Chicago Loop Year of Faith
Monthly Networking Bible Study



Next Meeting- Right After Work
June 18, 2013
Registration link will be posted soon!
Featured Theologian:  
John R. Barker, OFM,
Assistant Professor of Old Testament









Topic:  God, Humans, and the Mystery of
Suffering: The Book of Job

The book of Job is a source of both inspiration and puzzlement.
The book explores yet refuses to provide simple answers to the
mystery of life and human suffering. Does it refute the principle
of retribution—our experience of life is largely dependent on our
own actions—or does it support it? Does the book critique or
vindicate God, or both? What do the book of Job and the Cross of
Christ have to say to one another? This presentation introduces
the book of Job as a work of profound theological depth and
complexity that invites contemporary people of faith to ponder
the mystery of the human experience with both dignity and humility.


About Professor Barker:
(Don't you think Fr. Barker looks way too happy to be
talking about Job???)

John R. Barker, OFM, is a Franciscan friar with the Province of Saint
John the Baptist (Cincinnati). He received his MA/MDiv from Catholic
Theological Union in Chicago and is currently completing his doctorate
at Boston College. He is Assistant Professor of Old Testament at CTU.

John’s main areas of research relate to the formation and function of
biblical texts, particularly the prophetic literature. This includes such
critical approaches as rhetorical criticism, the history of the
interpretation and reception of biblical texts, and the Bible in the
Church and culture. John has presented on a variety of biblical topics
at parishes throughout Chicago and contributes regularly to Weekday
Homily Helps and other pastoral publications.
Welcoming Committee for June 18

Randi Belisomo,
WGNTV/CLTV Reporter

Christopher Clark,
Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Jeffrey Feeney
Senior Advisor, Phoenix Medical Management

Thomas A. Smith, Attorney
Senak Keegan Gleason Smith & Michaud, Ltd.








      

WHERE?
111 W. Adams
Club Quarters Hotel
3rd Floor Conference Room
(Get directions here!)

We had over 100 at our first
meeting in October, so be sure to
sign up in advance to be assured
a spot.

Tentative Agenda:
5:15 - 5:45 Sign in & open networking
5:45 - 6:55 - Formal program
6:55 - 7:05  Break to get refreshments
7:05 - 7:30 Small Group Discussion for
those who can stay.

COST?
$10 donation at the door
to help cover costs.

Cash Bar
Light Appetizers Served

Must register in advance.
Link to register to the right.

Are you looking for information on Catholic events, organizations, masses, bookstores, and other stuff in
the Chicago area?  Check out the Chicagoland Catholic website. It might have the information you want.
Click HERE

Above, Father John Kartje, Director & Chaplain
Sheil Center, Northwestern University giving a
Bible Overview at our October 23 meeting.   

Below, folks discussing the Gospel of Matthew and
networking after Fr. Senior's talk on Dec. 11.
AND --- Support
Vocations!!!


In addition to our Biblical Scholars,
we will be have a few seminarians at
each of our Networking Bible Studies
to help
facilitate table discussion.
This month joining us will be
We hope everyone will visit the page,
be motivated by the wonderful things
the seminarians are doing, and pray
for Vocations.

We invite you all to check out the
Facebook page for Archdiocesan
Vocations.  If you are on FB,
please "Like" them!   

The page is at
www.facebook.com/chicagopriest.

We need to keep them studying the
Bible so future generations will also
have the opportunity to study the
Word!

Thanks!
Ryan Starks
Ryan Starks is a seminarian for the
Diocese of Green Bay. He grew up in
rural northeast Wisconsin with his
parents, and is the youngest of three
children. After high school, Ryan
attended the University of St. Thomas in
St. Paul, Minnesota, also completing his
years of college seminary at this time.
Currently, Ryan is in his third year of
theology at Mundelein Seminary and by
God's grace will be ordained to the
diaconate this spring in Green Bay.
Kevin McCray
Kevin is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago.  
He is a fourth year Theologian, scheduled to be
ordained a Deacon on October 27th, 2012 at
Mundelein Seminary, with priesthood ordination
following in mid-May of 2013 at Holy Name Cathedral.

He grew up in an Irish family in east central Indiana, the
middle of five children and the oldest of a set of twins.  
His brother Kelly is ten minutes younger.  He attended
Valparaiso University, then Ball State University,
graduating from Ball State in 1984.  After graduation,
he moved to Chicago and worked for over 20 years
for Crate and Barrel, working in the Accounting
Department at the Northbrook corporate office.  

Kevin was raised in the Methodist Church,  and after a
long journey of discernment, entered into the Catholic
Church at the Easter Vigil of 2002.  His home parish is
St. Clement, which is located in Lincoln Park.  
Valet parking at the Club
Quarters Hotel for $18 for 3
hours. Valet stand is in front of
the hotel.

Schedule for the Year of Faith
Tuesdays Evenings:
2012:
Oct. 23  Done- only 11 more to go!
Nov. 13- Done - only 10 more to go!
Dec. 11 - Done - only 9 more to go!
Jan. 22 - Done - only 8 more to go!
Feb. 19 - Done - Only 7 more to go!
Mar. 19 - Done - Only 6 more to go!
Apr. 16 - Done - Only 5 more to go!
May 21 - Done - Only 4 more to go!

