Adult Faith Formation and Spiritual Life
OLA’s Adult Formation and Spiritual Life Ministries foster continuing education on the teachings of the Catholic Church and opportunities for spiritual growth for adults.
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If you have questions about an individual ministry, please contact the ministry contact listed or the Pastoral Council Commission Ministry Head, Art Keegan, at PC-adult-formation@olachurch.org.
Bible Studies/Courses
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. Elizabeth Piper, Director of Faith Formation, epiper@olachurch.org
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Bible Discussion Group for Men
The group 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.
Al Massey, almassey3394@att.net; Art Keegan, artkeegan@hotmail.com
Catholic Divorce Ministry
Catholic Divorce Ministry is a place that welcomes you during the time of healing after a divorce. This group provides topics to encourage healing, hosts guest speakers, and participates in socials.
Elizabeth Piper, Director of Faith Formation, epiper@olachurch.org
Christ Renews His Parish Retreat (CRHP)
Christ Renews His Parish is an annual parishioner led retreat designed to give both the individual and the parish community an opportunity for renewal and growth in the spiritual life. CRHP is held early in the new year on the OLA campus and lasts from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. The weekend is a great opportunity to get to know other members of the parish, and to see where God is calling you to serve. Participants go home each night.
Elijah Cup Vocations Ministry
Every other weekend at one of the Masses, a different family or individual takes the Elijah Cup home to pray for vocations to the religious life and priesthood - especially to the Society of Mary (Marists), the religious society that serves our parish. Click here to sign up.
Katie Schermerhorn, ktscchermerhorn@gmail.com
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Marriage Encounter (WEDS)
Marriage Encounter is the largest pro-marriage organization in the world and promotes weekend experiences for couples who want to make their good marriage even better. WEDS groups are couples who have attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend. They meet for to help each other live out the concepts of the Marriage Encounter Weekend.
Karen Sheehan, marriageencounter@olachurch.org
Mary's Mothers Prayer Group
This group of mothers meets two Fridays a month in the Youth Room (located in the parish office/park in parking lot below and walk up path). All moms of the parish who wish to connect with other moms and who seek to create a spiritual foundation of faith for themselves as they experience the joys and challenges of motherhood are invited. Email Kim Carey and Kelly Perry at ​olamarysmothers@gmail.com.
Mosaic (Interfaith Couples Ministry)
The goal of this ministry is to offer support for couples who are in dual faith relationships. Parish leaders will work with our interfaith couples to determine their needs and how our parish community can best help them navigate the challenges – and joys – that an interfaith relationship can bring.
Laura and Alan Berstein, mosaic@olachurch.org
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
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). OCIA is also for baptized Catholics who seek to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and/or Confirmation.
Elizabeth Piper, Director of Faith Formation, epiper@olachurch.org
Saturday Men's Discipleship Group
The Saturday Men's Discipleship Group welcomes all men in the community. They meet every Saturday from 7:30-9:00 am in the Parish Office Conference Room. We discuss a variety of issues that all men face, utilizing both scripture and Christian teaching to guide us through the issues on our hearts. This diverse group of men, at all different places in our Christian journey, is focused on men in their relationship with God, their spouses, their children, and in their careers. We strive to become better men, better husbands, better fathers ... Better Christians. Learn more/sign up at www.ola-saturday-morning-mens-group.mailchimpsites.com. Deacon Bill Kester and Ralph Williams, olasatmorningmensgroup@gmail.com, bkester@olachurch.org
Second Touch Retreat
Relive the experience that awakened you at CRHP by joining us at this mini-retreat that is held in the Fall from Friday night through Saturday. You must have attended a CRHP weekend retreat in order to attend Second Touch.
Jason and Maggie Hoback, secondtouch@olachurch.org
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​Sponsor Couples for the Engaged
Lay ministers/married couples meet with engaged couples as part of the marriage preparation process. Training is required.
