“Live and die with Him, this is the glorious work of a Christian; in a word, this is our profession. If we do not know it, we must learn it.”
Brother Lawerence
Exploring the Catholic Faith
If you are new to the faith or the Catholic Church, or if you are returning after being away for a while, our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly RCIA) is the place to start. Beginning in October we will hold classes for those who are interested in exploring what it means to be Catholic. After taking the classes, any who wish to join the journey of the Church will be welcomed in at Easter.
- Thursdays at 7:00pm
- Hobert Hall, downstairs
- Contact: Calvin Smith – [email protected]
Presence
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and her members. It is the crescendo of the entire story of salvation. Join Tom Judge on Sunday mornings for this 4-part series to deepen your wonder and your faith.
- Sundays @ 10:30am (during Religious Ed.), Hobert Hall
- Beginning September 24
- Leader: Tom Judge – contact [email protected]
Beautiful Eucharist
In this small group we will use the book Beautiful Eucharist (ed. Matthew Kelly) to hear 14 brief but powerful stories from well-known Catholics that depict moments when they witnessed the power of God in the Eucharist. Each week we will discuss the stories and their connections to our own lives.
- Sundays @ 5:30pm in the Stroot home (Berryville)
- Kids hangout space available during the group
- Beginning September 24
- Leader: Erin Stroot – [email protected]
Catholic Customs & Traditions
Chalking a mysterious series of numbers and letters over your door at the new year; venerating a fragment of fingerbone; wearing tiny bits of cloth on a necklace; funny clothes, incense, parades: Catholics do some pretty bizarre things. Where do our customs come from? What do they mean? And how do they help us grow in faith, hope, and charity? Join us as we explore the traditions that you are most curious about.
- Mondays @ 1:00pm (after noon Mass) in Hobert Hall
- Beginning September TBD
- Leader: Chet Lewandoski – [email protected]
Isaiah
Above the tumult of wars, intrigue, the rise and fall of three world-powers, and two exiles, Isaiah proclaimed a vision of the glory of God. The book that bears his name and his witness to Israel has also shaped Christian theology and imagination from the beginning: anticipating Jesus’ virgin birth, death, and resurrection. This class will study the book in both its breadth and depth, explore Isaiah’s vision of God in the world, and find hope for our own tumultuous times along the way.
- Wednesdays at 7:00pm in Hobert Hall
- Beginning September 20th
- Leader: Calvin Smith – [email protected]
How God Makes Men
A new small group for men begins this fall using Patrick Morley’s How God Makes Men. The book covers 10 stories of men in the Bible with lessons for how (and how not) to live as a man of God. This group is for men of all ages and knowledge of the faith and will meet for 10 weeks. The day/time of meeting will be determined by members. If you are interested, contact Rob Perry, email below.
- Weekly in Hobert Hall
- Start date TBD
- Leaders: Rob Perry, contact [email protected]
Walking with Purpose
Our mission is to help every Catholic woman encounter Jesus Christ through study of Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our vision for the future is that, as more Catholic women deepen their relationships with Jesus Christ, eternity-changing transformation will take place in their hearts- and by extension- their families, communities, and ultimately, our nation.
There is no actual walking involved! We use a study guide to do daily 15-minute lessons 5 days a week, then we come together once a week in small groups to discuss what we’ve learned. Each meeting is a gift of time to refresh, grow, and worship, free of judgment or pressure. WWP is a No-Judgement Zone. We welcome all women, of any faith, background, age, or status, interested in studying God’s Word as taught by the Catholic Church.
We will be using the study guide Beholding His Glory.
The study starts on Thursday, September 14, 2023 and ends on December 7, 2023.
Beholding His Glory shows us how all Scripture points us to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We’ll learn to recognize and appreciate God’s plan for our own lives, His awe-inspiring majesty, and His desire for personal intimacy with each one of us.
- Learn how our Savior was first revealed in Genesis and how he is the answer to the issues of shame and fear
- Understand important parallels between the lives of Moses and Jesus, and how both led their people to freedom
- Accompany Joseph of the Old Testament on his life journey. The God who proved faithful to Joseph will not disappoint us!
Come every week or when you can. It doesn’t matter if you know much or little about Scripture. This fall we are offering two options:
- Thursday 10:15 – 11:45am OR Thursday 7:00-8:30pm in Hobert Hall
- All women are welcome to join this Bible Study in September 2023 or after. You will have no trouble joining us in the middle of the study.
- Leaders: Marcia Cochran – ([email protected]) or Sarah Jawaid ([email protected])
Book Studies
We have a mix of newly forming and ongoing midday book study groups. These groups read a mix of classic and contemporary authors, leading to good discussion and new friendships. If you are interested in joining a book study, contact Calvin Smith for current offerings.
Contact: Calvin Smith – [email protected]