Tuesday Evenings at 6:30 p.m.
QHR Fiat Center - Sts. Anne and Joachim Rooms
Enter through the south door of the Fiat Center (the entrance closest to the church; the door is labeled "Fiat Center")
Join us in the Fiat Center on Tuesday evenings this fall for presentations and conversations about a variety of faith topics. Registration is not required to attend in person but is required to join via Zoom. If you register to attend via Zoom, please check your email for the meeting registration and link. Recordings of the presentations will be available the next day on the QHR YouTube channel. You can also scroll to the bottom of this page.
Upcoming Classes
March 4th: Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season
Where did Ash Wednesday come from? Who were the first Christians to wear ashes as a sign of repentance? How is Confession intimately linked to Ash Wednesday and Lenten Penance? Plus some practical tips for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent.
March 11th: What’s the Difference between Catholics and Protestants?
What are the core issues that keep us separated? What needs to be healed? Why do Catholics have closed Communion? What was Luther’s solution for the corruption of his time? What was the Counter Reformation and the Council of Trent’s solution to the corruption of the time? How did St. Francis de Sales, bring back 150,000 people back to the Catholic faith from Protestantism?
March 18th: The Diaconate and the Church
This week, Father Bill will be out of town attending a conference, so Deacon Jim Lavin will offer insights about his work as a deacon and the many gifts of the diaconate to the Church.
March 25th: You are wonderfully made!
Feast of the Annunciation, Christ’s incarnation: Gender Identity. A defense against dualistic, gnostic thinking. A pastoral approach to gender confusion.
April 1st: In Search of the Lost Sheep of Our Families
Practical guidance in how to gently attract a loved one back to the Faith. We will explore Fr. Robert Spitzer’s 4 Levels of Happiness, and show where true long term happiness comes from. What are some of the amazing and unique opportunities that our local Catholic Church offers. Learn about some “hidden gems” that might inspire you and your family.
April 8th: Holy Week
Learn about the most Sacred Days for all Christians. Follow Jesus and His apostles on their journey.
April 15th: NO CLASS (Holy Week)
April 22nd: The Birth of the Church
An exploration of Acts of the Apostles, and the Early Church Fathers. How did the Church begin? What do the 4 Marks of the Church really mean; ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC?
April 29th: Holy Orders
Father Bill will share his call to the priesthood and what that looks like. He will also share with you his greatest joys, inspirations, and challenges in his priestly ministry. Come and learn how do discern your own vocation, and some practical pointers in keeping your vocation thriving no matter what your state of life might be.
May 6th: Catholic Gestures
Why do Catholics have May Crownings? Why do we light candles? What are sacramentals? What are the reasons for our different postures during the Mass? What are Novenas, and where do they come from? Should I bury a statue of St. Joseph in my yard to sell my house? Relics; what are they all about? Come for a fun night to see our diverse devotions.
Past Classes
September 10th: “The Eucharist: The Beginning and the End of the Bible”
Did you know that the Bible begins with Eucharist and ends with Eucharist? From Genesis to the Book of Revelation, we will explore who the Eucharist is woven throughout the scriptures.
September 17th: “The Mass: It is not Catholic Calisthenics.”
Due to technical difficulties, this recording is audio only.
Do you know why we kneel, sit, and stand? Why does the priest whisper words at certain times in the Mass? Why do we genuflect on the right knee? What is the meaning of the little piece of the Host placed into the chalice? How would I explain the details of the Sacred Liturgy to a non-Catholic friend? Why do we only invite Catholics to Communion? And many more answers to understand the Mass!
October 1st: “The Little Way of Love”
We look at the beautiful life to Theresa the Little Flower, Mother Teresa, and Saint Francis of Assisi. St. Theresa of Lisieux inspired Mother Teresa in her beautiful life and care of the poor. “We are not called to be successful, but faithful.” We will look at practical ways in becoming saints by following this “little way of love.”
October 8th: “The History of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.”
On October 7th 1571, the little Venetian Navy went out to engage the mighty fleet of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman goal was to conquer Christianity by taking over Rome itself. Hear how this amazing battle was won with the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe! What are the implications today? How was the call to pray the rosary critical in the miracle of this victory?
