Adult Faith Development and Spiritual Life Enrichment
|
|
Human growth and development is a life-long process. Therefore, ongoing faith development and spiritual formation of adults is vital to the spiritual life of the parish. Just as we spend time and energy on growing intellectually and professionally, it is also important to make our religious development an important aspect of our lives. OLPH Parish offers a variety of opportunities for faith formation and spiritual growth. We hope you find something that fills your needs and feeds your spirit; the growth of each person enhances that of the entire body of Christ.
Coordinator: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
|
|
|
|
|
The parish has several Bible Study Groups. Newcomers are welcome to join throughout the year. Child care is provided in the Child Development Center for evening classes.
Friday Morning Sacred Scripture Reflections Group for Men and Women
Titus, Ezra, Ruth, and Nehemiah. Friday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 AM (September 11 - May 8 -holidays excluded) in the Pastoral Center.
This will be the seventh year for the Friday Morning Sacred Scripture Reflections Bible Study. The 2009-2010 classes will include two books from the Hebrew canon (Ezra and Nehemiah), the Book of Ruth, and finally the Letter from Paul to Titus. Ezra and Nehemiah provide an important literary source for the formation of the Jewish religious community after the Babylon exile. Ruth is a convert whose piety is such that God favors her, and she becomes an ancestor of David. The letter of Paul to Titus provided guidance for the church life and culture on the Island of Crete.
All that is necessary for the class is about an hour of free time, a Bible, an interest in discussing the Bible, and the willingness to enjoy the company of some of the nicest and smartest people in the parish. For those who have fasted for the reception of the Eucharist at 8:30 AM Mass and other attendees, there will be refreshments available. Stop by and see if this might be your cup of tea.
Contact: Bill Cosgrove, (210) 656-0466
Men & Women Little Rock Scripture Study Group
Gospel of Luke. Wednesday evenings (September16-December 9) from 7:00 -9:00 PM in the Pastoral Center. LRSS is comprised of four elements: Personal Study, Weekly Small-Group Sessions, Wrap-up Lectures, and Prayer.
Not much is known about the evangelist Luke. The tradition says that he was both a physician and an artist from Syria who completed his Gospel between A.D. 80 and 90. Using Acts 20-28 as a guide, along with Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24, many feel that he may have known Paul. Although it is impossible to prove these claims, the texts that Luke wrote indicate that he was a highly educated person, influential in the early church, aware of geography (outside Palestine anyway) and history, and very much attuned to the dynamic, direction, and development of Christianity.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
Catholic Faith Topics
Catholic Faith Topics is a ministry designed to educate on various topics relating to the Catholic faith. The intent is to benefit the attendee's own spiritual formation and to empower the attendee to explain and defend the teaching of the Catholic faith. After a presentation on the selected topic, the facilitator answers questions and moderates a discussion. Sample topics include: the Papacy, Papal Infallibility, the Holy Mass, Confession, Sacramentals, Religion and Politics, Salvation and Last Things, and other topics of interest. Each topic is different, registration is not required, and there is no homework. For a minimal time investment, the attendee can maximize the return by learning more about the Catholic Faith. Meetings are held October-May on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in the Pastoral Center. Childcare is available.
Contact: Richard Martin, (210) 651-0137 or John Young, (830) 609-1990
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University
Preview Class: August 16, 5:00 - 6:00 PM; Class: September 6 - December 6, 5:00 - 7:00 PM; Pastoral Center
Financial Peace University will help you:
o Learn how to handle God's money God's way
o Avoid the end of the month crisis
o Get out of debt
o Stop fighting about money
o Save and invest for a stable future
o Reduce the debt for an average family by $5,300 and show how to save $2,700 in 91 days, resulting in more ability to give
This 13-week series is designed to teach families to get out of debt and stay out of debt. The curriculum includes small group discussions for accountability and discipleship. Topics cover cash flow planning, dumping debt, saving, giving, and much more.
Contact: Vera Voight, (210) 413-8372
Faithful Friends-Senior Social Group
All parishioners ages 50 and over are invited to become part of the Faithful Friends. Everyone is welcome whether married, divorced, widowed, or single. The purpose of the Faithful Friends is to provide social opportunities and fellowship in a warm, loving, and spiritual environment. Social activities consist of a covered dish buffet luncheon, table games, craft demonstrations, guest speakers, and occasional field trips. Gatherings are held the first Wednesday of the every month throughout the year from 9:30 AM-12:00 Noon. At each gathering, members bring a covered dish to provide for the buffet luncheon.
