Adult Faith Formation
The Mission of Adult Faith Formation
"To do their part, adult Catholics must be mature in faith and well equipped to share the Gospel - promoting it in every family circle, in every church gathering, in every place of work, and in every public forum. They must be women and men of prayer whose faith is alive and vital, grounded in a deep commitment to the person and message of Jesus."
- Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, #2
Through formation, mission, and community, OLA strives to create experiences to enrich our adult parishioners in order to support and develop a fully formed community. This lifelong learning will call you to go deeper into your spirituality.
For information on the courses listed below, contact the leader listed or Elizabeth Piper at epiper@olachurch.org.
Becoming Catholic
Inquirers into the Catholic Faith are invited to meet Sundays at 4pm in the Upper Room of the church. The Inquiry Group starts with time to ask questions about the Catholic church and how to become Catholic. It is the beginning of the Order of Catholic Initiation for Adults (OCIA). See the weekly bulletin for meeting details.
To learn more about the OCIA Program, click here.
Family Faith Formation
Formation begins in the family. To support the adults in the family, Families Forming Disciples offers each month a formation designed to give parents the information they need to support their family on the Mission weeks and Community weeks.
To learn more about Family Forming Disciples, click here.
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers are invited to the parish to present a Parish Mission, a series of talks, or a one-time presentation to provide additional a formation for the parish. These speakers provide a different perspective from other sources within the parish. Speakers are announced throughout the year.
Marist Spirituality
OLA is served by priests of the Society of Mary (Marists).
“Mary of Nazareth, the first disciple of the Lord and Mother of the Church, is the heart of our identity as Marists. This remarkable woman of faith has called us to this way of life. We believe that we have been called by a "gracious choice" into the family of Mary. It is her work that we do and so we commit ourselves to think, judge, feel and act as she did. These qualities mark us as Marists: mercy and compassion, availability, welcome and hospitality, simplicity manifest in everyday ordinariness and a common touch. We are self-effacing apostles who demonstrate a spirit of joy and respect for others; we are called to be humble and hidden and unknown in the world.” - US Province Identity Statement
Scripture and Book Studies
Throughout the year various studies are offered to the parish. Each study presented allows you to better understand sacred history and your role in this history. Listed below are just examples of courses that are offered.
Book Studies
Book studies are offered during the year and provide a lesser time commitment than some of our other offerings. They may take the form of a weekly course hwere you read one chapter at a time, a montly book focus, or video reflection. These Book Studies are a great way to build community and discuss writings from a variety of authors to increase your spiritual growth.
Previous books read include Let This Be the Time: Spiritual Essentials for Life's Second Act by Janet Schaeffler, OP and The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.
Friday Morning Men's Bible Study
The Friday Morning Men's Bible Study attends the 7:30am Mass and then meets for breakfast and bible study. We are in need of fresh blood and would welcome new members with open arms. Joining is easy - just show up at Mass on Friday or if you sleep late come to J. Christopher’s on Dresden at 8:15am.
To learn more about the Friday Morning Men's Bible Study, contact Al Massey at almassey3394@att.net or Art Keegan at artkeegan@hotmail.com.
The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation
This program corresponds to Father Mike Schmitz's Bible in a Year pod cast. Bible Timeline is a 24 week program meeting weekly. All are welcome at any level that you can give. This gives participants a strong base of Sacred History to take into other scripture studies. This group meets weekly on Wednesday in the Upper Room. A virtual option is available.
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Parishioner Art Keegan presents a Bible Study each Thursday morning September - May. Classes are from 8:15 - 9:15am. in the Upper Room. Multiple books of the Bible are discussed each year - selections are chosen by the group under Art's leadership. Everyone is invited to join the group after the 7:30am Mass.
To learn more about the Thursday morning Bible Study, contact Art Keegan at artkeegan@hotmail.com.
Formación en la fe para la Comunidad Latina
Formación en la fe para la comunidad latina es coordinada por Carlos Vizcaino, Coordinador de la Comunidad Latina. Comuníquese con Carlos al 404-261-7181 ext. 356 o cvizcaino@olachurch.org.
Current & Upcoming Offerings
Catholic Divorce Ministry
September - May
OLA offers the 13-week divorce support program, Recovering from Divorce for Catholics. Some of the topics covered include: grieving, fear, anger, dealing with your former spouse, helping your kids cope, the power of your faith to heal, and being single again.This program is for Catholics who are going through a divorce or are struggling with life after divorce. We are here to walk with you on your journey. We meet on Sunday evening.Click here to register.
Sunday Gospel Reading and Reflection
Wednesdays at 8:30am in the Upper Room
Each week over the summer come read and reflect on the gospel readings for the coming Sunday. Meetings on Wednesday from 8:30-10 am in the Upper Room starting June 7. Drop ins are welcome. All can come spend some time with God this Summer. We hope to see you there! Email Elizabeth Piper for details at epiper@olachurch.org.
Epic: The History of the Catholic Church
Wednesdays at 7pm in the Upper Room
This is our story, our family. As Catholics, we are the inheritors of holy men and women who over two thousand years built a great civilization and spread the gospel throughout the world. The history of the Church is not just the recitation of popes and saints; it is a story of adventure, intrigue, rebellion, reform, and devotion. In this study you will learn about the important people, places, and events in two thousand years of Church history, presented in twelve easy-to-remember color-coded time periods. You will discover the true stories behind the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Protestant Reformation. You will also learn about the massive persecution of Christians in the twentieth century. Throughout, you will be gaining an understanding of the workings of the Holy Spirit in our Church. The better we know our history, the better prepared we will be to face the future. RSVP to Elizabeth Piper at epiper@olachurch.org
Bible Basics 101: Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible
Wednesdays at 7pm in the Parish Conference Room
This 10 week study taught by parishioner Kevin O'Toole is a quick journey through the Bible to give an overview of Sacred History and how you fit into this plan. It is based on the Bible Timeline course. The course is held in the Parish Conference Room of the parish office from 7-8:30pm on Wednesday nights. All are welcome to attend. RSVP to Elizabeth Piper at epiper@olachurch.org
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 8:10am in the Upper Room - September - May
Join Art Keegan for a weekly Bible Study on Thursday mornings from September - May.
Various books of the Bible are discussed each year - selections are chosen by the group under Art's leadership. Everyone is invited to join the group after the 7:30am Mass.
Bring your own Bible for an hour of reading, commentary, discussion, and more. All are welcome. Contact Art Keegan for more information at artkeegan@hotmail.com.
FORMED: The Best Catholic Content - All in One Place
OLA is happy to provide our parishioners with free access to Formed, a digital library of Catholic resourses for all ages. Formed resources, including those listed below, are used throughout our programs for children and adults.
Register for a Free Subscription to Formed
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Go to formed.org/signup.
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Select your parish by entering name, city and/or zip code. Select: Immaculate Conception - press 'Next'
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Register as a Parishioner with your name and email address.
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Check your email account for a link to begin using FORMED.
Presence
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist - from its origins in Sacred Scripture to its Profound role in the life of the Church and her members.
Forgiven
Forgiving: The Transforming Power of Confession
explores the grace and healing offered in Confession and shows how this sacrament of mercy reveals the depth and bounty of God’s love.
Sanctuary
The Sanctuary Course's eight-week sessions explore the realities of mental health and illness - as well as the vital need for faith-based community conversations about these topics. This program is led by parishioner Dick Baxter.
Lives of the Saints
Discover books and videos about the life of saints and martyrs in the Formed library. How did these everyday people Live their lives as Christ calls them? These docudramas describe the lives and the times that these saints lived. They guide people to a better understanding of our role in sacred history.
