Susan Dobrzykowski, Coordinator

410-987-5171

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“Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he

spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:32

In this familiar story of Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), we see how Jesus, the model teacher, communicated the Good News of his resurrection and redemption. He would soon commission his disciples to continue his teaching ministry “for all times.” Acts 1:8

The faith formation of adults is essential for the church to be faithful to Christ’s command “to go, make disciples and teach.”

Through a variety of programs, the Adult ministry seeks to help adults to better understand the faith of the Church as well as its practical application in their lives.

To realize this goal, we follow the model of Jesus in the story of Emmaus as formulated in “Our Hearts Were Burning within US,” the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation:

• Join adults in their daily concerns and walk side by side with them on the pathway of life;
• Share the living Word of God which can touch their hearts and minds and unfold the deep meaning of their experience in the light of all that Jesus said and did;
• Trust the capacity of prayer and sacrament to open their eyes to the presence and love of Christ; and,
• Invite them to live and share this Good News in the world.

As Jesus opened the scriptures to the disciples along the road to Emmaus, they saw the “Father’s loving plan” and it opened the pathway of their lives from confusion and despair into conviction and hope. It is our belief that the Adult Faith Formation programs and activities will assist the adult to, like the disciples, encounter the risen Lord and “grow stronger in love, knowledge, commitment, and zeal.”

Adult Faith Formation

Since adults “have a right and a duty to bring to maturity the seed of faith sown in them by God,” Adult Faith Formation seeks to provide them with spiritual and enrichment opportunities “so that they may grow in their Christian life.”  The content of this catechesis aims at helping adults to better understand the faith of the Church as well as its practical application in Christian living.

Adult Faith Formation Lectures

Provide speakers from various Catholic Education Institutions that provide Adults with information and material to enhance their formation process.

Adult Faith Formation with Inter-Parish Cluster 

Work with the Church of the Holy Apostles, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Joseph Directors of Adult Faith Formation to plan and implement four yearly Adult Enrichment Activities.  These events are jointly sponsored in an effort to maximize our resources so that we may provide quality faith enrichment for our parishioners.

Adult Confirmation Preparation

Preparation involves four sessions that provide necessary formation for the reception of Confirmation.  Adult needs to be at least 18 years of age, received the Sacrament of Eucharist, and catechized in the Catholic faith through grade 8.  The Archdiocese of Baltimore offers celebration of Confirmation for prepared adults in the fall and on Pentecost Sunday.

Anne Arundel Single Again Catholics*

AASAC is a combined effort of Our Lady of the Fields, St. Andrew by the Bay, St. Jane Francis and other churches within and outside Anne Arundel County.  This group supports those who are experiencing or have experienced separation, divorce or widowed by helping them to understand and deal with the pain and mental suffering that this can cause.  Plans and shares activities and ideas that are important to those in this stage of their lives. Call Jeanne Hoover at 410-437-3619.

Baptismal Preparation

Baptismal Preparation classes instruct parents on the meaning of baptism and the obligations attached to it.  

Baptismal Preparation classes are held on the first Sunday of each month from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the conference room of the parish office. To register for class and schedule a baptism, call the Adult Faith Formation Coordinator at 410-987-5171.

There are three options available for baptism: a group event held after the 12:30 mass on the fourth Sunday of each month; a private baptism coordinated with a priest or deacon at a time the church is not in use for some other event; or a public baptism as part of one of the regular weekend masses.

Godparents: Usually, parents select a godmother and a godfather. However, only one Catholic godparent is required and she/he must be living in harmony with the Catholic faith. Godparents must have completed their sixteenth year and received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. 

Bible Study Groups

Bible Study Groups are small communities of parishioners who explore scripture to enhance their personal understand of the Word of God and to deepen their faith.  They meet at various members’ homes or in the Parish Center. 

Book Sale 

Book sales are held in the fall. Catechisms, books on spirituality, Bibles and other Catholic resources are offered. Books are also available in the parish office. In addition, the office will place orders for book requests from parishioners.     

Christian Family Movement

The Christian Family Movement is a network of small groups for Catholic family enrichment.  CFM is for couples and single parents and welcomes interchurch families.  Monthly meetings offer prayer, fun, friendship, and encouragement for today’s busy families.  Adults discuss topics of importance while children enjoy planned activities.  Families meet the first Friday of the month at OLF. Call Lauri and John Przybysz at 410-544-6238 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Church Leadership Institute

CLI is the Archdiocesan formation program for those active in parish ministry.  CLI provides basic foundation and formation in theology, spirituality, and ministry specific leadership skills.  Classes are held in parishes throughout the Archdiocese.

Library

The library offers numerous books and resources on the Catholic faith.  This ministry works to keep the library books updated, peruses and catalogues new material, files returned books, and maintains neatness of shelves.  Located on the second floor of the parish hall.

Marriage Preparation

The Archdiocese of Baltimore sponsors a variety of Marriage Preparation programs to help engaged couples with the many challenges and responsibilities that marriage will bring.  Such a process of preparation is required for the Sacrament of Matrimony.  Our Lady of the Fields offers Sponsor Couple, Remarriage Preparation, and Pre Cana.   

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

RCIA is a gradual process by which the Catholic community welcomes, prepares and initiates new members into the church. It is a year round process and one can inquire at any time.  It is designed for those: not baptized, baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and in need of Eucharist and/or Confirmation, and baptized in another Christian Church and in need of further instruction and initiation. RCIA meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the conference room of the parish office.

Walking with Purpose Scripture Study  

Women's study group that meets on Thursdays of the school year. Babysitting available.  

Women in Faith

The Women in Faith Ministry offers a program of Bible and faith enrichment studies to help women deepen their own relationship with Jesus and to share the Good News with others.  They offer support, prayer, and encouragement to one another, go on pilgrimages and retreats, and hold a summer breakfast and study series. Meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at OLF.

Why Catholic? Journey Through the Catechism Study Program

The Why Catholic? program consists of small faith-sharing groups that look at the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and reflect on what we believe and why we believe it.  It provides an opportunity for participants to internalize its teachings, share faith in Jesus Christ, learn more about their faith, and let their faith illuminate every aspect of their lives.  

Young Adult Ministry

The Young Adult Ministry provides an open, welcoming forum for young adults, ages 18-40 whether single, married, separated, divorced or widowed.  Here they learn more about scripture and its application in their lives, to meditate and reflect, to join with others in the faith community and help them realize their purpose within the Church and community.