Spiritual Life Ministries
“Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.”
- Pope Saint John Paul II
Spiritual Life Ministries help foster the spiritual life of the members of our community through activities including retreats, prayer, and discussion groups. If you have questions about an individual ministry, please contact the ministry leader listed or the Commission Ministry Head, Jim Eyre, at PC-SpiritualLife@olachuch.org.
For Everyone
Elijah Cup (Vocations Prayer Ministry
Every other weekend at one of the Masses, a different family 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. Katie Schermerhorn, ktscchermerhorn@gmail.com
For All Adults
Christ Renews His Parish (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 each February 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. Participaants go home each night. Merry and Ben Cella at crhp@olachurch.org.
Small Christian Communities
Small Christian Communities are faith-sharing groups of 6 – 12 people that meet at various times and days. Small Christian Communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service. These groups meet in parishioners homes and use discussion materials rooted in Scripture and Church tradition. Elizabeth Piper, Director of Faith Formation, at epiper@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 this retreat. This ministry is in need of leaders. If you are a former CRHP Lay Director and interested in leading this ministry, contact Anne Stephens at astephens@olachurch.org.
Young Adult Ministry
All young adults (20s and 30s) are invited to join the Young Adult Ministry! There are several ways to participate: we have a Bible/spiritual book study group that meets weekly and we also plan social events and service opportunities. For more information on ways to get involved and to receive our emails, please contact us. Angela O'Donoghue and Meghan Schmidt, youngadults@olachurch.org
For Couples
Couples Smal Faith Groups
Groups of 6-8 couples who meet once or twice a month in members’ homes for faith and fellowship. Groups choose from several options for studies. Please contact us if you are interested in being a part of a Small Faith Group for couples. Karen O’Toole, karensotoole@yahoo.com
Marriage Encounter/WEDS Group
Worldwide 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 meet for the purpose of supporting each other in dialogue and to help each other live out the concepts of the Marriage Encounter Weekend. All couples who have attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend are invited to join the OLA WEDS group. Karen Sheehan, marriageencounter@olachurch.org
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. This ministry is in need of leaders. If you are interested in leading this ministry, contact Anne Stephens at astephens@olachurch.org.
Sponsor Couples for the Engaged
Lay ministers/married couples meet with engaged couples as part of the marriage preparation process. Training is required. Kelly and Andrew Moore, sponsorcouple@olachurch.org.
For Women
Common Thread
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, olawomensgroups@gmail.com
Mary’s Mothers: A Faith Group for Mothers of School Aged Children
This group of mothers meet each Friday during the school year from 9-10am in the grassy area next to the church entrance. All moms 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. Kim Carey and Kelly Perry, olamarysmothers@gmail.com
For Men
Friday Morning Me's Bible Study
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
Saturday Morning Men's Discipleship Group
The Saturday Men's Discipleship Group welcomes all men in the community. They meet every Saturday from 7:30-9am 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, Declan Reilly, and Ralph Williams, olasatmorningmensgroup@gmail.com
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