, 2008
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS (MARK 9 AND 10)
THE MEANING THE CROSS AS BANNER OF SOLIDARITY

3) APRIL 23, 2008
THE PALM SUNDAY EVENTS (MARK 11)
JESUS AND EMPIRE MEET

4) APRIL 30, 2008
THE CROSS GOSPEL (MARK 14 AND 15)
IS THE PASSION GOSPEL OF MARK 14-15 A BAPTISMAL TEXT?

5) MAY 7, 2008
THE NOT-SO EMPTY TOMB (MARK 16)
THE ECSTASY OF THE WOMEN WHO CAME TO THE TOMB

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THE INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT
PITTSBURG, CA

FREMONT, CA
2008

SIX SESSIONS ON PAUL
(THE LATEST SCHOLARSHIP CONCERNING PAUL)
PART ONE
MONDAYS
APRIL 28, MAY 5 and 12
PART TWO
MONDAYS
JULY 14, 21 and 28

SIX SESSIONS ON MARK
(BASED ON THE POWERFUL INSIGHTS OF MARIA SABIN)
AND
(THE LATEST SCHOLARSHIP CONCERNING MARK)
PART ONE
MONDAYS
OCTOBER 6, 13 and 20
PART TWO
MONDAYS
DECEMBER 1, 8 and 15

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ST. ANNE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
UNION CITY, CA

JUNE 7, 2008

JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES
(DISCOVERING OURSELVES AS CHURCH
IN THE COMMUNITY OF DISCIPLES)

JOHN 4: 27-42 (SELECT VERSES)
“COME MEET THE ONE WHO TOLD ME
EVERYTHING I HAVE EVER DONE!”

JOHN 1: 35-42
“THE CALL OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES”
“THE GENEROSITY OF ANDREW”

JULY 12, 2008

CHURCH, COMMUNITY, PARISH
(DISCOVERING OURSELVES AS THE RISEN PRESENCE OF JESUS)

MARK 14: 3-9
“WHAT SHE DID FOR ME WILL BE TOLD IN MEMORY OF HER!”

MARK 10: 13-31
“LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME
AND DO NOT HINDER THEM!”

AUGUST 9, 2008

DISCIPLESHIP – HERE AND NOW
(GIVING OF OURSELVES AS JESUS GAVE OF HIMSELF)

MARK 1: 29-31
“HE TOOK HER BY THE HAND AND SHE WAITED ON THEM!”

MARK 6 (SELECT VERSES)

“WHEN JESUS SAW THEM, HE EXPERIENCED THEM
AS SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD!”
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SAN DAMIANO
DANVILLE, CA
SCRIPTURE WEEKEND RETREAT
JUNE 20, 21, 22, 2008

THE JOURNEYS OF JESUS
THE JOURNEYS OF THE SOUL

The image of the journey ranks among one of the most important of religious metaphors. The Christian Community sees itself as a pilgrim people. The ancient Israelites journeyed with God to such an extent the Prophets idealized the journey of forty years. The journey is intensely spiritual. The real journey is the journey of the soul. The travel narratives of the Gospel traditions provide a guide for our meditations. We will follow Jesus as he travels from town to village. Our destination will be not where we arrive on foot but what our souls discover in the inward journey of mind, heart, and spirit. Our reflections will seek the wisdom of the interfaith traditions as the metaphor of journey is quite universal to the longings of humankind.

There will be time for discussion, meditation and study. The celebrations of Anointing and Eucharist will bless us as we journey to the depth of our hearts.

Fr. Tom will provide an opportunity for follow up discussions and study throughout the year at the new Interfaith House in Antioch, CA. For an appointment please call (925) 787-9279 or e-mail [email protected].

