FAMILY LIFE
EATING DISORDERS GROUP
The EATING DISORDERS GROUP is a place for those who wrestle with an eating disorder to share their stories with others and support those who are struggling. The meeting schedule varies from season to season, so contact the parish office if you are interested. All interest and information is kept confidential.
ELIZABETH MINISTRY
The ELIZABETH MINISTRY is a ministry that responds to the joys and sorrows of a woman’s life during the child-bearing years. This parish-based ministry follows the example of the scriptural story of the Visitation by bringing together women who share a similar story. How can a woman receive reassurance and advice when she is pregnant or caring for her newborn? With whom can a woman talk about infertility? Who will reach out to the woman who experiences a miscarriage, infant death, or the death of a child? The Elizabeth Ministry responds to these needs by offering ministry through personal visits with someone who understands the experience first-hand.
EXPECTANT MOTHERS’ GROUP
Pregnancy can be such an exciting time – full of anticipation and gratitude for the life you are carrying. It can also be a time of anxiety and fear as you prepare for the labor and delivery of your child. The EXPECTANT MOTHERS’ GROUP will focus on preparing for childbirth in a Christ-centered way. We will focus on the role our faith can play in both pregnancy and labor/delivery. Additionally, we will contemplate the role of redemptive suffering in this unique experience. The group will also provide an opportunity for pregnant women to pray for each other during this special time – helping to prepare for a beautiful and spiritual birth experience. Whether this is your first child or your tenth, you are most welcome to join us. Meetings are bi-weekly, and current schedules can be obtained from the facilitator. (Although this program is approached from the Catholic perspective, all Christians are welcome.)
FAMILY MINISTRY
FAMILIA is the parish response to the need for family ministry. The family is the pivotal point of society. It is here that God has expressed his presence in the world in a unique and unrepeatable way. Raising a family in today's world is a terrific challenge. Still God is present and calls us to great holiness. FAMILIA can help you become a champion for your family and exists to equip you with practical tools that can transform even a good family. Through the study of Papal documents pertaining to the family, gospel reflection, and catechesis, Familia can provide you with the tools you need to face the challenge. Meetings for the Familia men and women are scheduled during evening hours. Check with the Familia contacts for dates and times. There will be social events sponsored by Familia, geared toward the family, and open to the parish throughout the year.
FAMILY BIBLE STUDY is a great way to get together with other families for a light meal, adult study of Scripture, and child care for the children during the meeting. Several families in the parish have sponsored these groups in their homes and welcome interested families to join them.
MEN’S PRAYER GROUP
Just recently organized, our MEN’S PRAYER GROUP meets every Wednesday in the Community Center during the noon hour. It is a time for our men to gather for prayer, worship, Scripture, and discussion. All men are invited.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP), is the practice of achieving or postponing pregnancy by observing and recording a few simple observable fertility signs. It is natural, safe, and effective and approved by the Catholic Church. The best way to learn NFP is by attending a class, sponsored through the Erie Roman Catholic Diocese. For more information, feel free to call our parish NFP promoter couple.
OVERCOMERS OUTREACH
OVERCOMERS OUTREACH is a fellowship of men and women who have been affected either directly or indirectly by the abuse of any mood-altering chemical or compulsive behavior. Anyone who has a desire to stay clean and sober and who has a desire to rise above the pain and turmoil of an addiction is most welcome. There is only one authority in our group - JESUS CHRIST, as he expresses his love among us. Overcomers Outreach bridges the gap between traditional 12-step groups and the church. Our group meets every Tuesday evening in the Community Center from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
RESPECT LIFE GROUP
We are a pro-life parish, dedicated to respect for life from conception to natural death. Our parish RESPECT LIFE GROUP works closely in conjunction with the Erie Catholic Diocese, especially during the month of October — Respect Life Month, by making pro-life educational materials available to all of our parishioners. In addition, we work closely with “People For Life,” a local, all-volunteer, non-profit, nonsectarian, and non-partisan organization committed to the intrinsic value of human life. Many of our parishioners are active volunteers in the group, and our Mother’s Day Carnation Sale is always a huge fund-raiser for this organization.
TUESDAY’S TEA
TUESDAY’S TEA is a group of women who meet the second Tuesday of each month, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, in the Community Center. The group is open to ALL women. The meeting begins with praise and worship and prayer and continues with fellowship while we sip our tea. During fellowship time, we may have women speak on subjects from "Personal Journey" to "Thanksgiving" to Advent and Lenten sharing of personal traditions. The sky’s the limit! Childcare is available with a very excited and caring grandma and some helpers.