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 PARISH YEAR 2011-2012
Most of our programing takes place from September - June.
Summer Retreat
AUGUST 4, 2011 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Carmel Retreat, 1071 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ
Little Rock Scripture Study
For several years our parish has had a very active Bible study program. During the 2010- 2011 season we completed a nine week study of the Gospel of Matthew followed by six weeks looking at an Old Testament review of the later prophets in Israel's Story Part 2. In addition, another group met from Fall through Spring, studying the Parables of the Kingdom. This year beginning September 29, 2011 at 9:30 AM and continuing till November 10 our study will be Spirituality of the Gospels. The four Gospels of the New Testament provide a rich, multidimensional portrait of Jesus Christ. Each maps a unique spiritual path into life with him, calling us to transformation. Your life will become enlivened as the sacred stories enrich and enhance your faith journey. 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.
ANNUAL PARISH MISSION
Each year we have the privilege of welcoming outstanding clergy or laity who are gifted with presenting Parish Missions. A Mission is a parish wide event that centers on a particular theme and are usually held in the season of Lent over a three night span. This year we welcome Fr. Gary Wiesman, a charismatic preacher who was a guest missionary speaking at all our Masses last year on the work of the missions in Jamaica. His title will be "From Ashes to New Life" March 12,13 and 14, and based on the prophet Micah's text "to act jusly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God."
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 experienced 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 over 100 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 and 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. GIFT in existence for over 20 years has now gone to a new format The talks or presentations will be offered at several parish sites within this network. Please check the parish bulletin for the lastest presentation
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