RETREAT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2008
7:00 pm DINNER
8:15 FIRST REFLECTION: THE PILGRIM METAPHOR
EXODUS, VATICAN II, AND GYPSIES
OPTIONAL DISCUSSION

SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2008
8:00 am BREAKFAST AND QUIET TIME FOR PRAYER
9:30 SECOND REFLECTION:
INCARNATION AND THE DOWNWARD MOBILITY OF GOD
11:15 THIRD REFLECTION: MARK 4: 35 – 5: 43
REMOVING THE LIMITS THE WORLD IMPOSES
NOON LUNCH AND QUIET TIME, REST, STUDY
3:00 pm FOURTH REFLECTION: THE GREAT JOURNEY
A SCENE FROM LUKE 13: 10-17
THE DIRT TAUGHT ME A LOT, YOU SEE!
ANOINTING – COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
EUCHARIST – FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY
4:45 OPTIONAL DISCUSSION
6:00 SUPPER
7:30 THE JOURNEYS OF JESUS TO JERUSALEM
A WORKSHOP ON JOHN’S GOSPEL

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2008
8:00 am BREAKFAST AND TIME FOR PRAYER
9:30 FIFTH REFLECTION: THE JOURNEY BEYOND
THREE DIMENSIONS OF ASCENSION:
ELIJAH AND HOPE, JESUS AND SPIRIT,
MUHAMMAD AND VISION
11:00 LITURGY OF THE TWELFTH SUNDAY
NOON LUNCH AND PEACEFUL FAREWELL
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A SUMMER INTERFAITH SERIES
AT THE INTERFAITH PEACE CENTER
“INTERFAITH CONNECTIONS”
ANTIOCH, CA

JUNE 27, 2008 INTERFAITH “SEEING”

10-10:45 am THE POWER OF “SEEING” (DARSAN) IN HINDUISM
10:45-11:15 BREAK, STUDY, MEDITATION
11:15-12 NOON LOVING-KINDNESS IN BUDDHISM (INTERCONNECTIVITY)

12-12:45pm LUNCH, FREE TIME, STUDY

12:45-1:30 COSMIC MYSTICISM IN CHRISTIANITY
(INSIGHTS FROM P. CHARDIN’S “HYMN OF THE UNIVERSE”

1:30-2:00 STUDY AND CENTERED MEDITATION
2:00-2:30 QUESTIONS, SHARING, CONCLUDING MEDITATION

JULY 18, 2008 INTERFAITH “HEARING”

10-10:45 am INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
10:45-11:15 BREAK, STUDY, MEDITATION
11:15-12 NOON THE “FEAST DAYS” – THE MARKERS OF LIFE

12-12:45pm LUNCH, FREE TIME, STUDY

12:45-1:30 RUMI AND SUFISM
1:30-2:00 THE PRACTICE OF JOY IN THE DIVINE PRESENCE
2:00-2:30 SHARING, QUESTIONS, CONCLUDING BLESSING

AUGUST 22, 2008 THE DIVINE PRESENCE – AN INTERFAITH PERSPECTIVE

10-10:45 am JUDAISM AND THE CENTRALITY OF SINAI
10:45-11:15 THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES AND BREAK
11:15-12 NOON JESUS THE JEW

12-12:45pm LUNCH, FREE TIME, STUDY

12:45-1:30 THE MESSIAH
1:30-2:00 THE PRACTICE OF HOLY EXPECTATION
“ONE AMONG YOU IS THE MESSIAH!”

2:00-2:30 SHARING, QUESTIONS, CONCLUDING BLESSING

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JULY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2008

SANTA MARIA CHURCH
40 SANTA MARIA WAY
ORINDA, CA 94563

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

THE FIVE DISCOURSES
PREPARING FOR THE “A” CYCLE OF READINGS

FIVE TUESDAYS
7:00pm-9:00pm

FR. THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.

THIS FIVE WEKK EXPLORATION OF THE DISCOURSES OF JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW INTRODUCES THE READER TO THE CORE TEACHINGS OF MATTHEW’S GOSPEL. THE FIVE DISCOURSES FUNCTION AS A TYPE OF “CATECHISM” BY WHICH FOLLOWERS OF JESUS GAIN DEEPER INSIGHT IN THE NATURE OF COMMUNITY AND MISSION IN THE WORLD.

