Jesus always invites his disciples to go into “deep waters”, to grow closer to his heart through on-going prayer, study and service. As Christians, we are invited to study our faith- our Sacred Scriptures, doctrines, dogmas, prayers, practices and traditions as well as the spiritualities and lives of our many Saints. When we study Catholicism together, we not only deepen our own faith, but also the lives of the others with whom we gather and share.
Sacred Scripture - a variety of courses are offered in the Fall, Winter and Summer. Programs are usually eight sessions and include prayer, reading, dvd presentations and sharing. Click here for Scripture Study offerings.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - a program for those who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Classes meet on Sunday mornings and candidates receive their sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Click here.
Catching Fire, Becoming Flame - a program for all adults who wish to deepen their faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. This program also serves as preparation for Adult Confirmation.
Call To Zion - by combining psychology and religion we learn how to heal our wounds, celebrate our gifts and come to know a deep sense of freedom. click here
Lenten Programs on the Spirituality of the Saints - a six-week retreat combining reading, praying and sharing on the lives and spiritualities of various saints of the Catholic Church. Click here.
Religious Education for Children - a program for children, grades 1-8, which teaches the prayers, practices and traditions of our faith. Sacramental preparation for First Communion and Reconciliation are also a part of this program. Click here.
Confirmation for our Youth - a program is offered each year to teens to prepare them to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the Spring.
Christian Yoga click here.
Programs and Workshops also available in our area:
Daily Devotionals:
Magnificat
OurDaily Bread
The Word Among Us
Living Faith
Magazines:
America
Commonweal
Catholic Digest
U.S. Catholic
Movies and DVD’s
Ignatius Press - Catholic books, magazines, film, music, art and more
The Catholic Company - online and catalog retailer of high quality Catholic books and gifts
Aquinas and More - Catholic bibles, books, and film
Popular Catholic Authors:
James Martin, S.J.
Joan Chittister
Margaret Silf
Edwina Gately
Richard Rohr
Henri Nouwen
Thomas Merton
Websites:
United States Catholic Conference of Bishops- daily readings, news coverage, Scripture
Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola- information on and experience of Ignation spirituality
Spirituality of St. Francis - grassroots effort amplifying the justice efforts of the Franciscans
St. Francis Bible Study - courses on scripture
Scripture
Doctrine and Dogma of the Catholic Church
Sacraments
Church History
Wikipedia.org
Lives of the Saints
Social Teaching
Catholic Traditions
Christology
Moral Theology
Medical Ethics
Family Life
Ways to Pray
Religious Education
Catechist - Grades 1 through 6. Classes meet on Sunday mornings and Tuesday afternoons from October through April. Training provided.
Catechist - Grades 7 and 8. Classes meet on Tuesday evenings from October through May. Training provided.
Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and Communion. Classes meet for six weeks on Saturday mornings between January and March. Training provided.
Confirmation Preparation for high school students. Classes meet for 8 weeks between January and April. Youth leaders (under 18) as well as adults are needed to conduct sessions. Training provided.
Confirmation candidates are invited to assist catechists in all programs to fulfill requirement for service hours.
Adult Formation
Scripture Study Facilitators - programs are held in fall, winter and summer. Classes are scheduled according to availability of facilitator and registered participants. Training is provided. No previous in-depth knowledge of scripture is required.
Rite of Christian Initiation - former candidates are invited to assist catechists in various ways in conducting this program.
Parish Center Library - volunteers needed to work in our St. James Library. Responsibilities include cataloguing and sorting books, putting books away, arranging for "book giveaways", follow up phone calls for book returns and general maintenance of library area.