Adult Faith Formation

The Adult Faith Formation and Education Program at Blessed Sacrament is grounded in the realization that as Christians we spend our entire lives in an ongoing process of conversion.  This process is based on a solid personal and liturgical prayer life supported by continuous growth in knowledge and spirituality. 

Blessed Sacrament offers multiple opportunities for faith development, education, and spiritual formation through a lecture series, scripture study, group-specific organizations, retreats, the JustFaith program in the social justice area, and the Landings program for returning Catholics.  There is also a library on site.

 Educational Programs and Resources
  • The Annual Corbett Lecture presents a nationally renowned speaker discussing a faith-related topic of current interest.
  • The Sunday Morning Lecture Series presents distinguished faculty from local Catholic colleges and universities.  The Fall 2008 series is entitled The Church and Social Justice.
  • The Abrahamic Faiths Program has the goal of educating Catholics on the commonalities among members of the three major faiths tracing their roots to the biblical patriarch Abraham.
  • The Pius X Library contains over 6,000 books and electronic media specializing in theology, spirituality, Church history, liturgy, and general works that present issues from at Catholic perspective.
 Scripture Study
  • Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Bread, Book, and Brethren) - probes the deeper meanings of scripture and connects it with contemporary life, while building faith and community among group members.
  • Young Adult Bible Study - single and married people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who meet for prayer, fellowship, and study of the Sunday Mass readings, along with occasional "fun" activities. Meets Tuesday evenings.
  • The Life and Writings of St. Paul - a full year class on St. Paul, based on the Acts of the Apostles and the seven authentic Pauline Epistles, meets Tuesday mornings.
  • Introduction to the Torah (Pentateuch) - a full-year class on the Torah, which is foundational to the understanding of Judaism, and to Jesus and St. Paul, who were both observant Jews.  Meets Thursday mornings.
  • Renew and the Word - a weekly gathering of Seniors who read, discuss, and meditate on the scriptures for the coming Sunday.  Meets Tuesdays at approximately 11:45 a.m. in the Ray Manning Center.
 Retreats
  • Men's Retreat - Jesuit led, conducted in an atmosphere of silence, includes plenty of time for personal prayer and reflection.  Open to all men aged ten and above.
  • Women's Retreat - new in 2007, also Jesuit led, includes guided mediations, Eucharistic adoration, and personal prayer and reflection.
 Groups for Women, Men, Mothers, etc.
  • Filipino Community: The Legion of Mary - members participate in devotions to the Blessed Mother and perform works of charity.
  • Men: Faith in the Marketplace - a forum for exploring how men maintain and practice their Catholic faith in today's divergent marketplace.
  • Men: Men's Retreat - Jesuit led, conducted in an atmosphere of silence, includes plenty of time for personal prayer and reflection.  Open to all men aged ten and above.
  • Seniors: Renew and the Word - weekly gathering to read, discuss, and meditate on the scriptures for the coming Sunday.
  • Women: Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) - a group of mothers gathered to form a network of mutual spiritual support.
  • Women: Mothers' Renew Group - mothers gathering together to spiritually prepare for Advent and Lent.
  • Women: Sanctuary Sodality - fosters devotion to the Blessed Mother and supports ministries of charity within the parish and the general community.
  • Women: Women's Retreat - new in 2007, also Jesuit led, includes guided mediations, Eucharistic adoration, and personal prayer and reflection.
  • Young Adults: Young Adult Bible Study - single and married people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who meet for prayer, fellowship, and study of the Sunday Mass readings, along with occasional "fun" activities. Meets Tuesday evenings.
Faith Formation and Social Justice

The JustFaith Program - an intense thirty week education process, helps participants grow in their commitment to care for the poorest members of society and to become advocates for justice.

For Returning Catholics

The Landings Program -an eight-week discussion series that provides a safe "landing" place for returning or inactive Catholics.