This senior group has an activities committee that meets monthly to plan for upcoming events. The committee consists of the following: facilitator, secretary, treasurer, activity leaders, decoration planners, and kitchen coordinator.
Contact: Norma Aronson, (210) 945-7973
MOMS-Ministry of Mothers Sharing
MOMS is an eight-week journaling workbook program created by Sr. Paula Hagen. Facilitated by three women who have previously been through the program, meetings are held in a small-group setting of approximately 12 women. Mothers of any age are welcome. A daytime session is held in the fall and an evening session is held in the spring. Discussions are centered on self esteem, self acceptance, stress, worries, anxiety, everyday spirituality, feelings, and personal growth. The fall session will be held on Thursdays, September 17-November 5, 9:30 - 11:30 AM. Spring dates are Thursdays, January 14-March 4, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Sessions conclude with a “Celebrations of New Beginnings” dinner. The cost of the program is $20.
Contact: Vera Voight, (210) 413-8372
MOMS Stories
MOMS Stories is designed for continued growth and support for women who have completed the eight-week MOMS course and meets weekly throughout the year on Thursdays at 6:00 PM in the Pastoral Center. Activities include book reviews, dining together, watching movies, family picnics, and other social events. The MOMS Stories group is also responsible for the children's games at the Parish Festival. A Day Retreat for all women of the parish led by Sr. Paula Hagen with a theme of “Following Mary's Pathway” is planned for November 14.
Contact: Vera Voight, (210) 413-8372
Setting Boundaries in Your Life
The purpose of this series is to help you understand, define, and establish healthy boundaries with parents, children, friends, co-workers, spouse, and even yourself. The principles to be discussed are founded upon Christian scriptures. This compelling eight-week series will be facilitated by Dr. Lisa Landry. Classes will be held on Saturday mornings, September 19-November 7, 9:30 - 11:30 AM, and Tuesday evenings, January 12-March 7 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM.
Boundaries impact all areas of our lives. The purpose of the Boundaries video is to help you understand, define, and establish healthy boundaries with parents, spouse, children, friends, co-workers, and even yourself. Topics of discussion will address no only physical and emotional, but also spiritual boundaries. Many clinical and psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety disorders, guilt problems, shame issues, panic disorders, and marital and relational struggles, find their root in conflicts with boundaries.
The principles discussed are founded upon Christian Scriptures and are designed to set you free. For as Christians, we focus on being loving and unselfish and forget our limitations and boundaries. This process will help you establish that goal.
About the Presenters: Both Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, nationally known speakers, graduated with Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology and maintain private practices in Newport Beach, CA. They are bestselling co-authors of several books, including Safe People, Twelve Christian Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy, and The Mom Factor.
Contact: Dr. Lisa Landry (830) 606-0098
BAPTISM 101: Lent Spiritual Formation Series
This six-week program will focus on the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptism is the sacramental action that joins individuals into an intimate union with Jesus. This study will expand our understanding of that union, how it unites us with the church, and how it is foundational to our spiritual life as Catholic Christians. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, February 16-March 23, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
PRAYER 101: Advent Spiritual Formation Series
This six-week program explores prayers from the early days of our lives, prayers that open minds and hearts, and prayers found in Sacred Scriptures. We will also engage in different forms of prayer and discuss how our prayers and spiritual practices change over time and are the foundation of our spiritual growth. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, November 3 - December 8, 7:30 - 9:00 PM.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, all ages are invited to join in praying the Rosary in the courtyard in front of the statue of Our Lady at 7:30 AM. Entire families come and pray together for their needs, our parish's needs, and the needs of the world.
Contact: Isaac Hernandez, (210) 646-0087
Parish Retreat Opportunities
Any Christian who takes their relationship with Christ seriously must take time periodically for quiet reflection, renewal, and focused time with the Lord. Specific information about retreats will be published in the weekly bulletin. Retreat opportunities include:
Mens and Womens ACTS Retreats:
ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. These four themes are the main focus of the ACTS Retreat Weekends.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
Couple's Retreat: February 26-28
ESCAPE: Enriching, Spiritual, Caring, Prayerful Experience. Designed for married couples wanting to experience God's presence in their marriage, the Couple's Retreat can rekindle your love commitment to one another and to your God. This retreat is held annually at Mo-Ranch, in the beautiful hill country. This retreat experience is for a maximum of 20 couples.
