Discipleship Groups
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A discipleship group is a small group of individuals (ideally 6-12) who gather for a set number of weeks to explore a particular theme, topic, or series of scripture or faith-based material, deepening their spiritual journey, nurturing their relationship with Jesus, and supporting one another in living out the Gospel. Rooted in faith, prayer, and shared life, these groups provide a space for honest conversation, spiritual accountability, and encouragement. Members learn to recognize God’s presence in their everyday lives and are equipped to respond to His call with greater trust and intentionality.
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The purpose of a discipleship group is not just personal spiritual growth, but also transformation that leads to mission. As disciples grow in faith, they are encouraged to share that faith with others, whether through service, evangelization, or forming new groups. In this way, discipleship groups help build a culture of ongoing conversion, spiritual maturity, and vibrant community within our parish and beyond.
While our parish offers a menu of opportunities for Discipleship Groups in the Fall and during Lent, some groups may run at any time during the year.
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Mondays
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Bible Stories and Great Works of Art
Join us on this 5-week journey of faith through some of the world’s finest masterpieces of Christian art. Each week, we’ll explore a few works of art and gain important insights into each and the gifted artists (such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Thomas Cole, Rembrandt, and others) who created them. Group participation and discussion are encouraged. Come find out for yourself what so many members of our parish family have enjoyed since this program’s inception over 10 years ago, and how it helped them grow their faith.“Christian art invites us to journey inward, to encounter the divine; and to journey upward, towards God.” Christian.art.com
5 in-person sessions: Mondays, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, October 13, 20, 27; November 3 & 10. Led by Carl Schlotfeldt: [email protected]
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The Creed
What do Christians believe? What do you believe? What does it even mean to “believe”? In this video-based course, Bishop Robert Barron leads us line-by-line through the Nicene Creed. This formal statement of faith, born at the Council of Nicaea in the fourth century, is the foundation of both eastern and western Christianity. We will explore the keys that unlock the beliefs of the Christian Faith, which are succinctly stated in this creed. (Optional: purchase the book Light from Light from Word on Fire)
6 in-person sessions, Monday mornings, 10-11:30 am, October 6, 20, 27; November 3, 10 & 17. Led by Norma Jahl: [email protected]
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Tuesdays
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The Activated Disciple
Are You A Fan Or A Follower?
As Catholics, we often find ourselves going through the motions. We believe our faith but struggle to put it into practice; we are not the activated disciples we are called to be. An activated disciple is someone who strives every moment of every day to imitate Jesus, someone who desires such a close relationship with God that every area of his or her life is transformed.
The Activated Disciple 40-Day Challenge will help you become more like Christ as you cultivate the eight characteristics that are the most important in the life of a disciple. As you reorient your life toward Jesus, you will notice the profound transformation a close relationship with him brings. Are you ready for a challenge? The Activated Disciple 40-Day Challenge will help you take your faith to the next level. There is a $15.00 contribution toward the book and journal, which the leader will purchase.
10 in-person sessions, Tuesdays, 7:00-8:15 pm, October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18, 25; December 2 & 9. Led by Maria Cascio: [email protected]
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Wednesdays
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The Rosary: Meditating on The Fruits of the Mysteries
"The Rosary is the 'weapon' for these times." - Padre Pio. It is the armor that protects us and helps us obtain virtues that allow us to listen more clearly to God's will. During this 5-week, in-person series, we will recite and meditate on one set of Mysteries of the Rosary each session, followed by a brief discussion. Meditating upon these spiritual fruits will deepen our prayer experience and our devotion to God and the Blessed Mother. 5 in-person sessions: Wednesdays 7:30 - 8:30 pm in our St. Benedict's Chapel; October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29. Led by Caterina Viscomi: [email protected].
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The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
4 in-person sessions, Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, October 22, 29; Nov. 5 & 12. Led by Carol Critchley: [email protected]
In this timeless spiritual classic, beloved spiritual writer Henri Nouwen reflects deeply on the parable of the prodigal son, drawing us into a powerful drama of fatherhood, filial duty, rivalry, anger, mercy, and reconciliation. As we read and reflect together, we will consider not only the story itself, but also how it touches the realities of our own lives and the call of our Christian faith. Come and be renewed by this journey of grace and discovery, as together we find new meaning in one of Jesus’ most profound parables. Purchase the book and read pages 1-23 before the first session.
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The Chosen: The Story Continues with Season 4
Come join us as we continue our journey with Christ’s Chosen ones. You will be able to view each of the eight episodes of Season 4 of The Chosen. Then we will reflect on what we just watched and discuss the impact the message has on our lives.
Please choose from these two convenient time offerings:- 8 in-person sessions: Wednesday afternoons, 3:30-5:00 pm, Oct 29; Nov 5, 13, 12, 19; Dec 3, 10 & 17.
- 8 in-person sessions: Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm, Oct 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4, 11 & 18.
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Thursdays
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The Chosen: The Story Continues with Season 4Come join us as we continue our journey with Christ’s Chosen ones. You will be able to view each of the eight episodes of Season 4 of The Chosen. Then we will reflect on what we just watched and discuss the impact the message has on our lives.
Please choose from these two convenient time offerings:- 8 in-person sessions: Wednesday afternoons, 3:30-5:00 pm, Oct 29; Nov 5, 13, 12, 19; Dec 3, 10 & 17.
- 8 in-person sessions: Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm, Oct 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4, 11 & 18.
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Ongoing: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays
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Morning Prayer Calls
Have you wanted to join a discipleship group but can’t fit one more thing into your schedule? Are you at home taking care of kids or loved ones, and can’t seem to interrupt your schedule? Are there other reasons that you have been unable to join a group? This group is for you! Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “Where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is.” You will be amazed by the warmth and caring you feel while you draw closer to our wonderful Lord. Led by Patty Allocca. There are two options:- Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 8:00 am - Old Testament Bible Study- In this comfortable environment, we practice Lectio Divina - where we read a few verses several times, summarize what we read, and then listen for the Holy Spirit and discuss how He guides us in our lives. (Please have your bible available.)
- Thursday morning, 7:30-8:00 am - Prayer Call. In this comfortable environment, we listen to various topics inspired by the Holy Spirit, discuss the topic, and pray for one another.
Join at any time! Please contact Patty Allocca at [email protected] for more information.
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Testimonials from past participants!
Here's what past participants have said about their Virtual Discipleship Group experience:
- The series helped focus me spiritually and insights shared by my fellow participants were awesome.”
- “Our facilitator guided us through our book with great care, thoughtfulness, and efficiency. She provided us with the tools to share our thoughts on every concept. I am deeply changed by this experience.”
- “This journey was a needed reminder of how easily our spirituality can be strengthened by sharing it with others, and by connecting with others who are yearning for the same thing.”
- “I benefited most from being with a group of people also seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus and to share faith experiences with others. The series did a great job of bringing Jesus, the man, to life for us as well as the experience of being an early follower.”
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Discipleship Group Leaders Welcomed!
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If you have a passion for a particular topic, book, film, or program, and you feel called to lead a virtual group, please reach out to Cristina Folan at [email protected] to discuss partaking in this opportunity of helping others draw closer to Christ! Start and end dates for a group are flexible, within the context of our seasonal offerings. Guidance/coaching will be provided.
We also encourage leaders to team up to co-lead a journey. It's a great way to get started in facilitating small group discussions and to share and nurture leadership in our faith community.
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What do past DG leaders say about their journey?
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