MERRILLVILLE – How to discover the meaning of life in a series of seven videos. That is the aim of “The Search,” a series of programs produced by the Augustine Institute to stimulate discussion on the journey of life.
Our Lady of Consolation hosted the series in weekly sessions that will conclude March 17, and while the crowds have not been large, they have been loyal. “Some people have attended one session or several, but we have a group of about 10 to 12 that have come every week, and we have had some good discussions,” said Monica Yacko, an adult formation parish volunteer who has monitored the sessions.
Each session introduces a thematic question that is addressed by experts in a video, and attendees are given a worksheet with a short reflection on the topic and a list of about 10-15 discussion questions they can share after watching the video.
Questions ranged from “What do you seek?” to “Who is Jesus?” and each session ends with an original prayer related to the subject.
Catholic speaker and author Chris Stefanick, who leads Real Life Catholic ministry, leads the provocative videos, while contributors from several fields of art, medicine, religion, psychology and science add different perspectives
A Session Six comment from “Am I Saved?” that made an impression on the dozen attendees concerned the salvation of Jesus: “The crucifix is really disturbing, yet it is the central symbol of our churches. What it represents is the worst thing that human beings have ever done, and the best thing that God has done. By dying on the cross, he performed the greatest act of love in human history, powerful enough to save the whole human race.”
Stefanick urged viewers to “Say yes to (God) right now” at the end of the video, although he also noted: “I can’t promise that if you give yourself to Christ, that your everyday life will change. You will still get up, go to work, eat dinner and go to bed. But God can do anything, so ask big. If you enter into that relationship, you will change.”
Barbara Moloney, an Our Lady of Consolation parishioner from Crown Point, attends all weekly sessions. “The description of the program drew me in. The topics seemed provocative and, at this point in your life, you are often seeking the answers to questions about your faith.”
“All of the sessions have been good and worth attending,” added Mary Ann O'Connell, a parishioner.
Visit thesearchbegins.org for more information about the series and trailers about the sessions.
Caption: Monica Yacko (right), an adult formation volunteer at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville, and attendee Justine Garza, review some of the discussion questions during the sixth session of "The Search," a seven-part video series from the Augustine Institute that is being completed at Our Lady of Consolation on Monday, March 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Vamos Hall. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