JULY 1, 2008
THE EVANGEICAL DISCOURSE (MATTHEW 5, 6, 7)
THE VISION OF JESUS

JULY 8, 2008
THE MISSIONARY DISCOURSE (MATTHEW 10)
BRINGING THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD

JULY 15, 2008
THE PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD (MATTHEW 13)
SENSING THE KINGDOM’S PRESENCE

JULY 22, 2008
THE DISCOURSE OF COMMUNITY LIFE (MATTHEW 18)
THE RULE OF FORGIVENESS

JULY 29, 2008
THE END-TIME DISCOURSE (MATTHEW 24-25)
THE REAL PRESENCE OF JESUS

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HOLY FAMILY MOTHERHOUSE
159 WASHINGTON BLVD.
FREMONT, CA 94539
FREMONT, CA

SIX SESSIONS ON PAUL (PART TWO)
(THE LATEST SCHOLARSHIP CONCERNING PAUL)
(SOME ECUMENICAL PERSPECTIVES)

PART TWO
MONDAYS
JULY 14, 21, 28, 2008
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

OUR SERIES CONTINUES AS WE PONDER THE RE-DISCOVERY OF PAUL’S GOSPEL IN LIGHT OF A DIVIDED CHRISTIAN CHURCH. OUR PRESENT STUDY VIEWS PAUL AS A SOURCE OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND NEW DIRECTIONS FOR BOTH CHURCH INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS.

SESSION FOUR
JULY 14, 2008
PAUL, AUGUSTINE AND LUTHER
THE RE-DISCOVERY OF ST. PAUL
THE GALATIANS DISPUTE
THE GREAT EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

SESSION FIVE
JULY 21, 2008
THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION
REVISITING THE JOINT LUTHERAN / ROMAN CATHOLIC DECLARATION ON THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION
AUGSBURG, GERMANY, OCTOBER 31, 1999

SESSION SIX
JULY 28, 2008
THE DOCTRINE OF APOCATASTASIS
THE IDEA OF UNIVERSAL RESTORATION
I CORINTHIANS 15: 24-28
ROMANS 9-10-11

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THE HOUR IS COMING AND IS ALREADY HERE
WHEN WE WILL WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH

MERCY CENTER
535 SACRAMENTO ST.
AUBURN, CA 95603
(530) 887-2019

A CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD’S SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS

OUR SIX SESSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO EXPLORE THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF FOUR MAJOR SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS OF THE WORLD AND THE INFLUENCE THEY HAVE ON OUR MODERN LIVES. WE WILL ALSO EXPLORE THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS. SESSION ONE WILL PROVIDE US WITH THE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR SUCH A STUDY. SESSION SIX WILL OFFER SOME THOUGHTS FOR MAKING PEACE THROUGH RELIGIOUS UNDERSTANDING.

SATURDAYS – 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

AUGUST 16, 2008
THE BASIS FOR GLOBAL SPIRITUAL STUDY
NO WORLD PEACE WITHOUT RELIGIOUS PEACE

SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
THE WAY OF CREATION
COSMIC SACREDNESS AND THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(INSIGHTS FROM HINDUISM)

OCTOBER 11, 2008
THE WAY OF COMPASSION
INTERCONNECTIVITY AND FORGIVENESS
(INSIGHTS FROM BUDDHISM)

NOVEMBER 8, 2008
THE WAY OF FREEDOM
MERCIFUL JUSTICE, HOLINESS AND RADICAL SELF-GIVING
(INSIGHTS FROM JUDAISM)

DECEMBER 13, 2008
THE WAY OF PEACE
SURRENDER TO GOD’S WILL AND THE COURAGE OF FAITH
(INSIGHTS FROM ISLAM)

JANUARY 10, 2009
A NEW EMERGING SPIRITUALITY FOR OUR WORLD?
(REJOING IN ALL THAT IS TRUE, GOOD AND HOLY)

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SANTA MARIA CHURCH
40 Santa Maria Way
Orinda, CA 94563
(925) 254-2426

FOUR MORNING SESSIONS ON PAUL
(SOME ECUMENICAL PERSPECTIVES)

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
SEPTEMBER 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2008
9:30 am – 11:00am

THE CHRISTIAN DISPUTES OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY WERE NOT ONLY OF CHURCH DIVIDING PROPORTIONS BUT READ THE EPISTLES OF PAUL IN THE CONTEXT OF THOSE DISPUTES AND DIVISIONS. CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARSHIP IS DISCOVERING THE DIVERSE, RICH AND VARIED PAUL WHOSE WRITINGS CONSTITUTE THE BULK ON THE NEW TESTAMENT. OUR FOUR WEEK SERIES WILL HIGHLIGHT THESE CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS IN AN ATTEMPT TO RECOVER THE POWER AND GRANDEUR OF PAUL’S LIFE AND WORK.

