SIGEL - The public is invited to a four-parish mission Dec. 10-12 hosted by St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Sigel, in conjunction with St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Neoga; Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lillyville; and St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Green Creek. All four parishes are under the administration of the Father Robert DeGrand.
Deacons Eddie Ensley and Robert Herrmann will lead those attending on a spiritual journey to learn to pray as Jesus and the early Christians prayed. Both were ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Savannah, Ga., diocese in 2001. They are assigned to St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, Ga., where they have been members since the 1970s.
Deacon Ensley conducts primary-source research into the Christian and Jewish history of spirituality. He is the author of many books and articles and holds a master's degree in Catholic pastoral studies from Loyola University, New Orleans.
Deacon Herrmann holds certification in parish ministry from Loyola University and has more than 20 years of experience leading parish missions, parish retreats and parish renewals.
The mission sessions will start each evening at 7 p.m. in St. Michael's Church, 220 N. Church St. in Sigel. The schedule of topics is:
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Monday, Dec. 10 - How Do We Deal With the Everyday Stresses and Pressure of Life (Lightening Our Load/Taking Refuge in God)
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Tuesday, Dec. 11 - Mary, The Womb of God/Our Model of How to Cope With Life Losses/Our Model of Discipleship Today
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Wednesday, Dec. 12 - Forgiving as God Forgives (Reconciliation in Relationships/How to Heal and Repair Our Relationships)
Every session will have time devoted to teaching the art of contemplative prayer for busy lives. Each is approximately 75 minutes long and ends with a brief guided prayer. In addition, the sacrament of reconciliation will be available to Catholics each evening.
Refreshments will be offered each night after the mission sessions. For more information, contact St. Michael's Parish office at (217) 844-3371.