Contact: Brian & Laura Sullivan, (210) 445-5758
Silent Prayer Retreat: March 25-28
This Prayer Retreat provides an opportunity for a weekend of quiet reflection, silence, and contemplation. This annual retreat for men and women takes place each spring.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
MOMS DAY RETREAT: Saturday ~ November 14 ~ 8:30 AM-4pm ~ Mass at 5:30 PM
A Day of Retreat and Spiritual Renewal for Women
“Following Mary's Pathway in Advent”
Contact: Vera Voight, (210) 413-8372
Parish Lending Library
A Parish Lending Library of books and audio-visual materials is available for your enjoyment. Books covering a wide range of topics such as theology, spirituality, and personal growth and development are available for checkout for a two-week period. Located in the Pastoral Center, the Parish Lending Library is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and on Sunday mornings (September-May).
Contact: Stan & Nereida Lowe, (210) 653-8954
Small Christian Communities
Small Christian Communities are groups of parishioners, generally eight to fifteen, that meet in homes on a regular basis for Scripture reflection, prayer, faith sharing, and spiritual encouragement. There are currently more than 20 groups: all men, all women, mixed, Spanish speaking, youth, and families.
The Parish provides Quest, a periodic reflection booklet for Small Christian Communities, to assist groups. These booklets use the Sunday Scriptures as a way to look at life and experience.
A meeting for present and new members is held in the fall of each year. New members can join existing groups, and new groups are formed at this time, as well as throughout the year. A Seder Meal for all members of the Small Christian Communities and their families is held on Palm Sunday evening.
Contact: Sr. Stephana Marbach, (210) 651-6913
Spirit of the Lord Charismatic Prayer Group
The Spirit of the Lord Charismatic prayer group is amazing and wonderful. You are invited to attend the prayer meetings, which are held from 7:00 - 9:00 PM on Friday evenings in the Pastoral Center. This prayer group is for those who desire to grow spiritually and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Each meeting begins with the Rosary and an opportunity for individual petitions. We praise Jesus with songs and study the living Word of God. Testimonies are given by group members as to how the Holy Spirit is moving in their lives. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to love God more. We lay on hands and pray for healing. Please join us and bring a friend.
Contact: Mary Linda Patin, (210) 653-0192
Spiritual Direction
The Ministry of Spiritual Direction involves the companioning of others in their search for God in their lives. OLPH is blessed to have qualified spiritual directors in its midst. If you have a desire to deepen your relationship with God and are interested in spiritual direction, you are invited to call for more information.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
Sunday Morning Faith Development Series
One Sunday morning session is offered for all adults from 9:45-10:45 AM in the Pastoral Center during the same time period as the Religious Education Program for children September-April. Reflecting on the Scripture readings, church teachings, and discussion provides practical ways of living our faith in the world. All adults are welcome to attend at any time. A different topic, focused on the Sunday Scripture readings, is covered each week. Upcoming topics and presenters are announced in the weekly bulletin.
Contact: Sr. Stephana Marbach, (210) 651-6913
Women of Spirit is a women's spiritual enrichment group. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for women to nourish their spiritual lives by sharing time with their sisters in Christ in fellowship, prayer, personal reflection on a passage from scripture, and discussion of a book by authors such as Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Ron Rolheiser, Richard Rohr, Pope Benedict XVI, Blessed Mother Teresa, St. Teresa of Avila, to name only a few. The group meets in the Pastoral Center on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 9:30-11:00 AM beginning October 12.
Contact: Sandra Schlather, (210) 651-6913
A Mission of Invitation…”Knock, and the door will be open.” -Mt 7:7
The Young Adult Ministry is for the young adult community of OLPH, ages 18-40. Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Others are invited to join us thru sports, Scripture studies, service, and social activities. Check out Facebook for updates and events during the year. Questions… contact Jen Flink, 219-4489, trek2ps1611@yahoo.com; Casey Friesenhahn. 214/802-4598, caseyfriesenhahn@aol.com; or Deacon Louis Heimer, 846-7568, lheimer@sbcglobal.net.
Contact: Jen Flink, (210) 219-4489
