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More Information |
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For more information please contact Craig George at the rectory at 938-5048 or email craig.george@charter.net
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Mission
St. Anselm described theology as "faith seeking understanding," and at Most Sacred Heart adult education plays an important part in providing opportunities for Christian growth. Through a wide variety of programs including bible studies, topical programs, devotions, and self-study with new library resources, the parish is committed to support continuing growth of the faithful. By participation in these programs, Catholics are encouraged to seek a deeper understanding of their faith for both personal fulfillment and the powerful witness of the Christian life lived out faithfully in the world.
Programs
The parish offers a number of different kinds of programs for adult faith enrichment. Among these are small group Bible studies, monthly parish topical presentations, e-devotions, parish-wide special events, and personal study opportunities through library resources.
Three small group bible studies have been active this year. The Friday
Morning Ladies Bible Study is the longest-running adult parish program. The group, which meets at 9a.m. on Friday morning in the Father Dowling Hall, is led by Kristy Stockell. Using a variety of Catholic resources, the group focuses on applying the lessons of scripture to everyday life. The second program, Light Weigh,utilizes a nation-wide Catholic Bible study program highlighted on EWTN which encourages knowledge of the word and respect for the gift of life. Vicki Chandler leads this 13 week program, generally offered in the parish at least once each year. Currently meeting on Mondays at 7:30 in the seventh grade classroom. The third such program active this year is the Sunday Morning Bible Study which meets in the Parish Conference room between the 9 & 11am Masses during the Lent & Advent seasons. Carolyn Parmer, Barb Hoelzer and Dr. Bob Nack lead these discussions utilizing the popular Six-Weeks-in-the-Bible resources. All of these programs are great opportunities to get to know the Word better in informal group settings and all welcome new participants!
On select Tuesday evenings following mass the parish hosts speakers who address a variety of topics of general interest. Utilizing knowledgeable speakers from both inside and outside the parish, the presentations offer an opportunity to learn about a number of different aspects of our Faith. Examples range from a series of discussions on current issues led by Fr. Schilli, to a discussion on the Church in India led by Fr. Lijo, to the Books of the Maccabees and the Shroud of Turin. These Tuesday Evening Presentations are generally held about once a month during the school year. Dates and topics are announced in the bulletin several weeks in advance.
During the seasons of Advent and Lent, the parish makes daily devotions available by e-mail. These e-Devotions are designed around a theme appropriate to the liturgical season and generally contain information about the faith as well as inspiration for personal growth. During the series, each participant receives a brief e-mail each weekday morning to get the day started on good spiritual footing. These e-Devotions are made available to friends and families of parishioners and usually reach about 300 families.
The parish also hosts periodic Special eventst in adult faith formation. In April 2008, for example, the parish hosted the Vatican Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit sponsored by the Body of Christ Outreach. Approximately 1200 attended the weekend event. Similarly, parish mission week is planned for February, 2010 which will be available as the event approaches.
Another unique adult outreach group is our parish's Port Club. This group was designed by its leaders, Dr. Rex and Sandy Gjormley to support those undergoing treatments for cancer. This group has helped a number of parishioners and their families as they navigate their way through various treatment programs with both solid medical information and caring hearts. This group invites any interested parishioner to take part.
Finally, the parish considers its beautiful library as a ministry. Although most of the 5000 volumes are for the benefit of our students about 1000 volumes are available for the use of the parishioners. These include a wide variety of adult faith-oriented topics including Bible study resources, inspiring stories, explanations of various aspects of the Faith, and biographies of the saints. In addition to books, other media including magazines and videos are available. The library is open to all on Sunday mornings from 9am to 11am.
Watch weekly bulletin for details about these and other Adult Faith Formation offerings. We hope you will participate by attending these programs! Or perhaps you're interested in being more involved; we're always looking for new programs ideas, program leaders and Adult Faith Formation Committee helpers. In any way you choose to participate, please feel welcome to join in for enrichment of the head and heart.