SESSION ONE
SEPTEMBER 3, 2008
CONVERSION OR CALL
PAUL IN THE ACTS OF APOSTLES
ESTABLISHING THE CANON OF PAUL’S LETTERS
EXPLORING THE NATURE OF AN EPISTLE

SESSION TWO
SEPTEMBER 10, 2008
PAUL IN HIS CONTEXT
DIASPORA AND EMPIRE
INSIGHTS FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS

SESSION THREE
SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CROSS
CORINTH vs. ATHENS
INSIGHTS FROM THE CORINTHIAN EPISTLES

SESSION FOUR
SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE PAULINE CHURCHES
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FOUR REFLECTION ON THE APOSTLE PAUL

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1924 TRINITY AVE.
WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596
(925) 934-2324

PRESENTED BY THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
THE INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT
PITTSBURG, CA

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
SEPTEMBER 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2008
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

SESSION ONE
CONVERSION OR CALL
PAUL IN THE ACTS OF APOSTLES
ESTABLISHING THE CANON OF PAUL’S LETTERS

SESSION TWO
PAUL IN HIS CONTEXT
DIASPORA AND EMPIRE
INSIGHTS FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS

SESSION THREE
THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CROSS
CORINTH vs. ATHENS
INSIGHTS FROM THE CORINTHIAN EPISTLES

SESSION FOUR
PAUL, AUGUSTINE AND LUTHER
THE RE-DISCOVERY OF ST. PAUL
THE GREAT EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

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A FALL INTERFAITH PROGRAM
SPONSORED BY
INTERFAITH CONNECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 6 and 27, 2008
SATURDAYS – NOON – 2:00pm

SEPTEMBER 6, 2008

AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE SPLENDOR OF
SPIRITUALITY, MYSTICISM AND RELIGION
THE RISE OF THE “AXIAL” RELIGIONS
A SHORT HISTORY

AN INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
SETTING THE STAGE

SOME INSIGHTS INTO SPIRITUALITY, MYSTICISM, AND RELIGION

These three brief reflections will provide the basis for appreciating the changes and developments taking place in the contemporary religious world.
Simply, the Religions of Humankind are meeting one another in ways never before seen in human history.
From one point of view, our generation is blessed and fortunate to see this development. We now have the opportunity, more than ever before, to forge world peace and understanding through the honest and open encounters enjoyed by contemporary people of faith.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

APPRECIATING THE GREAT RELIGIONS OF MONOTHEISM
ZOROASTRIANISM
JUDAISM
CHRISTIANITY
ISLAM

“There can be no world peace without religious peace and understanding.”

In four brief reflections, we will encounter some important aspect of the religions of monotheism. We are especially interested in how these four traditions relate to one another since they share a common belief in One God. We will also introduce and explore the sacred writings of these four great monotheistic traditions.
Finally, a prayer from each tradition will be offered as we seek to celebrate the differences inherent in each of our traditions. These “differences” contribute to our collective wisdom as people of faith. We will be challenged to consider one world, one God, one people.

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International Day of Prayer for Peace
September 21, 2008

In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace. On this day people from all over the world observe a day of peace and nonviolence. All peoples and organizations are invited to commemorate the day.
We are asking individuals to commit to observing the International Day of Peace in a deep and personal way, Here are some suggestions:

• Encourage your faith community to be aware of the international day of peace and offer prayers and services on this day
• Invite family, friends, associates, the poor and needy to a meal in your home.
• Practice peace in everything you do. If we can keep peace for a day, we can have peace for a lifetime.

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ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
TRINITY AVENUE WALNUT CREEK

Interfaith Labyrinth for peace, Chapel open continually,
Sunday School Children displaying Posters for Peace

7:30 am, 10:00 am Eucharist – Prayers focus—Peace

11:30 Drumming—involve all present (adults and children)
2:00 Universal Dancers for Peace
4:00 Singing Bowl and Native American Prayer—Chapel
6: 00 Singing Crystal Bowl and closing prayers
Sponsors:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
The Interfaith Peace Project

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2008
ST IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH
ANTIOCH, CA
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

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GO FORTH INTO ALL THE WORLD!
FOLLOWING JESUS IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

OCTOBER 10, 2008
9:00am – 3:00pm

ST. CANICE CENTER
236 REWARD ST.
NEVADA CITY, CA

AN INTERFAITH RETREAT DAY – THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.

