Here at the Church of St. Mary, we acknowledge that formation of the gift of our faith is a blessing from God to be cherished, nurtured, and grown throughout our lives. Truly, a significant aspect of our Parish Mission statement recognizes that formation of faith is a lifelong process with which each baptized person has been graced.
Parish-Based Formation Programs – 2014
Untold Blessing: Three Paths to Holiness by Rev. Robert Barron
The greatest calling for all of us is to be a saint. Our ultimate path to holiness is full of untold blessing. Dynamic speaker and author Fr. Robert Barron, called “one of the Church’s best messengers” by Cardinal George, presents a powerful image of the beauty of Jesus Christ, helping us to have a deeper appreciation of who Christ really is and what it takes for each of us to be a true follower of Him. It is by understanding that in the love poured out upon each of us, healing us, calling us to mission for Him, that we receive an untold wealth of blessing from God.
Join us Tuesday’s (February, 4, 18, 25, March 4, 18, 25) 6:30-7:30pm, for this contemporary & provocative video presentation. Our various trained facilitators will offer some reflection question for small-group discussion from which lots of depth & insight can potentially flow. Come to as many or a few as you wish, and don’t worry: we’ll also have these videos & reflections on-line each month just in case you can’t make a viewing!
- Questions – Lesson 1
- Questions – Lesson 2
- Questions – Lesson 3
- Questions – Lesson 4
- Questions – Lesson 5
- Questions – Lesson 6
Sacred Book Club
Our Christian faith formation does not end with the sacrament of confirmation. Although the Church calls us to continually renew, learn, and evangelize our faith, our busy lives often prevent us from fully devoting ourselves to these efforts. We also spend too little time reading and contemplating sacred Scripture. Yet it is critical for adult Catholics to study the Bible for the fundamental reason that, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” (St. Jerome)
As part of our adult faith formation this fall, the Church of St. Mary is offering parishioners the opportunity to attend a “Sacred Book Club” which will be reviewing the Gospel of St. Mark. This monthly gathering will not be a traditional class with an instructor with students. Instead, it is intended to be an informal group examination of the Gospel that will be guided by facilitators. The intent is to learn about Mark’s Gospel through group discussion that will lead, hopefully, to a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
We are excited to begin the Sacred Book Club, to meet among friends and neighbors to share in an examination of the Bible as part of our continuing faith formation. Taking time to review Scripture is especially important for a reason long ago noted by St. Ambrose; since we were not present to physically witness and hear Jesus when he came into this world, the Gospels enable us to directly connect with Christ when we read about His life, His words, and His deeds. All are invited to attend and may either participate or just listen as we explore and reflect on St. Mark’s Gospel.
The Sacred Book club continues to meet the second Tuesday evening of each month.
