Welcome
Susan Dobrzykowski, Coordinator
410-923-6954
“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 1:8The 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 provides educational opportunities for spiritual growth and enrichment for adults.
- INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CATHOLIC OR KNOW OF SOMEONE? RCIA: (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Please call Susan Dobrzykowski at 410-923-6954 or e-mail at sdober@verizon.net to find out about our inquiry sessions and the RCIA process. Flyers with information are located at the entrances of the church and are viewable and downloadable here.
- HOW TO STAY IN THE DAY: How to cultivate a “stay in the day” way of living by Lorene Hanely Duquin. 3. Take prayer naps. A prayer nap is a lot like a catnap. The difference is that you imagine that you are resting in the arms of the Lord. Just find a quiet place and take 10 or 15 minute prayer nap. You’ll notice the difference right away!
- QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH: Stop by the pamphlet rack in the breezeway and hall foyer to find answers to Current Events, Life Issues, Catholic Identity, Evangelization and Outreach, Stewardship, and Prayer published by Our Sunday Visitor. Also, The Sacrament of Matrimony: Preparing for and Living it and “Five ways to Support My Parish Priest.”
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
Invite 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 410-923-6954 or email the office at roxanne@olfparish.com
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
Books are available in the Adult Faith Formation office. Bibles, Catechisms, Spirituality and other Catholic resources are available. Parish-wide Book sales are held periodically. 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 drsprzy@verizon.net .
Equip for Ministry
Equip for Ministry is a process for lay ministry formation sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. There are four areas of formation: Spiritual, Human, Intellectual and Pastoral. This process is intended to better prepare one for the ministry one has or will undertake. Sessions are held throughout the archdiocese and offered winter, spring, and fall .
Library
The library offers numerous books and resources on the Catholic faith. This ministry works to keep library books updated, catalogues new material, files returned books, and maintains neatness. Library is located on the second floor of the parish center.
Mission with Inter-Parish Cluster
Adult Faith Formation Directors from OLF, Church of the Holy Apostles, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Joseph work together to plan and implement a yearly mission. This event is jointly sponsored in an effort to maximize our resources so that we can provide quality faith enrichment for our parishioners.
Walking with Purpose Scripture Study
Walking with Purpose enables women to know Christ through scripture study. Three studies are offered each year. Groups meet on Thursday mornings of the school year. Babysitting is available.
Women in Faith
The Women in Faith Ministry offers a program of Bible and faith enrichment studies to help women deepen their 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.
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. Ministry helps young adults realize their purpose within the Church and community.