“NO WORLD PEACE WITHOUT RELIGIOUS PEACE”

TODAY OUR ECUMENICAL COMMUNITY GATHERS AT THE TABLE OF JESUS TO FEAST ON THE BREAD OF HIS WORD AND THE WINE OF HIS LOVE. WE FOLLOW JESUS TO THE DEPTH OF HIS HEART TO DISCOVER ANEW OUR CALL TO BE HIS LIGHT, LOVE, AND PEACE TO ALL WE MEET.

MORNING PROGRAM

GATHERING AT THE TABLE OF JESUS
OPENING THE BOOK OF LIFE

MARK 1: 29-31
EMPOWERED TO SERVE

MATTHEW 10: 8
EMPOWERED TO GIVE

TIME FOR PRAYER AND MEDITATION

MARK 5: 25-34
EMPOWERED TO HAVE COURAGE

MARK 7: 24-30
LOVING OTHERS MORE THAN YOURSELF
JESUS SETS THE EXAMPLE FOR INTERFAITH LOVE

THE AFTERNOON PROGRAM

GOING FORTH FROM THE TABLE OF JESUS

A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF JESUS – JOHN 4: 1-42

TIME FOR PRAYER AND MEDITATION

OPEN DISCUSSION WITH TOM

UNIVERSAL BLESSING CEREMONY

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ST. ANNE PARISH
McCABE AND CAMINO ROADS
BYRON, CA 94514
(925) 634-5525

AN INTERFAITH CONNECTIONS PROGRAM

THE ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, AND ISLAM

OCTOBER 14, 21, and 28, 2008
THREE TUESDAY EVENINGS
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

OCTOBER 14, 2008
THE ABRAHAMIC “MYTH”
BELIEVER, WORSHIPPER, AND ANCESTOR OF ALL
THE COMMON HERITAGE OF ABRAHAM
IN TORAH, GOSPEL, AND QUR’AN

OCTOBER 21, 2008
AN EXPLORATION OF THE JEWISH DOCUMENT
“DABRU EMET”
A CALL FOR JEWS AND CHRISTIANS TO RECOGNIZE THEIR COMMON HERITAGE AND
FORGE PRACTICAL RESPECT AND COOPERATION

OCTOBER 28, 2008
AN EXPLORATION OF THE MUSLIM DOCUMENT
“A COMMON WORD BETWEEN US AND YOU”
AN IMPORTANT AND UNIQUE DOCUMENT SEEKING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT
IN THE QUEST FOR WORLD PEACE

THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
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OCTOBER 20, 2008
GATHERING AT GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WALNUT CREEK, CA

Rev. Tom Bonacci, C.P. founder of the Interfaith Peace Project will address the issue of interfaith respect and understanding as a basis for making peace in the world. It has been said – “There can be no world peace without religious peace and understanding.” We will explore the beauty and splendor of the world’s spiritual traditions hoping our growing understanding will be a worthwhile contribution to establishing and keeping peace among the nations.

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SANTA MARIA CHURCH
40 Santa Maria Way
Orinda, CA 94563
(925) 254-2426

WEDNESDAYS EVENINGS
OCTOBER 15, 22 and NOVEMBER 5, 12, 2008
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

FOUR SESSIONS ON PAUL
(SOME ECUMENICAL PERSPECTIVES)

OUR SERIES ON ST. PAUL CONTINUES AS WE PONDER THE RE-DISCOVERY OF PAUL’S GOSPEL IN LIGHT OF A DIVIDED CHRISTIAN CHURCH. OUR PRESENT STUDY VIEWS PAUL AS A SOURCE OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND NEW DIRECTIONS FOR BOTH CHURCH INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS. (TTENDANCE AT THE SEPTEMBER SERIES NOT REQUIRED).

