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.


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, Summer, and Fall). 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.

Lent 2024 Book Study

Please join us this Lent in reading and discussing the book Be Healed by Bob Schuchts. 200 books have been purchased for small groups to utilize. If any leftovers are available, you are most welcome to a copy to read through yourself. Otherwise, you can purchase a book online for $18 on the JPII Healing Center website: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/. A reading schedule and discussion questions list can be found here or by contacting Nathan at [email protected]. Fr. Eilen will be incorporating the teachings in this book with his homilies this Lent. We will be reading 2 chapters at a time starting February 18.


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.


Retreat Opportunities

We recommend that parishioners find time on retreat throughout the year to be renewed in the Spirit. Stay tuned for 2024-25 retreat opportunities through St. Mary’s.

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


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 2nd pillar this spring 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 in the future or learning about similar opportunities, please check out their website http://www.cistudent.com/ or reach out to Nathan Schuster at [email protected].


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. 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.

Marriage in Christ Seminar

Through a five-week Marriage in Christ seminar, you can learn: how to make the Lord the center of your married life, practice habits that deepen your love and strengthen your marriage and friendship, start to recognize the action of the Holy Spirit in your marriage, and see how your marriage can be a witness of God’s love for the world.

It’s five great date nights! Stay tuned for MIC offerings at St. Mary’s. The cost for registration is $100 per couple – financial assistance is available if needed.

Video – An Introduction to Marriage in Christ Seminar

To learn more about MIC seminars, please contact Nathan Schuster, at [email protected] or go to https://marriageinchrist.com/.


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

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

Sacramental Preparation

Preparation for the Sacraments is separate from our four Faith Formation programs. Learn more about the Sacraments Here.