October 22nd: “Marriage, the Great Bookends of the Bible.”
We will explore how the Bible begins with Marriage and ends with Marriage. We will explore the Catholic understanding of Marriage. What is the gift of femininity and masculinity? What is “Theology of the Body”? And how is the Eucharist intrinsically tied to Marriage in the Bible?
October 29th: “Great Saints in our Own Lives”
We will look at the lives of Venerable Takashi Nagai of Japan, Saint Maximillian Kolbe of Auschwitz, Blessed Carlo Acutis, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, and Saint John Paul II. We will look at how the lives of these Saints encountered each other. How holiness begets holiness. We will learn that there are Saints among us, and how we can join them.
November 12th: “How to Read the Bible”
Have you ever looked at the Bible and wondered, “Where do I start?” We will explore Luke’s Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. Why does Jesus teach in parables? Do we take the bible literally or symbolically? What is the approach the Church Father had in reading the Sacred Scriptures? We will explore some amazing layers of meaning that you may never have understood in the past.
November 19th: “The Mystery of Pain and Suffering”
If God is all good and loving, then why is there so much suffering in the world? How would you answer this question? What is God’s answer to this question? What is the meaning of the Crucifix? What can I do to help someone who his suffering? What is the meaning of powerlessness? How can suffering be redemptive?
November 26th: “Twelve Steps to Freedom” - Video Coming Soon!
Almost every family has been directly or indirectly affected by addiction. Almost every human being has a struggle with some repetitive vice such as eating too much, driving with anger, or full-blown addiction. The Twelve Steps are based in an Ignatian Spirituality that has helped millions to grow closer to God and find freedom they need. This reflection will help you to find a few tools that you can apply to your own life and to the lives of your family to find healing and peace.
December 10th: “Two Comings of Christ at Christmas / Signs and Symbols of Christmas” - Video Coming Soon!
A biblical look exploring Matthew and Luke's Infancy Narratives. Advent Season prepares us to look back to the birth of Christ and to look forward to the Second Coming of Christ. Do you ever wonder about your own family? Does your family tree have "skeletons in the closet"? Well, you will be amazed at Jesus' family tree. We will look at the amazing gift of Jesus entering into a broken family of origin. What are the implications for our own families? We will explore the great saints and great sinners in the genealogy of Jesus. We will see how there is hope for all of our families. How do we prepare to keep Christ central in Christmas? Some amazing things are happening in the Gospels! What is the history of the Christmas tree? Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? What is the reason for the Advent Wreath? Explore the symbols of Christmas and their origins. See how St. Boniface converted the Germanic people, and how some of their pagan practices needed to be "Christianized". Who was the real St. Nicholas? Where did the idea of gifts coming down the chimney come from? This and many other traditions will be explored. You will not look at the Nativity Set in the same way after this class!
January 28: Baptism and an Introduction to the Sacraments
If you met someone who never heard of Jesus, how would you describe a sacrament? Baptism is not about flowers, balloons and cake, but it is something much more. Come and learn about the Tomb and the Womb of the Church, how to be a Godparent to a non-practicing parent, and other practical tips.
February 4: Healing Sacraments, Part 1 - Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites
What is the difference between the Anointing of the Sick and the Last Rites? Come and hear stories of miracles and hope given through this amazing Sacrament.
February 11: Healing Sacraments, Part 2 – The Sacrament of Confession and the Rite of Reconciliation
Sins are like mushrooms, they only grow in the dark! Come and learn about the developmental history of Confession, and how to overcome the obstacles that keep so many away from this great gift.
February 18: Letting Go of Grudge and Resentment
The great spiritual “cancers” of the soul are resentments and self-pity. We will discuss how to be freed from these “padlocks” of God’s grace. Practical worksheets and tools will be provided to move forward with your life.
February 25: The Church’s Wisdom in Medical Ethics
Understand the Church’s teachings on Active Euthanasia, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, In-Vitro Fertilization, Artificial Birth Control and Natural Family Planning. We will explore these complex issues and give a better understanding of the Church’s teachings and wisdom.