ADULT FAITH FORMATION
A life-long journey in understanding, proclaiming, and living our faith.
Together with the whole parish community, the Adult Faith Formation Team seeks to: help adults be touched and transformed by the life-giving message of Jesus, explore its meaning, experience its power, and live in its light as faithful adult disciples today. The mission of Adult Faith Formation is to help adults:develop a personal relationship with Jesusdiscover practical ways to join faith and life become active members in the community of faith strengthen the family give glory to God through prayer and the lives they live become disciples to the world!
Spirituality On the Go Too busy to breathe? Looking for ways to give your faith a boost?
Check out the display in the narthex (that’s the church vestibule!).
Audio-books and music for that long daily commute and books of daily reflections are available for purchase.
It’s easy – place a check or exact change in the envelopes provided, fill in the book title and amount, and put it in the collection basket or give to an usher.
Highly recommended:
Eucharist,
by contemporary theologian Fr. Robert Barron.
A new and deep look at the timeless gift of God himself.
The Wounded Healer,
a contemporary classic by Henri Nouwen.
It is our own brokenness and woundedness that readies us to reach out to others.
The Book Rack Purchase short, inexpensive contemporary books on prayer,
living our faith in the midst of our daily lives, forgiveness, grief, and more.
Books for children too!
The Parish Library
Located in the Parish Center.
Borrow traditional, classic, and contemporary books.The Bible and books about Scripture ,The Catechism of the Catholic Church, and books about what we believe and Lives of the saints, and the voices of contemporary Catholics Children’s books and video-tapes And books on parenting, marriage, grief, suffering.
Bereavement Support A monthly support group where the grieving can come together to talk, listen, share, in an atmosphere of open acceptance.
(See Bereavement Ministry on our Parish Ministries page.)
Conscious Living – a group of mature adults coming together once a month in someone’s home to share, witness, question.
Where is God in my life?
How do I live my faith?
Where do I see God at work in the world? (Contact Bill at 410 349-0329.)
Walking With Purpose – a women’s Scripture-based faith sharing group, offering personal study and small group discussion that link everyday challenges and struggles with the teachings of Christ and the Church.
(contact Andrea at 410 903-1007)
RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for those who want to become part of the Catholic Church, and those who are exploring the possibility.
(contact the parish office at 410 974-4366)
Feeling called to become part of the RCIA team as a sponsor or a facilitator?
(410 974-4366) RCIA-R – for children over age 7 and their families.
Sponsor Couples Helping to prepared engaged couples for marriage in the Catholic Church.
(feeling called to this ministry?) scrane@standrewbythebay.org.)
ON THE WEB, ANYTIME!
www.homefaith.com A great resource for parents. Ideas to help you share your faith with your children, parenting ideas, family and media, weekly meditations, parent-to-parent, and more.
http://reflectbay.blogspot.com/ Our neighbor, Fr. Andy Costello of St. Mary’s, shares his weekly homilies, poetry, comments, and wonderings. Good stuff!
www.loyolapress.com 3-Minute Retreat- 3 minutes of quiet time at your computer to reflect on Scripture. Daily Inspiration - in word and picture, for anytime during your busy day.
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html From Creighton University, a Jesuit Catholic institution. Daily Reflections - written by 50+ faculty , staff, and students. Spiritual exercise for our spiritual wellness. Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer – summary of the readings for the week as well as help for finding and maintaining a deep relationship with our Lord in the midst of our busy lives. Online Retreat – being made by people all over the world 24/7. It’s the movements of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola for very busy people. The Reading Group – a world-wide book club.
http://sacredspace.ie/ Daily prayer by the Irish Jesuits: Spend 10 minutes in this “Sacred Space”, praying here and now as you sit at your computer with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture . Plus links to further thoughts – connecting prayer to contemporary issues – and offering a place to share your response.
www.americancatholic.org The vibrant site of Franciscan publisher, St. Anthony Messenger Press. Includes minute meditations, saint of the day, Catholic news. Post prayer requests at St. Anthony’s shrine, send free Catholic e-cards, and access the catalogue for printed resources to up-date your faith and deepen your spirituality.
www.faithfulcitizenship.org Sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop. As the elections approach, we are called to form our consciences and make decisions informed by our faith. This site gives us the latest Catholic thought on issues like immigration, the environment, stem cell research, Iraq, health care, and abortion.
http://ncronline.org/blogs/peace-pulpit Homilies of Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton. A longtime national and international activist in the peace movement, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton is a founding member of Pax Christi USA and an outspoken critic of violence and militarism. Challenging us to live the Gospels every day. Podcasts –
www.wordonfire.com Hear homilies, lectures and interviews from Fr. Robert Barron, prominent theologian, author, and speaker. Highly recommended! Great website includes current articles and community forums.
www.caradicalgrace.org/getconnected/homily.php Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr’s homilies, produced by the Center for Action and Contemplation, integrating a contemplative lifestyle with compassionate service in the spirit of the Gospel.
www.provokeradio.com “Provoke’s mission is to engage you in a reflection of important contemporary issues from the perspective of your own faith as an illustration of how the principles of compassion and justice can be lived out in every day life. We take our name from the Latin, ‘provocare’ – to call forth.” Hosted by Fr. Steve Spahn S.J.. Guests include world renowned authorities and theologians, unsung heroes and humble living saints as well as those most affected by so many social issues: the poor and marginalized. And on the radio: Hear broadcasts every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WBAL Radio, 1090 AM
AREA OPPORTUNITIES Two first-rate theological institutions in less than an hour's drive offer classes as well as special events throughout the year:
A center for theological study promoting ecumenical and interfaith understanding and contributing to the formation of a theologically and ethically informed public. Located at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, the Institute offers classes for personal enrichment, as well as accredited degree programs in Theology and Church Ministries, and graduate certificate programs. Scholarships available.
Washington Theological Union - www.wtu.edu - An accredited, Roman Catholic graduate school of theology and ministry, educating and forming candidates for the priesthood and other church ministries. The Union also welcomes students who seek to deepen their faith by expanding their theological and spiritual horizons. One of the largest Catholic graduate schools of theology and ministry in the country, the Union serves students from diverse backgrounds and traditions.
And a top-notch retreat center offering retreats, spiritual direction, workshops, and days of reflection:
-A place of peace, healing, and hope, located just off Rt. 70 in Marriottsville, Maryland on 313 acres of pastures and woodlands. This is a ministry of the Sisters of BonSecours, whose mission is rooted in their call to help bring people to wholeness, to alleviate human suffering, and to help bring others to a deeper awareness of their own spirituality