2013:
June 18
July 23 (This is not the 3rd Tues)
Aug. 13
Sept. 17
And then it's over....   
Wonder what we do at these
meetings besides study the Bible?

Here was the agenda for the Nov.
13 meeting. It will give you an idea.
Fr. James McIlhone, Director of
Biblical Formation, Archdiocese of
Chicago speaking about the Gospel
of Mark on Nov. 13, 2012.
Click on Photos to enlarge.
Click HERE to read
theDecember 2 Catholic
New World Article about
this program.

    Those who stay for the Discussion
    Round can cast a vote ticket for one
    of the following Designated charities
    are which will receive a $500
    donation:
Meet our next generation of priest who were featured at our December meeting!
To learn more about the Legion of Christ, click HERE.

Br Ryan Carlin, LC was born in Baltimore,
Maryland in March 1988 and is one of two
children of Shawn and Cathy Carlin.  He first met
the Legion in 1997 and was involved in their youth
and young adult work in Maryland and Virginia
until he joined the Legion of Christ after graduating
high school in 2006. He spent his first three years
of seminary training in Cheshire, CT and then
studied one year of philosophy at the Legion’s
College of Philosophy in Thornwood, NY before
coming to Chicago in September 2010.  Br Ryan
has been involved in youth leadership with the Boy
Scouts of America (where he earned his Eagle
Scout Rank in 2004), Leadership Training
Program, ConQuest Clubs for Boys (where he
directed the RANGERS club from 2002-2006),
and youth sports leagues (particularly Lacrosse).

He is now beginning his third year of “apostolic”
internship here in the ChicagoLand area, assisting
Fr Patrick Murphy and Fr Michael Moriarty in
their work with the Lumen Institute and ministering
to the Legion’s supporters throughout the Midwest
region.  Aside from Youth Leadership his main
interests include, but are not limited to: all things
outdoorsy (backpacking, mountain biking,
kayaking, rock climbing, camping), all things
military (strategy, history, weapons), and Country
and Christian music.

Br Dustin George was born and raised in
Annapolis, Maryland. When he was ten years old he
began to attend the local Conquest boys club which
he was later to lead at age fifteen. Shortly before his
sixteenth birthday he left home to discern God’s will
at the Legion’s high school seminary, Immaculate
Conception Apostolic School, in Center Harbor,
New Hampshire. During his two years there he
worked with one of the local parishes teaching CCD
to the fifth-grade class.

In 2004, after graduating from Immaculate
Conception, Br Dustin entered the Legion’s
seminary in Cheshire, Connecticut and was asked to
do his two years of novitiate in Canada. In 2006 he
made his religious profession and returned to
Cheshire for two years to obtain his associate’s
degree in classical humanities. In 2008 he moved to
Rome where he studied philosophy, graduating with
a bachelor’s degree. Br Dustin arrived in Chicago in
August, 2010, and has been working with the local
Conquest Boys Clubs and serving as Spiritual and
Character Mentor for middle-school boys at East
Lake Academy in Lake Forest and Everest
Academy in Lemont. Presently, he works assisting
the Legionary youth and vocation director in the
Midwest region.

Br Brett Taira is a synthesis of Japanese and
Chinese ancestry, Hawaiian lifestyle, and
Californian innovation. A cultural Buddhist by
upbringing, this Orange County resident became a
convert to the Catholic faith at age 20. Br Brett
completed bachelor’s degree at Rice University
majoring in both Philosophy and Electrical
Engineering. On Sep 15, 2004, Br Brett first
donned the Legionary uniform in Cheshire, CT.
Having completed both novitiate and humanities in
Cheshire, Br Brett studied philosophy at Regina
Apostolorum in Rome. He resided for two years in
the Center of Higher Studies and dedicated his time
to the establishment of the International Leadership
Semester of the European University of Rome, as
well as leading private tours through the art and
history of the Eternal City. Br Brett then served for
two years in the Legions General Directorate while
completing his licentiate studies in philosophy,
specializing in the field of ethics.

Br. Brett began his apostolic internship as a
vocational promoter, with great eagerness to serve
the Church and to learn from the many experienced
priests and religious of Chicago community. He is
now currently working as a formation instructor at
Everest Academy and East Lake Academy.
This is the No-Guilt-Get-To-Know-God Plan. Didn't attend the
first sessions?  We don't care. Come join us! You won't be
behind. We study a different book every month.
It's fun AND educational!


If you are Catholic, this series is designed for YOU regardless of
whether the last time you studied your faith was in 8th grade or whether
you have a degree in theology!

Be prepared to:
  • make some new friends
  • make some good business connections
  • meet Catholic alumni from your college or university
  • relax & miss rush hour traffic
  • have a glass of wine, soda or coffee & some appetizers
  • and learn a little bit more about your faith!

