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, so, too, is it important to make our religious development an important aspect of our lives. Our Lady of Perpetual Help 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
The Friday Morning Sacred Scripture Reflections Group welcomes men and women to participate. The focus this year will be on the Old Testament books of Maccabees and the Book of Ester. The Bible study meets Friday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 AM (September 12-May 20) in the Pastoral Center.
Contact: Bill Cosgrove, (210) 656-0466
Men & Women Little Rock Scripture Study Group
The Men & Women Little Rock Scripture Study Group meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the Pastoral Center. This year's study of the Gospel of John begins on September 10 and ends on November 19. LRSS is comprised of four elements: Personal Study, Weekly Small Group Sessions, Wrap-up Lecture, and Prayer.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
Women of Faith Bible Study Group
The Women of Faith Bible Study Group meets the 2nd & 4th Monday evenings (September 8-May 12) from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the Pastoral Center. This year's study will focus on The Books of Exodus and Deuteronomy..
Contact: Peggy Molter, (210) 651-5774 or Ellie Raver, (210) 656-4393
Catholic Questions and Answers Series
Have you ever had a question concerning the Roman Catholic Church and were embarrassed to ask someone? Have you ever been asked a question about the Church and didn't know the answer or maybe how to explain it? If so, join in on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings of every month at 7:30 PM. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and receive the benefits of hearing the questions and answers of others.
Contact: Richard Martin, (210) 651-0137 or John Young, (830) 609-1990
Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
Gathering to pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy on every Wednesday from 3:00 -4:00 PM and the first Thursday evening of every month at 7:00 - 7:45 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel; fulfilling God's desire to worship His Mercy by offering the Son to the Father through our prayers of intercession in atonement for our sins and those of the world. The souls that say this Chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death. (Diary, 754)
Divine Mercy Sunday
Pope John Paul II designated the Sunday after Easter Divine Mercy Sunday in 2002. The fire of mercy needs to be passed on to the world. In the mercy of God the world will have peace and humankind will find happiness.
Divine Mercy Sunday ~ April 19th 2009 ~ 1:30 PM
Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and Celebration of the Eucharist
Contact: Mercedes Franzone, (210) 566-1455
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 table games, demonstrations of crafts, guest speakers, and occasional field trips. Gatherings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 9:30 AM in the Pastoral Center.
Contact: Norma Aronson, (210) 945-7973
MOMS-Ministry of Mothers Sharing
This program is an eight-week process, offered twice yearly in the fall and spring, that creates in women an awareness of the inner sacred self, while at the same time teaching them new ways to inspire, encourage, and affirm each other. The fall season we offer two sessions. The evening series is Thursday, September 18-November 6, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. The morning series is Thursday, September 18-November 6 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM.
Contact: Michelle Pangrac, (210) 263-9610
Patterns of Prayer
On the 1st and 3rd Mondays of October, November, and December, from 9:30 - 11:00 AM, participants will be introduced to a variety of ways to help them grow spiritually through different forms of prayer. Patterns of Prayer will include an explanation and practice in Lectio Divina (spiritual reading of scripture, Scripture Journaling [written meditation on scripture] and Centering Prayer.)
Contact: Sandra Schlather, (210) 651-6913
Setting Boundaries in Your Life
The purpose of this Boundaries 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 is facilitated by Dr. Lisa Landry and is offered twice yearly in the fall and spring.
Contact: Dr. Lisa Landry (830) 606-0098
JESUS 101: Advent Spiritual Formation Series
This six-week program will help us to reconsider preconceived “holy card” images of Jesus and to connect deeply with the reality to who Jesus was and what he means for us, so that we can come to know him, not with our head, but with our heart. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, November 11-December 16, 7:30 - 9:00 PM in the Pastoral Center.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
DISCIPLESHIP 101: Lent Spiritual Formation Series
This six-week program will focus on the understanding of discipleship. Discipleship is the embracing of the teachings of another. During this series, embracing the Gospel message of love and being a disciple of the Word will be examined in light on our own spiritual journey. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, February 24-March 31, 2009 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM m in the Pastoral Center.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
BIBLE 101: The Gospel Portraits
This four week class will help you learn how to use and feel comfortable with your Bible, the Living Word of God, while focusing on The Gospels. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings, March 4-25 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the Pastoral Center.
Contact: Rita Minkley, (210) 650-3467
LITURGY 101: The Mass Explained
Fr. Patrick O'Shea will give a two evening presentation on The Liturgy of the Word and The Liturgy of the Eucharist. The more you understand the Mass, the better you can participate and the deeper grace you can receive. The presentations will be in the Church on November 6 and November 13 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM.
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
Family Rosary
Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, join our faith community in praying the Rosary. We meet in the courtyard in front of the statue of Our Lady at 7:30am. This morning prayer is for all ages. 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. Upcoming retreats include:
Mens and Womens ACTS Retreats:
Men: October 23-26, 2008 and February 12-15, 2009
Women: November 13-16, 2008 and April 23-26, 2009
ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. These four themes are the main focus of the ACTS Retreat Weekends.
Couple's Retreat:
ESCAPE: Enriching, Spiritual, Prayer 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 at Mo Ranch in the hill country on February 27-March 1, 2009. Space is limited to a maximum of 20 couples.
Silent Prayer Retreat:
This retreat provides an opportunity for a weekend of quiet reflection, silence, and contemplation. It is open to men and women who want to experience deeper contemplative prayer. This year the retreat is February 5-8, 2009
Contact: Jeannette Easley, (210) 651-6913
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
Our parish encourages the formation of small Christian communities - groups of parishioners (12-15 people) that meet in homes on a regular basis for scripture reflection, prayer, faith sharing, and spiritual encouragement. If you are interested in forming a new group in your neighborhood, joining an existing group, or desire more information, please call for assistance.
Contact: Sr. Stephana Marbach, (210) 651-6913
Spirit of the Lord Charismatic Prayer Group
Come and experience God's presence, love, and healing. The Spirit of the Lord Prayer Group comes together each Friday evening as a community of believers to praise the Lord and hear his Word. Each week we:
- Begin with the Rosary.
- Praise the Lord in song.
- Read the Word of God and hear teaching on its meaning in our lives.
- Provide opportunity for group members to give testimonies as to how the Holy Spirit is moving in their lives.
- Have opportunity for Communion.
- Pray for healing.
Come and glorify the Lord with us and know you are welcome. The meetings begin each Friday evening at 7:00 PM in the Pastoral Center. Remember to bring your Bible!
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 9:45-10:45am 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. The class is open, and a different topic 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 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-11:00 AM, beginning October 13, 2008.
Contact: Sandra Schlather, (210) 651-9411