SESSION ONE
OCTOBER 15, 2008
PAUL, AUGUSTINE AND LUTHER
THE RE-DISCOVERY OF ST. PAUL
THE GREAT EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

SESSION TWO
OCTOBER 22, 2008
PAUL’S IDEA OF THE “END” OF THE WORLD
THE FINAL DISPOSITION
INSIGHTS FROM I THESSALONIANS

SESSION THREE
NOVEMBER 5, 2008
THE DOCTRINE OF APOCATASTASIS
THE IDEA OF UNIVERSAL RESTORATION
AN EXPLORATION OF ROMANS 9-10-11

SESSION FOUR
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
THE DEUTERO-PAULINE EPISTLES
COSMIC REDEMPTION
DOWN TO EARTH DECISIONS
INSIGHTS FROM COLOSSIANS AND EPHESIANS

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ST. PERPETUA CATHOLIC CHURCH
3454 HAMLIN ROAD
LAYFAYETTE, CA 94549

OCTOBER 16, 23, NOVEMBER 6, 13, 2008
(FOUR THURSDAYS)
7:30pm – 9:00pm

A CELEBRATION OF SCRIPTURE
OPENING THE BIBLE
“THE WORD OF GOD IS IN YOUR HEART”
DEUTERONOMY 30: 14

SESSION ONE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008
THE “RULES” FOR INTERPRETATING THE BIBLE
(THE BIBLE AS PRAYER, WORSHIP, INSPIRATION, AND STUDY)

SESSION TWO
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008
RE-READING GENESIS 2 IN LIGHT OF LIFE AS IT IS
(THE BIBLE AS INSPIRING TEXT)

SESSION THREE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2008
THE PSALMS AS THE PRAYER OF JESUS
(THE PRAYERS OF OUR LIVES)
(THE BIBLE AS ENCOURAGEMENT)

A STUDY IN ST. MARK’S USE OF PSALMS 29 AND 77 IN MARK 4
(CLAIMING THE STORMS OF OUR LIVES)
(THE BIBLE AS CHALLENGING TEXT)

SESSION FOUR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008
JESUS AS THE “MOTHER” OF THE SPIRIT
(A MEDITATION ON JOHN 16: 20-21)
(THE BIBLE AS TRANSFORMING TEXT)

THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
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FUNDAMENTALISM

SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH
4450 Granite Drive
Rocklin, CA 95677
Parish Phone: 916 624-5827

PRESENTER;
FR. THOMAS P. BONACCI, C.P.
INTERFAITH PEACE PROJECT
PITTSBURG, CA

MONDAYS OCTOBER 20, 27, Nov. 3, and 10th

THE ROOT OF CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALISM
THE HISTORY OF FUNDAMENTALISM
THE MODERN CAUSES OF FUNDAMENTALISM
GLOBAL FUNDAMENTALISM AND TERRORISM

7:00pm – 9:00pm

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RETREAT

A GATHERING OF FRIENDS
A CIRCLE OF PEACE
A COMMUNITY OF LOVE FOR ALL

OCTOBER 24, 25, and 26, 2008

ENCHANTED HILLS
NAPA, CA

SO ARE WE SPIRIT AND FLESH,
CLOTHED HEAD TO TOE IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD.

JULIAN OF NORWICH

TODAY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT
DAY OF YOUR LIFE.
NOW IS THE MOST IMPORTANT
MOMENT OF YOUR DAY.

FRIDAY NIGHT
GATHERING AS FRIENDS INTO THE SANCTUARY OF OUR RETREAT
(PREPARING FOR THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE)
THE COLLAGE OF EXPECTATION
PREPARING OUR SPACE FOR OUR RETREAT
CANDLELIGHT CAMPFIRE
EVOKING THE HOLY

SATURDAY MORNING
QUIET PRAYER AND MEDITATION
REFLECTION
ENTERING INTO THE PRESENT MOMENT OF LIFE
GUIDED MEDITATION
THE SPLENDOR AND POWER OF THE PRESENT MOMENT
PRAYER & GRACE

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
REFLECTION
HOW DID I GET WHERE I AM?
GUIDED MEDITATION
KEYS FOR GOOD OR BAD FROM THE PAST, PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE
PRAYER & GRACE