This program is designed for EVERYONE - even the busiest Catholic!
Perhaps especially for the busiest Catholic! For more information,
e-mail MyFaithNet@aol.com
This Month's Featured Vocations:
Three of our newest sisters with the Franciscans of the Eucharist – a new Catholic religious community of men and women
living and serving in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park- at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, directed by
Fr. Bob Lombardo. http://www.missionOLA.com.  Come meet them on January 22!  
Sr. Stephanie Baliga is a second
year novice for the Franciscans of the
Eucharist. She was born and raised in
Rockford, IL.

She went to University of Illinois where she
was a 4 year varsity letter winner in
cross-country and track, highlighted by a
6th place freshman finish at the 2006
NCAA cross-country championship and a
6th place team finish at the 2007 NCAA
cross-country championship.

She graduated with a degree in economics
and geography in 2010. She joined the
community later that year. God willing, Sr.
Stephanie will take first vows in October of
this year.
Sr. Alicia Torres recently
professed First Vows as a Franciscan of
the Eucharist of Chicago. Before she
came to Chicago to attend Loyola
University, she lived in many different
parts of the US and in Portugal as
member of a military family. She
graduated from Loyola in 2007 with a
BA in Theology. Before entering the
community, Sr. Alicia worked for the
Archdiocese of Chicago Respect Life
Office, focusing on youth and
college/young adult education, outreach
and activism. She was able to remit here
college educational debt to enter the
community through the generosity of
countless men and women who
contributed to The Nun Run campaign.
Sr. Kate O'Leary is a first
year temporary professed sister for
the Franciscans of the Eucharist.

She was born and raised in
Chicago. She earned a degree in
nursing at Xavier University in
Cincinnati  After working as a
nurse for 3 years at Loyola
Medical Center, she entered the
community in 2009. She enjoys
serving the needs of the poor on
the West Side.
Our Featured Vocations for February
St. Joseph College Seminary at Loyola University Chicago

Oswald Avile is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of
Chicago. He is in his second year of Philosophy at St. Joseph
College Seminary at Loyola University Chicago where he is set
to graduate in the Spring of 2015, continuing on to St. Mary of
the Lake University/Mundelein Seminary. He grew up in a
Puerto Rican family on the near-South Side of the city, near the
Little Village neighborhood. His home parish, Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, is home to Kolbe House Jail Ministries and
the founder of this influential ministry program, Fr. Lawrence
Craig†, was one of his major role models for the priesthood. He
hopes to be involved in that ministry on a long-term basis.

Tyler Murphy is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of
Chicago. He is in his first year of Philosophy at St. Joseph
College Seminary at Loyola University Chicago. He will
graduate in the Spring of 2016 with a B.A. in Philosophy,
B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in The New Evangelization/
Communications. He will then continue onto University of
St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, and God willing,
be ordained a priest in the Spring of 2020. Tyler Grew up in
the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago in Hoffman Estates. His
home parish is Holy Family where he discovered his desire
and call to discern the priesthood in seminary. Tyler wants to
be a passionate future priest who strives to live the Gospel
message by being a compassionate, healing, and loving
servant of the Church.
For more
information about
St. Joseph College
Seminary,

Click HERE!
Interested in making a
pilgrimage?  
Check out these trips.

These are not paid advertisements in any
way. They are trips with
  • Fr. McIlhone, Director of Biblical
    Formation  and   
  • Catholic Theological Union


We thought you might want to know about
them.

Holy Land with Fr. Jim
McIlhone - September 2012


Greece & Turkey with
Fr. Jim McIlhone  March/April
2014


CTU’s Biblical Study and
Travel Program

CTU also has these trips, which
are not pilgrimages, but sound
awesome too.

Rome - August 2013

Footsteps of St. Paul-
Greece & Turkey
August 2013
Want to hear some really
Good News???

Relevant Radio has a new app for IPads
and IPhones (as well as other devices.
Just go to the Apple App Store and search
for "Relevant Radio" under iPhone Apps.
(Also available for Android devices on
Google Play.)
Past  Featured Vocations:
Franciscans of the Eucharist
– a new Catholic religious community of men and women living and serving in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park- at
the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels dedicated to living life in the style of St. Francis of Assisi and of our new
Pope Francis I.  The Mission and this new Order is guided and directed by
Fr. Bob Lombardo, one of the founding members of the Franciscans Friars of the Renewal.
http://www.missionOLA.com.  Come meet Matt & Jamie on March 19!  
Matt Bradley
recently became a postulant at
the Franciscans of the
Eucharist.  He has been in the
Chicago area for the past 8
years working for Mizkan in
the corporate purchasing dept.
 He grew up in the Metro
Detroit area.  He went to
Schoolcraft College in Livonia,
MI for an Associates degree
in Culinary Arts.  He also
received a Bachelor's in
Business Administration from
Northwood University in
Midland, MI.  He enjoys
working with the poor.
Jaime Mitchell
is a postulant for the
Franciscans of the Eucharist.  
She was born and raised in
Connecticut.  After studying
Hospitality Management at
Johnson & Wales University,
she worked in both the private
sector and higher education
before serving at Maggie’s
Place for three years in
Arizona. Jaime found our
community through Imagine
Sisters, and is excited to begin
her life with us in service of the
Lord and our brothers and
sisters in need.