In the gospel of Luke chapter 24 we read about two disciples who are walking away from Jerusalem following the death and burial of Jesus. They do not recognize the risen Lord who joins them asking what they are discussing. He listens to them while they tell him what has happened these past days. Jesus then explains the scriptures to them and points out all the places that speak of a Messiah that must suffer. They stop to share a meal and he prays with them. It is there that they recognize him in the breaking of the bread and he disappears from their sight. They immediately run back to Jerusalem to tell the others. This is a mission we all share. It is known as the Emmaus Model for catechesis. Thus adult faith formation takes place in an environment where this method of communication and learning can happen.
COMING UP THIS SUMMER AND FALL
Most of our programing takes place from September - June. On August 31 we will host our annual summer retreat and in September we will begin several of our Fall offerings.
Summer Retreat
AUGUST 31, 2010 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Carmel Retreat, 1071 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ
A Pilgrimage with Mary, Mystic and Prophet
Presenter: Fr. Peter Chepaitis, OFM and Sr. Anna Tantsits, IHM
Each year toward the end of August we coordinate a day long retreat held at Carmel Retreat in Mahwah for parishioners and their friends. It has become a much anticipated event. Please click on the announcement about our Summer retreat on the home page of our website. There is a sign up form for the retreat. Cost is $45. Please mail form and your check to Summer Retreat, OLMC, 1 Passaic St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 contact lenglish@olmcridgewood.com or call 201-444-2000 ext 204 for more information.
Little Rock Scripture Study
For several years our parish has had a very active Bible study program. During the winter and spring of 2010 we completed a nine week study of the Gospel of Luke. In addition, another group met from Fall through Spring, once a month, to study the Acts of the Apostles. This year beginning September 16 at 9:30 AM and continuing till November 18 our study will be the Gospel of Matthew. Some of the best-loved passages in Scripture, as well as some of the most difficult sayings and teaching of Jesus, are found in this Gospel. Please join us in this special opportunity to look into the life of Jesus and his ministry. Your life will become enlivened as the sacred stories enrich and enhance your faith journey.
In our Winter/ Spring semester the study will be Israel's Story Part 2. This group will meet on Wednesdays once a month beginning January 12. These timeless stories reflect the way all people face struggles in life regardless of gender, race, culture or ethnic origin. We will read from several of the books of the Old Testament. The reading will help each become aware of humanity's inclinations that move deep within us from biblical times down to our own day. Please contact lenglish@olmcridgewood.com for more information or to sign up.
Seasonal Scripture Reflection Group
During Advent and Lent we set aside time for reading and reflecting on the upcoming readings for Sunday Mass. Adults that gather in this setting speak of the ability of these prayerful gatherings to give new and added insight to their participation of Sunday liturgy. Thursdays from 9:15- 10:30 AM.
Book Discussion Groups
Our Fall study is MItch Albom's, Have a Little Faith. This best seller from the popular author of Tuesday's With Maurie, will once again help participants expand their view of life and the things that are really important. A daytime and evening date are still to be determined.
MOMs
Please check out the MOMs website at www.olmcmoms.org or elsewhere in the parish's website under Parish Life for this popular community building ministry of vibrant women. For both new and experience mothers MOMs offers large monthly meetings with speakers, to small groups that share their experiences of being MOMs in the Journal group process, to outreach programs especially to the Nurturing Place in Jersey City. Based on learning, sharing and supporting one another, MOMs has been in existence since 1990 currently with 150 members. In addition there are many activities and events for the whole family throughout the year.
Women's and Men's Cornerstone
Women's and Men's Cornerstone meet on their own schedules. A team of both women and men prepare all year to bring a yearly retreat to the parish. Talks, prayers facilitation are done by team members. More information about Cornerstone can be found in the Parish Life section of the website.
G.I.F.T. GROWING IN FAITH AND THEOLOGY
G.I.F.T. is a 10 member parish network for Adult Faith Formation. Four week courses are offered during the winter months beginning the 3rd week of January, generally on Thursday evenings. The courses will be offered at several parish sites within this network. In addition Saturday workshops on various topics of interested are also offered. Our brochure will be available in November.
S.T.E.P.S
We are very blessed to have Immaculate Conception Seminary's satellite program take place at Mt. Carmel. Please check the parish website for schedules and class offering and presentations.
Other Sites:
American Catholic
Sacred Space
G.I.F.T. Registration Form for 2009
