ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
· FAMILIA – (Stands for Family life in America) – This is a group that reaches out to mothers/wives and fathers/husbands to help build up families and enrich their familial relationships with the teachings of the Church/practical tools/aids. This year we did not have enough men to begin a husbands/fathers group. However, beginning a husbands/fathers group is a desire of ours. Currently, we only have a mothers/ wives group that is meeting on Sundays twice a month. For more information about the mothers/wives group please contact Michelle Dickerson at mpdcge@bellsouth.net.
· Separated and Divorced Catholics – This is a support and educational group for individuals coming out of a love relationship, experiencing separation and divorce. This group is designed to help adults experiencing such losses to make the difficult transition from hurting to healing and regain a sense of peace and normalcy in their daily lives. This group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, August through June from 7-9 PM. Contact Carla Fedigan for upcoming sessions and registration information. She can be contacted at clfedigan@gmail.com or in the evenings at 770-656-0377
· G.I.F.T.S. – (Stands for Growing In Faith Together Single) – This is a singles group that meets together for faith enrichment. The group utilizes faith enriching programs that allow for a good amount of discussion/faith sharing. This group meets on Sundays from noon until 1pm. Please contact Patrick Klein at patrick.klein@saintmonicas.com for more information.
· C.S.S. – (Stands for Catholic Scripture Study) – This is a phenomenal Catholic Bible study that incorporates the Bible, the Catechism, quotes from the Saints of the Church, quotes from the Pope, and more into each study! There is a DVD lecture by a priest for each lesson. There is a Thursday evening session as well as a Friday morning session. Studies start in the fall and run throughout the school year. Please contact Patrick Klein for more information (patrick.klein@saintmonicas.com)
· Seekers – A faith-sharing/enrichment group for women 18 and older. This group uses a variety of faith enrichment programs that range from lighter Bible Studies to programs specifically designed for a women’s spiritual growth. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings from 9:45am to 11:45am. Light breakfast foods are served at each gathering. Childcare is offered. Contact Michelle Dickerson for more information (mpdcge@bellsouth.net).
· Adult Confirmation Preparation – For adult members of St. Monica’s parish who have received the sacraments of Baptism and Most Holy Eucharist but have not been confirmed. This short preparation series of 8 or fewer sessions helps adults prepare to receive “the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit” that the sacrament of Confirmation gives (Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 1302). There are two series offered each year (one in the fall and the other in the spring). Current Sacramental preparation classes begin on February 23rd at 7:15pm in Room 14 of the Religious Education Building. If you are interested in registering for these classes, please contact Patrick Klein at 678-584-9947 ext. 12. Confirmation will take place this spring!
· O.C.I.A. – (Stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). This is a process whereby an individual can prepare to become a member of the Catholic Faith. It is also the process whereby a baptized adult who has not received the sacraments of Confirmation and the Most Holy Eucharist prepare to receive these sacraments. One can begin this journey at any point during the year. To obtain more information about registration and a calendar of the sessions, contact Patrick Klein at 678-584-9947 ext. 12. Sessions occur on Sunday mornings starting at 8:30am.
· Why Catholic? – This is a small faith community consisting of no more than 12 people (per group). The group gathers one of its member’s homes or at the Church to study a portion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Each session allots a generous amount of time for faith sharing. Times and days for the gatherings vary depending on the group. Contact Patrick Klein for more information (patrick.klein@saintmonicas.com)
· Financial Peace University – This is a program designed to give individuals financial tools and skills to climb out of debt, save money, and make wise decisions to attain and maintain financial peace. This is about a 3 month series that usually begins around January each year. More information about this program can be found at www.daveramsey.com. Contact Patrick Klein at patrick.klein@saintmonicas.com for registration/calendar details for our next series.
· Returning Catholics – This is a short program specifically designed to help individuals make a journey back to the Catholic Church. Each series contains about 6-10 sessions to reacquaint individuals to the basic teachings of the Church and prepare people to begin participating in the sacraments once again. Series are usually offered on Mondays or Wednesdays. Please contact Patrick Klein (patrick.klein@saintmonicas.com) for information about our next series.
· Young Adult Ministry (YAM) is an opportunity for adults ages 23 through 35 to come together to learn, serve, and socialize. The mission of Y.A.M. is to enable young adults to grow in their faith, in their community, and in their understanding of Catholic Church's teachings through presentations, small group studies, Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and social events. Y.A.M. offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere where young adults can meet. Come join us! Visit www.stmyam.com or contact stmyam@gmail.com for more information.
· Small Faith Communities – Small Faith Communities are small groups of people who come together to study various aspects of our Catholic Faith. Each group usually consists of 8-10 people. Study materials for these groups vary; however, each series usually lasts for 6-8 weeks on average. Meetings often occur in one of the members homes. Groups develop based on interest. If you are interested in starting such a group, please contact Patrick Klein for more information about studies that are available to you (678-584-9947 ext 12).