Bridgett and Lee Posey, sponsorcouple@olachurch.org
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Tuesday Evening Men's Group
All men of the OLA community are invited to join our bi-weekly Tuesday evening men's group, where we gather to discuss a wide range of topics that impact our lives as men. Meeting every other Tuesday from 8p-9:30 PM in the Youth Room, our group provides a welcoming and supportive environment for men to explore their faith, strengthen their relationships with God, and support each other through the challenges we face. Through scripture and Christian teachings, we seek to grow as individuals, husbands, fathers, and leaders in our community. Blake Smith and Lawrence Lee, eveningmensgroup@olachurch.org.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study with Art Keegan
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. Art Keegan, artkeegan@hotmail.com
Walking with Purpose Bible Study (for Women)
Longing for connection to live a Christian life? Connection to God and to other women? Walking with Purpose invites all women of the parish (not just OLACS Moms) to journey through Scripture together and build relationships that matter! Join us as we explore the fundamental question of our Catholic faith and our relationship with Jesus Christ. We meet on Tuesdays at 7pm in the Upper Room of the Church. RSVP by the Friday before each meeting or with questions. More information will be emailed to attendees. Annabelle Ombac, Joy Baljet, and Carolyn Noyd, wwp@olachurch.org.
Women's Small Faith Groups
Women's small groups are groups of 10-15 women who meet in each others homes to support one another in their journeys as individuals, spouses, mothers, and Christians. Part social and part reflection, these groups promote deepening friendships through faith-filled connections.
Catherine Rice and Gianna Kasten, womensfaithgroups@olachurch.org
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Current & Upcoming Offerings
Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come
Wednesdays at 8:15am and 7pm beginning June 11th
Revelation shows how the kingdom established by Christ in his Church is intimately connected with the kingdom of heaven. In this study we will pull back the veil on the rich symbolism present in Revelation. Discover what the mysterious figures and images of Revelation mean and see how Revelation is more than an apocalyptic vision of the “end times.” Explore the Church’s teaching on the second coming of Christ and the Last Judgment. Understand how God, the Divine Bridegroom, and the Church, his spotless bride, enter into a heavenly, holy, and mystical marriage every time we celebrate Mass.
Email Elizabeth Piper, Director of Faith Formation, with questions or to RSVPat epiper@olachurch.org.
Curious About Catholicism? Discover More with OCIA!
Have you ever wondered what the Catholic Church is all about? The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) offers a welcoming space to explore the Catholic faith. This journey will prepare you to receive your sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Come with your questions, and we'll provide answers in a relaxed and informative setting. Join us in the church's upper room on the following dates: June 8, June 22 July 13, August 10, and August 24. (It is important to attend all dates.) We look forward to meeting you and guiding you on your path of discovery!
Register at www.olachurch.org/becoming-catholic.
Email Elizabeth Piper, Director of Faith Formation, with questions at epiper@olachurch.org.​
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Foundations of Faith
Tuesdays at 8:15am in the Upper Room Beginning July 1st The only Catechism Study that takes you to 40+ remarkable places around the world where the sources of the Catechism of the Catholic Church originated! The 20 sessions, you will delve into the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith, learn about the biblical and historical sources of the Catechism, and discover how these teachings have developed since the time of the apostles. Led by Dr. Edward Sri, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, and Fr. Mike Schmitz, this program will help you understand the Catechism of the Catholic Church, from beginning to end. Email Elizabeth Piper, Director of Faith Formation, with questions or to RSVP at epiper@olachurch.org.
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Bible Study: Paul's Letters to the Corinthians (with Art Keegan)
Thursdays at 8:10am in the Upper Room
What was the early church like in its first few years? After almost 2,000 years we have changed in our beliefs, traditions, and our practices. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians is a window to the beliefs and practices of Catholics a mere twenty-five years after Christ’s death.
Paul was a missionary. He successfully founded a Church in Corinth and then moved on. Then the troubles started. The community became prideful. Factions emerged. People strayed from the theology and practices Paul tried to teach them. A split emerged between the founder, Paul, and his beloved flock in Corinth. Paul could not return to Corinth so he chose to write. These letters are like the Encyclicals written today. Paul teaches, admonishes, and calls these believers to live an authentic life in Christ. We suffer from many of the same faults as our Corinthian forebearers. Paul is writing to us.
Email Art Keegan at
artkeegan@hotmail.com for more information. No need to RSVP, just show up!
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.
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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.
Contact Us
Art Keegan
Adult Formation and Spiritual Life Ministries Pastoral Council Commission Head
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