Adult Faith Formation Team
The proclamation and the practicing of the “Good News of Jesus” by the members of the Catholic Church should empower the members to create, maintain and sustain a caring and just society. To achieve this goal, the laity of the church must actively participate in planning, administering and conducting activities designed to enable its members to pursue lifelong formation in order to keep pace with a changing world. Adult faith formation is the medium through which each member of the Body of Christ is nourished and brought to mature discipleship. In their pastoral document, Our Hearts Were Burning within Us, the Bishops of the United States have placed this effort “not at the periphery of Christ’s educational mission, but at its center.”

The Church of St. Paul seeks through its various ministries to provide its parishioners with the means to experience and grow in their faith and to enable them to achieve their spiritual goals, be they limited or lifelong. To this end, the Church of St. Paul has created an Adult Faith Formation Team which meets on a regular basis under the guidance of the pastor and an Adult Faith Formation Leader. The goal of the Team, through its pastoral, financial, physical and diocesan resources, is to enable and support ongoing conversion, promote active membership in the community, and encourage a renewed response to our baptismal call for transformation of our society.

Bible Study Classes
Bible Study explores Scripture in greater depth than most of us would otherwise be able to, usually concentrating on a single book of the Bible such as one of the four Gospels, one or more of the Epistles or a book of the Old Testament. Occasionally, the group studies a Biblical theme instead of a particular book. Study materials include transcripts of lectures by experts on the subject, a book containing the Scripture text with a commentary, and a list of questions for discussion.

Bible Study meetings generally take place in the late winter/early spring and in the fall. The groups meet weekly in small groups during these seasons. There are no meetings during the summer and busy holiday season. Most courses require 6-12 meetings. The group usually completes its study of a particular topic during each of the two seasonal periods, but the longer courses are sometimes carried over to the following season.

The small-group discussions are among the most rewarding aspects of the program. Most participants experience a deeper, more personal relationship with God, a lively experience of Christian community, a stronger sense of faith and prayer, and a richer appreciation for the Church’s teachings and worship.

No prior knowledge is required for Bible Study sessions. While regular attendance and preparation is encouraged, participants are welcome to join at any time during the course of study for as many sessions as their schedule permits.

Contact: Don or Joan Luecke at joanm.luecke@worldnet.att.net.

Men's Prayer Group
A dedicated group of adult men meet the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Rectory to pray the Divine Office and discuss topics of interest to men in the modern world, especially items concerning the Church in today’s society. The group also sponsors a three-day retreat and a day of social activities. Newcomers are always welcome and will find our scheduled meetings listed in the calendar.

Contact: Msgr. Walter Nolan at wnolan@stpaulsofprinceton.org.

RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of formation and prayer leading to the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and/or Confirmation for those seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church. Formation sessions are conducted by clergy and a team of RCIA catechists one night per week and on Sundays during Mass. Participants are encouraged to share and grow in their faith and relationship to Christ and his Church through understanding of the Catholic traditions, Scripture and the active ministries of our parish community.

Small Christian Communities (SCC)
An integral part of Adult Faith Formation in the parish is the formation of Small Christian Communities. These groups, usually comprised of eight to ten individuals, are “powerful vehicles...providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to the Church and society.” (OHWB, 1999) While some may have specific goals, such as grief support or be of a planned duration, such as seasonal Scripture study, members of these small communities experience an intimacy and energy that is deeply rooted in a healthy and vibrant relationship with Christ and His Church.

Members of the community are encouraged to participate in these types of communities according to their needs and interests. Opportunities are provided for training as facilitators of Small Christian Communities at the parish or diocesan level through the Office of Parish Life.

Women’s Spirituality and Book Club
The club is dedicated to the spiritual formation of adult women in our parish. The women meet in a small-group setting which includes prayer, discussion of spiritual books of interest, and fellowship. The club is an ongoing peer support group based upon the belief that the ups and downs along the road of life are more easily endured when shared with others who care. The group is faith-centered and built upon prayer, sharing, discussion and mutual support.

Contact: Helen Opalski at DougHelen@aol.com.