I think something like what you describe is a good idea. Most parishes that I know of that have something like this are doing it via prayer groups or book clubs.I know there are faith formation classes, but do any parishes have groups that try and retain members and strengthen their faith? All classes seem to stop this upcoming month and go on hiatus until the fall. I thought it would be a great time to offer such assistance especially since there are new converts. I am thinking about answering questions, apologetics, book studies, studying on Saints, retreats, etc. What do you call your groups?
Our parish is doing “33 Days to Morning Glory” by Father Michael Gaitley. This is our 3rd go on this wonderful retreat. We’re offering it, Wednesday mornings, and Sunday at 12:30 PM (an hour after the last Mass).I know there are faith formation classes, but do any parishes have groups that try and retain members and strengthen their faith? All classes seem to stop this upcoming month and go on hiatus until the fall. I thought it would be a great time to offer such assistance especially since there are new converts. I am thinking about answering questions, apologetics, book studies, studying on Saints, retreats, etc. What do you call your groups?
You could do it! The retreats came to our Parish through the efforts of one woman, who was inspired by Father Gaitley at a talk sponsored by our Archdiocese.I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about 33 Days to Morning Glory. I wish we could have that here!
I’m a ***33 Days to Morning Glory ***retreat coordinator. If you PM me, I can help you set one up and how to “sell it” to your pastor.Our parish doesn’t have anything, we’re only a small community, but the Archdiocese has a “renewal” group which co-operates with the Legion of Mary and that serves as something to bring back the Church to the people, and the people to the Church. Similarly, we have random “Back to Church” Sundays on whatever day the Anglicans do it - it’s an unsuccessful interchurch ordeal, never attracts much.
I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about 33 Days to Morning Glory. I wish we could have that here!
I think this is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I have known non-Catholic Christians who would “fellowship” on a regular basis. This not only strengthened their faith through prayer, and talking about the Bible, but also by praying together, for one another. Talking about personal issues from a faith-based perspective created relationships. It created a sense of community that I think is missing in some Catholic Churches where we all get into our cars and drive home after Mass. Christian Communities or groups outside of the Church could meet at a building nearby (school gym?) or even a restaurant. It’s been done. There are even Christian coffeehouses dedicated to prayer, social interaction and encouraging each other as we try to live authentically Christian lives in a mostly secular society, at work and at home. I mean we should help bear each others burdens even if it’s just listening and offering advice on how to deal with life.I know there are faith formation classes, but do any parishes have groups that try and retain members and strengthen their faith? All classes seem to stop this upcoming month and go on hiatus until the fall. I thought it would be a great time to offer such assistance especially since there are new converts. I am thinking about answering questions, apologetics, book studies, studying on Saints, retreats, etc. What do you call your groups?
Exactly. Having been in just such a Christian environment for many years, and last year coming back into a Catholic environ, we were basically orphaned June, July and August. Almost all our recent converts are single and the only Catholics in their families. I don’t want them to feel orphaned. We did just start a supper club with a Bible study, I wondered what other parishes were doing.I think this is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I have known non-Catholic Christians who would “fellowship” on a regular basis. This not only strengthened their faith through prayer, and talking about the Bible, but also by praying together, for one another. Talking about personal issues from a faith-based perspective created relationships. It created a sense of community that I think is missing in some Catholic Churches where we all get into our cars and drive home after Mass. Christian Communities or groups outside of the Church could meet at a building nearby (school gym?) or even a restaurant. It’s been done. There are even Christian coffeehouses dedicated to prayer, social interaction and encouraging each other as we try to live authentically Christian lives in a mostly secular society, at work and at home. I mean we should help bear each others burdens even if it’s just listening and offering advice on how to deal with life.
Oftentimes, new converts have some trouble leaving behind their old lives and need guidance and encouragement to help integrate their faith into their lives, and someone to answer their questions.
Best,
Ed
I honestly don’t think many parishes are doing much, unless they have a lot of converts (or mostly transplants like a military chapel). It’s been a very long time since the Church hasn’t been receiving the number converts we are getting now, so it’s not something that many parishes are used to.Exactly. Having been in just such a Christian environment for many years, and last year coming back into a Catholic environ, we were basically orphaned June, July and August. Almost all our recent converts are single and the only Catholics in their families. I don’t want them to feel orphaned. We did just start a supper club with a Bible study, I wondered what other parishes were doing.
If you are interested in the 33 Days to Morning Glory, please feel free to check out this website: lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/categories?promoCode=104130&category=hearts-afire-parish-programOur parish doesn’t have anything, we’re only a small community, but the Archdiocese has a “renewal” group which co-operates with the Legion of Mary and that serves as something to bring back the Church to the people, and the people to the Church. Similarly, we have random “Back to Church” Sundays on whatever day the Anglicans do it - it’s an unsuccessful interchurch ordeal, never attracts much.
I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about 33 Days to Morning Glory. I wish we could have that here!