I prayed for faith and thought that some day faith would come down and strike me like lightning. But faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." I had (up to this time) closed my Bible and prayed for faith. I now opened my Bible and began to study, and faith has been growing ever since.

~ Dwight L. Moody, as obtained from the St. Charles Borromeo website

Adult Scripture Study

"Catechesis takes the form of a process or a journey of following the Christ of the Gospel in the Spirit towards the Father"~General Directory for Catechesis #143

Weekly Scripture Reflection Adult Scripture study takes place every Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM in Room B. This study is lectionary-based; each session focuses on the readings for the coming Sunday. No registration is necessary.

As Catholics, we study the Bible to foster...

• A fuller understanding of Scripture
• A richer appreciation of the faith tradition of the Church
• A deeper, more personal relationship with God
• A stronger sense of family faith and prayer
• And a fuller experience of Christian Community

Little Rock Scripture Study

This adult Scripture study combines personal Bible reading and study, small group faith sharing, video lecture, and prayer in an informal setting. It generally focuses on a specific book of the Bible, so participants may choose the areas of interest and times that are convenient for them. Registration is necessary for each individual topic, and there is a small fee to cover the cost of the participant's book.

ISRAEL'S STORY (PART TWO)
An Overview of the Old Testament
Sessions starting September morning or evenings

An 8-week video-study-discussion series that explores Old Testament history and theology from the kingdom of David and the covenant call of the prophets, to the grief of the Babylonian exile and the influence of Alexander and the Greek culture. Discover how Israel's story gives birth to our Christian story as well.

• Choose morning or evening sessions:
  • Mondays, September 15 - November 3, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
  • Wednesdays, September 17 - November 5, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
• Pre-Registration at St. Blase Parish Office is required
• Full commentary and Study Guide cost $18

PAUL'S CAPTIVITY LETTERS

• Choose morning or evening sessions:
  • Mondays - January 12, 26, February 2-23, March 2-16 at 10:00 am
  • Wednesdays - January 14, 28, February 4-18, March 4-25 at 7:00 pm

CAFÉ: CATHOLIC ADULT FORMATION AND EDUCATION

Look for this sign designating the St. Blase Adult Speaker Series!

Adult Formation Series 2008-2009
Monday Nights at 7:00 pm (unless noted)

• October 26 - Guiding Principals: Catholic Education and the Election
  by Rev. Dr. Randy Phillips & Dr. Mary Dumm
  What should we pray about before we vote?
  co-sponsored with our Justice & Peace Commitee
  
• November 11 at 6:30 pm - Saints & Our New Adult Catechism
  by John Lajiness
  
• January 26 - Faith & the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  by Rev. Dr. Randy Phillips, co-sponsored with our Justice & Peace Commitee
  
• February 23 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders: Priesthood
  As we celebrate Fr. Randy's 25th anniversary, come see his ordination tape and discuss the meaning of priesthood
  
• March 23 - Instructional Liturgy: The Sacred Triduum
  We will participate in and discuss the symbols of our most holy celebrations. Make it a part of your Lent this year.
  
• April 27 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders: Bishops
  by Bishop Daniel Flores
  
• May 11 - Coffee, Tea & Theology
  by Rev. Dr. Randy Phillips & Dr. Mary Dumm & friends, an open mic night about Catholic Theology and practice
  

Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Consolation Shrine, in Carey, Ohio

The venerable image of Our Lady of Consolation has called and blessed so many who have come to visit and pray in this holy place. Is she calling you? Join in special pilgrim devotions mass, rosary, benediction, stations of the cross in the Shrine Park and prayers for healing with the relic of the cross of Christ. This is a faith-filled spiritual day of prayer, peace and blessings. Date: to be announced Time: Bus boarding at 6:15 a.m. will leave St. Blase parking lot promptly at 7:00 AM and return to St. Blase at 7:00 PM Cost: $25 (bus fee)

Historic Bus Tour

Date: to be announced

 

Catholic Update

Want to keep on learning and growing in faith? Join us at 7:00 PM on Monday evenings for a new Catholic Update Series: no events scheduled at this time

Over the years, those who have attended the Catholic Update series have had program suggestions pointing to questions you have about our Catholic faith. Yes, even as adults, we feel the need to keep questioning and reinforcing what our beliefs truly are, and who Jesus really is, and how our responses define us as adult followers of Christ. Isn't it a wonderful testimony to modern pilgrims that we continue to search for new growth and deeper conversion into the mystery of faith? The catechesis of our early years doesn't really end but serves as a springboard from which we become seekers of the larger truth of our relationship with God and with one another as maturing and evolving members of our Church and the world community.

