All that we provide in the formation of our adult faith community can fall under the subtitles of evangelization and catechesis. We turned to the church's documents to define what we mean by each of these terms.

First Evangelization:

The Church "exists in order to evangelize" (100) that is "the carrying forth of the Good News to every sector of the human race so that by its strength it may enter into the hearts of men and renew the human race". (101)


Second Catechesis:

"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ". (236) All evangelizing activity is understood as promoting communion with Jesus Christ. Starting with the "initial" (237) conversion of a person to the Lord, moved by the Holy Spirit through the primary proclamation of the Gospel, catechesis seeks to solidify and mature this first adherence. It proposes to help those who have just converted "to know better this Jesus to whom he has entrusted himself: to know his 'mystery', the kingdom of God proclaimed by him, the requirements and comments contained in his Gospel message, and the paths that he has laid down for anyone who wishes to follow him".
General Directory for Catechesis Paragraph 80

To help you grow in your faith, we are offering

two wonderful opportunities for you that reflect

Evangelization & Catechesis

ALPHA

and

BETA

At St. Gerard our Adult Faith Formation mostly falls into 2 categories: ALPHA and BETA. Alpha is a program that involves a meal, presentation and discussion to help you explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and fun setting.  There is no cost, no commitment and no strings attached! Beta is a not a single set  of programs. Beta is a community of small groups focused on being disciples of Jesus. Each semester there will be different opportunities for small groups to participate in the deepening and strengthening of this call to discipleship. 

The design of our Adult Faith Formation program is that it invites adults to attend Alpha prior to Beta, especially if they have not been part of a small group faith sharing group. Alpha provides a foundation for all adult faith sharing programs. BETA is an opportunity for ALPHA small groups to continue on the path started in ALPHA. BETA also seeks to foster, support, and resource other group ministries in our parish. These include:

• Several Alpha groups that have continued to meet after their Alpha experience.
• Daytime and Evening Bible Studies
• Many woman's groups who gather for faith sharing and service
• mens group
• Cursillo group
• Prayer groups
• Service Groups

Please see our BETA page for other activities as well as Bible Study page and FORMED.

Click Here to Check out ALPHA

Click Here to Check Out BETA

Our world these days seem to be filled with chaos. One day we turn on the news and hear about demonstrations, sometimes accompanied by violence; Other days the good news about things that matter in our day to day lives like low unemployment rates and positive financial indicators. Our Church seems to mirror this chaos. We hear about abuses and scandals, but when we look to our own parish we see signs of charity and goodness. Chaos, indeed, is the mood swings we encounter in our world, church, family and personal life. 

If you find yourself troubled by such disconcerting confusion, we have good news for you. In the Gospel of John chapter 14 Jesus speaks directly to this: "Do not let your hearts be troubled... Peace I leave with you... not as the world gives do I give it to you. " Throughout the eons, history has proven it repeats itself -- chaos is ever present in the world. But God gave us the antidote to chaos -- Jesus. The peace he leaves us is of the heart and soul. No evil can touch that. The peace offered us brings about life sustaining order in our heart, family and community.  

The title of our Weekend this year is "From Chaos to Order: A Scriptural Guide." The Weekend is mapped out in 12 "Rules for Life" across our six talks. Our goal is to give you hope - hope that rises from interior order in an otherwise chaotic world. You'll be presented with an antidote to the chaos of our day, in tips and suggestions, prayers and reflections. Order can replace chaos when we apply some basic "rules" for daily living that include prayer time with Jesus and joyful living with our family and community. Peace surrounds us and becomes the channel of peace that affects the lives around us. Order reigns in the sure knowledge that we can change the world, one lost soul at a time.
What happens on a weekend retreat?
On Friday night, we all share dinner, followed by an opening conference and night prayer. Throughout the weekend, there are several spiritual presentations by the pastoral retreat team. Mass is celebrated on both Saturday and Sunday. There is a reconciliation service, and priests available to celebrate the sacrament for those who choose to participate. There is ample free time for walking the grounds, reflection, visiting the chapel, private prayer, and meditation. The Gift and Book shop is open on Saturday and offers a wide variety of spiritual books, including those referenced by the retreat team. The suggested donation for the weekend is $175.