Introduction to the Devout Life

Tuesdays, beginning February 17 at 6:30pm in the Kelly Conference Room, we’ll journey through Lent together with St. Francis de Sales. This is series is brought you to by the St. Jude Book Club. Contact Marty Smith at msmith@stjudes.net for more information.

Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results.

Themes within the book include:

-Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly
-Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy schedule
-Growing in virtue
-Battling wisely against temptation
-Making spiritual progress through daily, monthly, and yearly exercises

Whether you are just beginning your spiritual journey or are more advanced in the spiritual life, you’ll be able to apply this timeless wisdom immediately. Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk the road with the Lord.

Schedule

We’ll meet on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Please pre-read the sections.

Feb. 17: Why Devotion Is for Everyone – Reading: Preface, Part I: Chapters 1–3.

Feb. 24: Desire for God & Beginning Conversion – Reading: Part I, Chapters 4–10.

Mar. 3: Prayer as the Heart of the Devout Life – Reading: Part II, Chapters 1–8.

Mar. 10: The Sacraments & Daily Devotion – Reading: Part II, Chapters 9–13, Part II, Chapter 20 (Confession).

Mar. 17: Virtue, Temptation & Perseverance – Reading: Part III, Chapters 1–6, Part IV, Chapters 1–5.

Mar. 24: Holy Week: Persevering in Love – Reading: Part V, Chapters 1–3, Part V, Chapter 11 (Final Counsel).

Copies of the book are available for $4 in the kiosk in the narthex and Brophy hallway.

Listen to the audiobook for free on YouTube: