Photo Caption: Jeff Cavins will present an overview of “Walking Toward Eternity: Making Choices for Today” during a seminar in Peoria on Saturday, April 27.

Over the last eight years Jeff Cavins has brought “The Great Adventure: A Journey Through the Bible” as well as a variety of studies based on books of the Bible to the Diocese of Peoria. Now he’s asking people in central Illinois to take the next step with him by “Walking Toward Eternity: Making Choices for Today.”

Cavins will present an overview of his new adult faith formation program during a seminar on Saturday, April 27, at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria. The day begins with registration at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

“This is really an outline for the spiritual life,” said Dr. Vincent McClean, director of the Office of Catechetics, which is sponsoring Cavins’ presentation. “It talks about Scripture. It talks about our personal commitment to the Scriptures. He talks about prayer.”

Not only are people invited to prayerfully read and reflect on Scripture, but they are given an opportunity to apply what they’ve discerned through this process of lectio divina, journaling and small-group discussion to their lives. Some of the topics covered include forgiveness, humility, faithfulness, sacrifice and thankfulness.

The first eight-part series is called “Daring to Walk the Walk,” while the second looks at “Engaging the Struggles of Your Heart.” Both were developed by Cavins, director of the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute in St. Paul, Minn., and his wife, Emily.

McClean announced the seminar at the Rite of Election in February and offered a special invitation to those who are being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil this weekend.

“It’s a chance for them to digest and ask questions because it’s a lot to absorb,” he said of those who will be taking their fledgling steps as Catholics during the Easter Season. “If it doesn’t become personal and there isn’t a personal commitment it doesn’t work. It just becomes knowledge that doesn’t necessarily lead to faith.”

“Walking Toward Eternity” will benefit those who are already Catholic by helping them “to deepen their understanding of their own spiritual journey,” McClean explained.

The cost for Cavins’ presentation is $40 through April 15 and will increase to $50 beginning April 16. The prices include a seminar packet and lunch.
Registration forms may be downloaded by visiting cdop.org and clicking on links for Education, Office of Catechetics, and Cavins — “Walking Toward Eternity.” For more information, call Roberta Gifford at (309) 671-1550.