Adult Faith Formation

Various adult enrichment programs occur throughout the year. St. Mary of the Lake encourages all parishioners to be ON MISSION – knowing, following, and sharing Jesus – by participating in the communal life of the parish.

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Small Groups

Small groups are a helpful way to grow in faith and support each other on the discipleship journey. There are opportunities to join small groups throughout the liturgical year (we usually have small group sessions in Advent, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time). Groups of 6 to 12 people meet weekly or as defined by the group. Groups can meet either in homes, at the parish, or online/over Zoom. We will help you find a group based on your availability and interests. We invite you to fill out this small group interest form – HERE – and Nathan Schuster ([email protected]) will follow up with you. If you are interested in being a small group leader/co-leader, a new training will be held early this fall. Let Nathan know if you are interested in being a leader/co-leader.

Volunteer Opportunities

We also encourage you and your family to volunteer in the parish and community! There are a number of great opportunities available based on your availability. We invite you to fill out this volunteer interest form – HERE – and Nathan Schuster ([email protected]) will follow up with you. More information about our various ministries can be found here.

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Retreat Opportunities

We recommend that parishioners find time on retreat throughout the year to be renewed in the Spirit. 

Save the date: St. Mary’s will have a Parish Mission the evenings of March 26-27, 2025. 

View HERE for other retreat houses around the Twin Cities area.

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Catechetical Institute

We currently have parishioners studying in the Pillars program of the Catechetical Institute. They meet on Monday evenings and are just starting their 3rd pillar this fall 2024.  The Catechetical Institute is a resource developed by The Saint Paul Seminary for Catholic adults who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith and further their spiritual formation. The Pillars program (A Journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church) with the Catechetical Institute is a 2-year program and covers the 4 pillars of the Catechism. If you are interested in joining CI this fall for the new 2-year series starting at St. Pius (in White Bear Lake), please check out their website http://www.cistudent.com/pillars/ or reach out to Nathan Schuster at [email protected].

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Apps/Online Resources

FORMED: Enjoy a FREE subscription to FORMED – the “Catholic Netflix”. Entertaining movies, studies, talks, and popular eBooks—all in one place for your whole family! Go to https://formed.org/signup on your browser or search for FORMED in your App Store. Search by parish for St. Mary of the Lake/White Bear Lake in order to register for free.

HALLOW: The Hallow App has some free content, as well as a premium subscription called “Hallow Plus” that includes the rest of the content library. Hallow Plus is $10/month (or $70/year) – or you can receive a Family Pass (up to 6 accounts) for $120/year. There is a 7-day free trial of Hallow Plus. Go to https://app.hallow.com/ or search for Hallow in your App Store.

AMEN: The Amen App is totally free! This app provides nourishing Catholic prayers, meditations, and Scriptures to draw your heart, body, and soul into a deeper resting place in God. Go to https://amenapp.org/ or search for Amen in your App Store.

You can also check out this PDF which describes other Catholic Apps.

Watch the bulletin for important news and updates from St. Mary’s.

Please contact Nathan Schuster, Manager of Mission at [email protected] if you have any questions about adult discipleship opportunities.