SATURDAY NIGHT
COMMUNITY EUCHARIST
BECOMING BREAD, BECOMING WINE
BECOMING WHAT WE NEED TO BE

SUNDAY MORNING
QUIET PRAYER AND MEDITATION
REFLECTION
I COMMIT MYSELF TO THE FUTURE
GUIDED MEDITATION
COMMITTING MYSELF TO MY VISION
QUIET TIME
COMMUNITY SHARING
BLESSING CEREMONY

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CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH
322 ST. JAMES DRIVE
PIEDMONT, CA 94611
(510) 530-4343

THE GOSPEL OF ST. MARK
SOME CONTEMPORARY INSIGHTS

THREE TUESDAYS EVENINGS
NOVEMBER 11, 18, and 25, 2008
7:30pm – 9:00pm

A THREE STUDY OF ST. MARK’S GOSPEL IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW LITURGICAL YEAR IN WHICH THE GOSPEL OF MARK WILL ORDINARILY BE PROCLAIMED.

NOVEMBER 11, 2008
THE “TROUBLESOME” ENDING
DESPAIR OR NEW BIRTH?
INSIGHTS CONCERING MARK 16: 8

NOVEMBER 18, 2008
THE “GOSPEL” OF MARK 5
THE INTERNATIONAL GENIUS OF MARK
INSIGHTS INTO THE HEART OF JESUS

NOVEMBER 25, 2008
THE ALARMING BEGINNING
THE RADICAL NATURE OF THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
SOLIDARITY WITH THE AFFLECTED

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A CONTINUING STUDY OF ST. PAUL

HOLY FAMILY MOTHERHOUSE
159 WASHINGTON BLVD.
FREMONT, CA 94539
FREMONT, CA

THE PERSON, REALITY, AND VOCATION
OF WOMEN IN THE PAULINE EPISTLES

THREE MONDAYS
DECEMBER 1, 8, and 15, 2008
7:30 – 9:00 pm

SEVERAL TEXTS IN PAUL HAVE BEEN USED TO OPPRESS AND RESTRICT WOMEN IN BOTH THE CHURCH BUT SOCIETY. IN THIS INTRODUCTORY STUDY, WE WILL EXPLORE AND CRITIQUE THESE PAULINE TEXTS IN LIGHT OF PAUL’S ACTUAL TEACHING AND PRACTICE.

MONDAY
DECEMBER 1, 2008
SITUATING THE DEUTERO-PAULINE RETRICTIONS CONCERNING WOMEN
AND THEIR GOSPEL VOCATION

MONDAY
DECEMBER 8, 2008
THE PROPHETIC VOCATION OF WOMEN IN I CORINTHIANS
A CRITIQUE OF GALATIANS 3: 27-29

MONDAY
DECEMBER 15, 2008
PARTICULAR WOMEN WHO SERVED IN THE PAULINE CHURCHES
IN THE ACTS OF APOSTLES AND THE AUTHENTIC EPISTLES OF PAUL
AN INTRODUCTORY STUDY OF I CORINTHIANS 7: 1-40
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ST. ISIDORE CATHOLIC CHURCH
440 La GONDA
DANVILLE, CA 94526
(925) 837-2122

THREE ADVENT EVENING
PONDERING THE COMING OF JESUS
IN THE SPLENDOR OF THE GOSPEL TRADITIONS

THREE TUESDAY EVENINGS
7:30pm – 9:00pm

THE DOCTRINE OF THE INCARNATION WAS BORN FROM PROFOUND RE-READINGS AND IN DEPTH THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON CERTAIN PASSAGES FROM THE GOSPEL TRADITIONS OF MATTHEW, LUKE, AND JOHN. OUR THREE WEEK STUDY WILL PROVIDE A PRAYERFUL PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF INCARNATION KNOWN AS CHRISTMAS.

TUESDAY
DECEMBER 2, 2008
THE INCARNATION ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
A STUDY OF MATTHEW 1: 18-25

TUESDAY
DECEMBER 9, 2008
THE INCARNATION ACCORDING TO LUKE
A STUDY OF LUKE 1: 26-38

TUESDAY
DECEMBER 16, 2008
THE INCARNATION ACCORDING TO JOHN
A STUDY OF JOHN 1: 14-18

2008 Program Archive

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