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PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES The bishops of the United States have called parishes to a renewed commitment to Adult Faith Formation. This commitment renews the call to and focuses on the necessity of lifelong growth as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the bishop's document, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan For Adult Faith Formation In the United States, Adult Faith Formation is placed at the center of the mission of the church. At Our Lady of Good Counsel we take this call seriously and offer an array of opportunities that will appeal to the entire community of faith. Throughout the year our parishioners have many opportunities to:
Each year we select a theme and, through lectures, bible studies, community gatherings and evenings of mediation and prayer, we carry out this theme. Through our website and weekly bulletin we will list the yearly events. We encourage you to express your interest, needs and concerns to the Parish Life Committee: Jane Mc Corkell 856-235-2374 or mccorkellj@olgcnj.org. BIBLE STUDIES
EVENING BIBLE STUDIES: We are currently using the Great Adventure Bible Study and the dates for the Fall evening sessions are: October 13, 20, 27 November. 3, 10, 17 and December. 1st. We meet in the school cafeteria from 7-9pm. MORNING BIBLE STUDIES: This group is also using the Great Adventure Study and will meet Thursday mornings following the 9 am Mass in Heritage House the following dates September 16, 23, 30 October 7,14 &21 MOMS' BIBLE STUDIES: Using the same Great Adventure materials the Moms come together from 12:30-3pm in Heritage House. The dates for the study will be September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, & 18 Registration is required for any of the above studies. Please watch the bulletin in September for further information. PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY The Parish Health Ministry is a group of health professionals and lay volunteers who desire to serve the community of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Through our varied skills, gifts and experiences we will encourage and support the well being of the whole person--mind, body and spirit. We are rooted in the mission of the Church to spread the love of Christ and His healing ministry. Our ministry seeks to assist our community in making informed choices regarding their mental, physical and spiritual health through education. We identify community resources that are available to support holistic wellness. The Health Ministry offers understanding and support for those coping with illness. From September to June, on the second Tuesday of the month, our nurses are available in Heritage House following the 9 am Mass to do blood pressure screening. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Since biblical times, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace and spiritual sustenance. Since the inception of the Prayer Shawl Ministry in 2006 parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel have lovingly donated their time and talents by creating hand-knitted and crocheted shawls filled with the power of prayer, for those in need of comfort and blessings from the parish. Prayer shawls extend our prayers for healing, to comfort the sick, the lonely and the elderly. Shawls are also given in times of celebrations. BOOK CLUB The book club meets five times a year to discuss a book that has been suggested by a member. We are currently working on The Future Church-How Ten Trends Are Revolutionizing The Catholic Church by John L. Allen Jr. Since this book generated so much discussion we decided to read it in two parts. At our next meeting will discuss the book from page 216 to the end. Please look in the bulletin or website for times and dates GATHERING SUNDAYS This is our sixth year of Gathering Sundays where we come together over coffee and breakfast treats in the school cafeteria to welcome newcomers and to visit with friends. The gathering follows the 10:30am Mass on the third Sunday of each month. The cafeteria is wheelchair accessible from the front of the school building. MOMS' GROUP We are currently starting up a group of young Mothers and their preschool children for prayer and friendship. The meeting is held on the second and fourth Wed of each month in Heritage House following the 9 am Mass. Mother's will reflect on the Sundays readings and share faith. Children will be kept busy in the same room with toys and playtime. Senior Ministry The Senior Ministry of Our Lady of Good Counsel seeks to provide an acceptance and appreciation of the seniors within the spirit of this Christian community through the development of ongoing programs and planned activities. On the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from September to May there is a coffee hour where the seniors gather together to have time to socialize and discuss common interests. The Parish Nurses are on hand to do blood pressure screening and to discuss any medical concerns that may arise. On the fourth Tuesday of each moth there is a presentation on health topics and other topics that would interest our senior parishioners. These topics are requested from the group. Meetings follow the 9 am Mass in Heritage House and all are welcomed. For more information please contact Jane McCorkell 856-235-2374 PARISH LIBRARY Our parish library is located in Heritage House and anyone may borrow books and other materials. We have a large selection of books on faith matters, the Bible, the saints and many more interesting topics. The Library is open during school hours from 9-4pm. Please use the side door of Heritage House and ring the bell to gain entrance. We are currently looking for help in maintaining the library collection. If you are interested please contact Jane McCorkell at 235-2374 or mccorkellj@olgcnj.org. For any information, suggestions or concerns on Parish Life matters please contact Jane McCorkell 235-2374 or mccorkellj@olgcnj.org. |
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