Perhaps you heard that on the eve of the Feast of Saints. Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed June 29, 2008-June 29, 2009 will be dedicated to St. Paul, marking the 2000th anniversary of St, Paul’s birth. To learn more about St. Paul and his writings, we are inviting people to participate in Pauline Bible Studies.

Small groups are formed that meet for 90 minutes each week for six weeks, beginning the week of October 5th. Each group will study one of St. Paul’s letters (or the Acts of the Apostles).

1st Corinthians:

Morning

Sunday 9-10:15 AM (during RE)

Sunday Noon-1:30 PM (Couples, w/ Lite Food)

Wednesday 9:15-11 AM (Seniors)

Wednesday 10-11:30 AM

Friday 9:30-11:00 AM (Women)

Evening

Wednesday 7:30 – 9 PM

Friday 7:30 – 9 PM

Acts of the Apostles

Wednesday 9:30-11 AM

Romans

To Be Determined

Later this year, other of Pauls letters will be studied.

The series that we will be using “six weeks with the Bible” is an in-depth study, but not comprehensive. Thus it will cover the major themes of a letter, but you will not read and discuss every chapter and verse. For many people, this is a great introduction to St. Paul’s writings. The session begins with study of the particular text. In the second half of the session, participants are asked to reflect on thought provoking questions that help them relate the text or theme to their own life experience.

Q. How do I sign up?
A. Click here to send an email to Jen Mayer, indicating your first choice of group, day, and time.

Q. Is there a fee?
A. No. We will provide you with a participant book at no cost during the program. If you would like to keep the book rather than return it, we ask for a book fee of $8.

Q. I can’t make the sessions offered. Will there be any other options?
A. Yes. Please let us know what day and time works best and we will see if there are enough people to form a new group. We are also looking into an on-line group, but may not be able to launch that until the spring. If you would like to use a book for an individual study, please contact the Religious Education Office at 410-647-4892. Later in the year, more studies will also be offered.

Perhaps you’ve wondered, what is “Why Catholic?” and why should I try it? “Why Catholic?” is an upliftng adult faith formation process being offered at St. John's this fall. Designed around a small group model of faith sharing, “Why Catholic?” offers a concrete approach to help adult Catholics deepen or discover anew their Catholic faith and connecting it to everyday life.

Q. How does it work?
A. Small groups of 10 to 12 people are formed that meet for 90 minutes each week for six weeks, beginning the week of October 5th. In these gatherings, participants read and reflect on the way we celebrate our faith through the Sacraments.
Q. When will these groups meet?
A. We estimate several groups will meet at different times. At this point, the only group that has locked in a time is the Friday 7:30 PM group. If you are interested in another day or time, please email Jen and let her know when: jmayer@stjohnsp.org.
Q. What topics will be covered?
A. The overall theme this year is Life in Christ. This year groups will centers on our freedom and responsibility, conscience, virtues, moral law, grace, the Beatitudes and the Commandments.
Q. I thought we finished “Why Catholic?” last year. How long will this go on?
A. "Why Catholic?" is made up of several six-week modules. As described above, this years focus is on Life in Christ, which is the 3rd part of the catechism. Next year will be the last year (assuming continued interest) and will examine prayer, the 4th part of the catechism. At this point, we are asking people to consider joining for the fall six-week session.
Q. What are the benefits of participating?
A. “Why Catholic?” is an opportunity to learn more about our faith, deepen understanding of what we believe, explore how we can connect what we believe with everyday life, eat snacks, and meet new people.
Q. Does this program have church backing?
A. Yes. Both Cardinal Keeler and our Pastor, Msgr. Woy, have embraced this program. "Why Catholic?" also will be used at 50 other parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Q. How do I sign up?
A. Call the religious education office at 410-647-4892, or email Jen by Sept. 29th with the day and time of your choice.
Q. Is there a fee?
A. No. We will provide you with a participant book at no cost during the program. If you would like to keep the book rather than return it, we ask for a book fee of $10.

Q. What is a typical session like?
A. A typical Session format (90 Minutes) is as follows:
Greeting and Snack
Opening Prayer
Brief Overview of Topic – The group reads a brief introduction to the topic.
Opening Question – An opening question is posed to the group, and members are invited to share their thoughts.
Scripture Sharing – A relevant selection from scripture is read by a group member.
Exploring the Catechism – The group reads a summary of the catechism teachings on the day’s topic (provided in the “Why Catholic?” booklet).
Discussion Questions – The group is invited to ponder several questions designed to relate the teachings from the catechism and their daily life.
Living the Good News – Group members are invited to identify a specific action that flows from the earlier discussion.
Closing Prayer

Seniors Discussion Group

This discussion group focuses on continually renewing and sharing our faith. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in the Youth Room after the 8:30 AM mass. Contact: Margaret Graves 410.647.4892