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 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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​​Mary's Mothers Prayer Group
This group of mothers meets Friday at 7:30am in the Upper Room. 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.
Kim Carey and Kelly Perry,
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.
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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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Bridgett and Lee Posey,
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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 Carolyn Noyd,
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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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The Forge - Fatherhood Forum
Monthly Meeting beginning Friday, September 11th at 6:15am
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
RSVP at www.olachurch-forms.org/the-forge so that we know how many to plan for. Questions? Email Mark Pighini at markpighini@yahoo.com.
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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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​​​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/.