Adult Formation
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.
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.
CRHP - Deeper Waters
Relive the experience that awakened you at CRHP by joining us at this mini-retreat that is held in the every other fall Fall from Friday night through Saturday. You must have attended a CRHP weekend retreat in order to attend.
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Spencer and Jay Byce,
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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.
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Katie Schermerhorn,
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Evening Men's Group
All men of the OLA community are invited to join our Thursday evening men's group, where we gather to discuss a wide range of topics that impact our lives as men. Meeting two Thursdays a month from 8-9:30pm 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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​​Mary's Mothers Prayer Group
This group of mothers meets Friday at 7:45am in the Upper Room. All moms of the parish - with school aged children/teens - 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.
Kim Carey and Kelly Perry,
Mosaic Interfaith Community
Mosaic Interfaith Community is a place for belonging and support for interfaith couples & families as they build a shared spiritual life within our Parish and across their traditions. Firmly rooted in our Catholic faith, we extend genuine hospitality and an opportunity to engage to every individual at any phase of life—of any faith tradition.
Sara and Danny Coughlin,
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Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
OCIA is for the unbaptized, the non-Catholic baptized, and those baptized Catholics who have not completed their initiation. OCIA is also always in need of committed Catholics who are interested in sponsoring those going through the OCIA process. Groups are formed all throughout the year for anyone who is interested.
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Todd Coury, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator
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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.
Deacon Bill Kester,
satmorningmensgroup@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.
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Karen Kotara
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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,
thursdaybiblestudy@olachurch.org
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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.
Annabelle Ombac, Joy Baljet, and Angela Krans,
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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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A Lamb Standing, Yet Slain: A New Series on the Mass
Wednesdays, October 21st - November 18th after the 7:30am Mass in the Upper Room
At every Mass, we behold the Lamb who was slain, yet stands victorious upon the altar of heaven. Join us as we journey through the Mass, discovering how earth is caught up into the worship of heaven. Come and see the mystery at the heart of our faith. Led by Todd Coury, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. Questions? Email Todd Coury at tcoury@olachurch.org.
RSVP at https://www.olachurch-forms.org/lamb-registration.
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Prophecy in Song Study
Tuesdays beginning September 1st immediately following daily Mass in the Upper Room
Long before the Gospels were written, the Psalms were already singing of the Messiah. In this 12-week course, we'll trace how the Psalms shaped the hope of ancient Israel, foretold the coming of Christ, and still speak directly to our own lives of faith today. Come discover just how much prophecy has been hiding in plain sight; in the prayers we've been singing for millennia.
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Register today at https://www.olachurch-forms.org/prophecy-in-song-registration
Led by Mary Baxter.
Walking with Pupose
Tuesday as 7pm in the Upper Room
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Do you want to grow in your Catholic faith? Are you looking to connect with other women in our parish community? Join us for Walking with Purpose, a Catholic women’s Bible study program. This fall, we’ll begin Touching the Divine Bible Study (Second Edition), which is focused on the many qualities of Jesus revealed through the Gospel of John. This study draws us into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus as we reflect on His life and personality.
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Click here to sign up by September 29th to participate.
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Annabelle Ombec,
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Thursday Morning Bible Study: The Gospel of John
Thursdays at 8:10am in the Upper Room
If you haven’t tried this class yet, there are no prerequisites except a bit of curiosity. We will proceed through the text from the Prologue to the Resurrection. St. John’s Gospel is markedly different from the other three Gospels. It is nicknamed either the Spiritual or Theological Gospel. John clearly concluded the early Church needed another Gospel, but we did not need another history of Jesus’ life. John presumes his readers are familiar with the general details of Jesus’ ministry. St. John and St. Paul are the two great pillars of Catholic theology. You could say that John is more interested in the “Why” rather than the “What” of God becoming man and dwelling among us. John actually says, “pitching His tent in our midst.” Please come and join us in exploring why Jesus pitched His tent in our midst. Likewise, where is His tent, today? Come find out for yourself. Please bring a Bible with you. All are welcome.
Led by Art Keegan. For more information email Art at thursdaybiblestudy@olachurch.org.
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The Forge - Fatherhood Forum
The Second Friday of the Month at 6:15am in Moylan Hall
In a culture competing for our attention, men need real opportunities to encounter Christ and to grow in faith together. The Forge is a monthly gathering for men seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus and stronger leadership at home, at work, and in the community. Through fellowship, prayer, talks, and discussion rooted in Catholic teaching, this program will encourage men grow as disciples, husbands, fathers, and leaders.
We meet the second Friday of every month in Moylan Hall - starting September 11.
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Coffee and breakfast: 6:15 a.m.
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Program: 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. (confession available)
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Followed by 7:30 Mass
Go to www.olachurch.org and scroll to upcoming events to RSVP.
Questions? Email Mark Pighini at markpighini@yahoo.com.​
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​​​Thursday Morning Bible Study: The Gospel of John
Starting Thursday, September 3, at 8:10am in the Upper Room
If you haven’t tried this class, yet, there are no prerequisites except a bit of curiosity. We will proceed through the text from the Prologue to the Resurrection. St. John’s Gospel is markedly different from the other three Gospels. It is nicknamed either the Spiritual or Theological Gospel. John clearly concluded the early Church needed another Gospel, but we did not need another history of Jesus’ life. John presumes his readers are familiar with the general details of Jesus’ ministry. St. John and St. Paul are the two great pillars of Catholic theology. You could say that John is more interested in the “Why” rather than the “What” of God becoming man and dwelling among us. John actually says, “pitching His tent in our midst.” Please come and join us in exploring why Jesus pitched His tent in our midst. Likewise, where is His tent, today? Come find out for yourself. Please bring a Bible with you. All are welcome.
Led by Art Keegan. For more information email Art at thursdaybiblestudy@olachurch.org.
Witness to Marriage: Support for Separated & Divorced Catholics (Regional Ministry Meeting at OLA)
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The Third Saturday of each month at 9:45am in the Chanel Center
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Who is invited? The meetings are intended for divorced Catholics, who have not received an annulment from the Church AND married Catholics, facing or experiencing separation. Divorced Catholics may or may not plan on pursuing an annulment. What is the purpose of the meetings? Our purpose is to encourage divorced and separated Catholics to remain close to Our Lord and His Church while they deal with the struggles in their lives. We present the Church's perspective on their situation and offer friendship and fellowship. The topic of the next meeting is Understanding Marriage and Divorce. Meetings take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month - see the parish bulletin for date changes. For more information, email Robert Babecka at bob@ymicatholic.com.
Learn more at www.thinkchastity.com/WTM.pdf or https://archatl.com/ministries-services/pastoral-care-ministry/support-for-separated-or-divorced/.