Spiritual Growth

Introduction

St. Mary's has several groups that meet on a regular basis for the purpose of encouraging our spiritual growth. We're in the process of collecting the information about these groups in this web-page, so please check back in a few weeks if you don't see what you're looking for now.

All people, parishioners and non-parishioners are welcome at all of these groups.

For those interested in converting to Catholicism:

How Does a Person Become a Catholic?

There are several ways. The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide appropriate spiritual formation according to each person’s needs. In general, though, people who are becoming Catholic fall into three categories: infants and young children; people who whether baptized or unbaptized, have had little or no affiliation with or religious training in the Christian faith; and baptized people who have been active members in other Christian denominations.

Infants and Young Children

Children who are born or adopted into Catholic families usually are baptized as infants, a practice that began early in the church’s history. This makes sense because the children will be raised in a Christian environment, learning the ways of faith from their parents and other family members and eventually receiving formal religious training through their parish school or religious education program.

People with Little or No Christian Background

Many adults who wish to join the Catholic church have never been baptized. The church offers unbaptized adults a process of formation in the Catholic Christian faith and way of life called The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Christian initiation is a gradual process; it begins somewhat informally. Interested people are invited to meet with others who are exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic. They have the opportunity to ask questions about the church and to hear about the message of Jesus Christ and how it is lived out in the Church. As the process moves along the Period of the Catechumenate begins and provides a structure for catechesis which is the passing on of the teachings of the church. During this time each catechumen is paired with a sponsor who can serve as a spiritual companion and offer support and encouragement. Through the various rites of the catechumenate the church marks a person’s journey to full membership. The climax of the RCIA is the celebration of the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation and eucharist – at the Ester Vigil, followed by a period for reflection on the sacraments and for integration into the life and mission of the church.

Baptized People Who Are Active Christians

People who have been active members of other Christian denominations seek membership in the Catholic church for many reasons. Often they are attracted by the church’s liturgies or by its stance on issues of life, justice and peace. Sometimes they are married or engaged to a Catholic. These candidates join with the catechumens in the RCIA to learn more about the Catholic church and to prepare for their reception into full communion with the church at the Easter Vigil.

What Is the First Step?

Anyone who is thinking about becoming a Catholic Christian or who would like more information is encouraged to contact Fr. Mike, Fr. Adam or Deacon Frank. Summer is a good time to do this. An RCIA Open House will be held in September and interested people will be able to meet informally with members of our parish who have become Catholic.

Thomas Merton Study Group

For the past eight years a small group of Thomas Merton enthusiasts and readers have met at St. Mary’s Pastoral Center to read and discuss books by Thomas Merton. In the beginning the group met in the evening but for the past six years the meetings have been during the day. The group has read and discussed Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation which explored the contemplative pathways to one’s deep spiritual center. During the 2005-2006 year the group discussed Peace in the Post-Christian Era, a treatise on the issues of war and the nuclear threat during the 1960’s which, of course, resonates with us in today’s world. For the 2006-2007 year the group read and discussed Thomas Merton, Spiritual Master edited by Lawrence Cunningham (ISBN # 0-8091-3314-8, paperback). This book is an anthology of the many Thomas Merton writings, primarily about spirituality. For the 2007-2008 year the group will continued with the book, Thomas Merton, Spiritual Master.

The Merton group read the text, Thomas Merton, Spiritual Master at their first meeting for the 2008-2009 year. The text for the Thomas Merton Study Group during the 2008-2009 was The Seven Storey Mountain authored by Thomas Merton –--Introduction by Robert Giroux--The Fiftieth Anniversary Edition (1998)-ISBN 0-15-601086-0 –paperback. Since some members of the group have read the book many years ago the focus was new insights gained by the readings—in a sense it was The Seven Storey Mountain revisited.

During the 2009-2010 year the Merton Group will read Mystics and Zen Masters by Thomas Merton. It is published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York, 2000. Library of Congress catalogue card number is: 66-20167. At the first meeting in September the group will finish commenting on the last three essays in the book, Thomas Merton, Spiritual Masters edited by Lawrence Cunningham. Also at the first meeting the Group will begin commenting on Chapter 1 of Mystics and Zen Masters. The Merton Group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month at St. Mary’s Pastoral Center. Time is 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Everyone is welcome to join the group including people of other faiths and other parishes.

Questions about the Merton Group can be directed to John Collins: for further information. Telephone-508-753-6203. E-mail—jpcoll@aol.com.

M.O.M.S.

The Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) is a group of mothers who gather to share in the gift of mothering through prayer, discussion and friendship over coffee and rolls. Topics include a mothering or spiritual theme and roate every meeting. Location varies but typically we meet in the kitchen area of the O'Connell Parish Center from 8:00am to about 9:30am on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Plesae feel welcome to attend our next meeting or call Jen Zerwas at 508-845-3883 for more information.

ENDOW

ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women).ENDOW is a Catholic organization which helps all women, discover their God-given dignity through the richness and authenticity of Catholic teachings. ENDOW utilizes small study groups and conferences to cultivate faith and fellowship. Small ENDOW study groups meet weekly for an 8 week course. Each course is available at a cost of $60 which includes the study guide. Scholarships are available.

To learn more, contact Jennifer Zerwas at 508-845-3883 or ZerwasJ@msn.com. Please come to an ENDOW social Monday evening, November 23rd from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in Mary's Room in the Pastoral Center to learn more about this enriching program. ENDOW sessions will begin in January, 2010.

Other Web Sites

Here are links to some other educational and informational web-sites. Click on the logo to go to that web-site.

Diocese of Worcester	USCCB	The Vatican	Archdiocese of Boston	Calvary Center
Catholic Free Press	Catholic News Service	American Catholic	EWTN

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This page last updated on 1/17/2010.