Advent Parish Mission with Fr. Thomas J. Loya

Fr. Thomas Loya will present a three part Advent Parish Mission at St. Mary Immaculate Church (15629 S. Rt. 59 Plainfield) at 7:00pm each evening November 28 through November 30.

On Monday, Nov. 28 at 7:00pm, his presentation, “Seeing with Both 'I's --The Catholic Worldview:" will discuss how being Catholic is so much more than just a religion. It is a way of seeing and interacting with all of life according to a particular vision. The Great Mystery of the Incarnation, which we are preparing to celebrate, provides us with that vision in which we see life with both 'I's: Incarnationally and Integratedly.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 7:00pm will include a presentation ("Who is Man for Woman and Who is Woman for Man?") and Confessions. Because of the Incarnation, our very bodies as male and female speak a language. Understanding this language unlocks the secrets to happy male-female relationships. Come and hear what not even Oprah can tell you about dating, marriage, singleness and sexuality. Confessions will be heard immediately following Fr. Loya’s talk.

The Mission will close on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7:00pm with his presentation entitled “Icons: Providing a Window into the Incarnation” and an Advent Closing Rite.

Fr. Thomas J. Loya, STB, MA is a priest of the Byzantine Catholic Church in the Eparchy of Parma and is currently pastor of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic parish in Homer Glen, IL. Fr. Loya has a background in art and counseling. The icon murals he painted in his church can be viewed at www.byzantinecatholic.com .

Fr. Loya is currently the host of three radio programs. He has appeared on EWTN and was a speaker at World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada. He is a conference speaker for TOBIA (Theology of the Body International Alliance) and also for the Tabor Life Institute for education and formation in the theology of the body.

Using his life experience and gifts, Fr. Loya uncovers the ageless beauty of the Sacramental worldview and the "why" behind the Church's teaching on the hot button issues of our day. Those who have heard Fr. Loya speak say that he has the soul of an artist, the mind of a theologian, and the compassion of an ascetic.

St. Mary Immaculate is a vibrant, welcoming Roman Catholic community with over 100 ministries serving the Plainfield area. For more information about St. Mary Immaculate Parish or any of its many services, please call 815-436-2651 or visit us at www.smip.org.