This enrichment series is offered once a month to provide adults with opportunities to deepen their faith through prayer, study, reflection, and interaction with others adults in our faith community. Sessions are focused on a variety of topics, such as art and faith, grief and loss, spirituality, ethics, and Church history. No registration is necessary, so adults may participate when a topic is of interest.

Also of interest - The Catholic Update Newsletter

Blazing Hot Topics!

Watch for Blazing Hot Topics on
Sundays, 11:15 - 11:45 AM throughout the year!

Catechist Formation Topics

The response to the call to be a catechist includes a willingness to give time and talent not only to catechizing others, but also to one's own continued growth in faith, understanding, and skills. Cathechist formation topics provide the catechist with the basic foundation for ministry through the study of topics in the areas of Scripture, theology, sacraments, and learning methodology.

Catechist certification topics are offered at St. Blase during the month of January and at various times through the Vicariate. These opportunities for formation and education are not just limited to catechists; all adults are welcome!

More information about upcoming workshops can be found on the Catechist's Corner Page....

Parish Library

The parish library is just one of the wonderful resources that St. Blase offers its parishioners as they continue their journey of faith. Books on Christianity, Catholicism and Spirituality, just to name a few, are available to help guide you as your grow into your relationship with God.

The parish library has many books, periodicals, and videos available for checkout and use by adults and children. They cover a wide range of topics, such as:

The library is open weekly during regular office hours, and before and after all Masses.

• Please leave a phone number when checking out books.
• Books may be checked out for 6 weeks.

Bi-Annual Women's and Men's Breakfasts

These events provide adults with a morning of fellowship, song and prayer featuring a special guest speaker who addresses issues faced by adult Christian men and women. Each event includes a catered breakfast. Tickets are sold 2-3 weeks before the event. Men's Friendship Breakfast: Women's Friendship Breakfast:

Young Adults of St. Blase

Goals: To strengthen young adults' relationship with Jesus To strengthen young adults' relationship with the Church To connect young adults with the Mission of the Church and World To connect young adults with a peer community

The Young Adults of St. Blase are a diverse group (21-35 years old) involved in a variety of ministries in the parish. A common interest among the Young Adults is their quest for knowledge, especially the understanding of their faith, in the context of today's world. As a result, Young Adults' activities have involved Scripture studies and topical discussion. We welcome future opportunities to sponsor speakers on various theological or social justice issues.

THEOLOGY ON TAP Hosted by Young Adults of Saint Blase and Emmaus Ministries of Macomb County, this is a very exciting opportunity for young adults (18 -35) of the parish to delve into the richness of our faith in a casual and friendly environment. Please see the schedule below and by all means bring a friend or two. For further information contact Joe Wilseck through the parish office or Monica Reicks by email.

September 11: Just War & Pacifism & The Legacy of 9/11
Presented by Michael Hovey (Director of Catholic Social Teaching, Archdiocese of Detroit)

September 25: Sex & Violence in the Bible - The Stories We Never Told You
Presented by Dr. Mary Dumm (Pastoral Associate, St. Blase Catholic Community)

October 9: Can I Disagree and Still Be Catholic? - The Teaching Role of the Magisterium
Presented by Rev. Dr. Randall Phillips (Pastor, St. Blase Catholic Community)

October 23: Me & My Dead Friends - Saints, Heroes, Martyrs & More
Presented by John Lajiness (Asst. Dean Institute for Ministry, Sacred Heart Major Seminary)

for more events see the Emmaus Ministries

*Roger's Roost requires proper ID to serve alcohol to those over 21!

Summer Circle Adult Series

Summer Circle isn't just for kids! Adults can learn about God's love too, only on their own level. Come and enjoy daily topics. The sessions are designed so you can still participate in the spectacular opening and closing sessions in Church with the children. Each day a different speaker will give their insights on the daily theme...only on the adult level. Feel free to bring a friend!