Our ministry covers RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (and children), CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish), Bible Study, Sitio, Generations of Faith, Small Faith Groups, parish missions and retreats, and numerous speakers and workshops offered throught the year. For more information on any of these ministries, click on the link below, or call the Parish Office.
Speakers & Workshops............Jerry Barney, 777-6433, ext. 121
Sitio "I Thirst"...........................Fr. Mark Burger, 777-6433, ext. 120
CRHP.......................................Scott Steinke, 777-6433, ext. 115
Generations of Faith.................Kathy Guenther, 755-4974
Sitio "I Thirst"
Coming in 2008, is a spiritual reflection series offered by Fr. Mark Burger, Pastor of St. John Church. Date, time, location TBA
Christ Renews His Parish
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is an effective spiritual renewal process which calls together the members of the parish in order to experience personal conversion and Christian community in the environment of our own parish. It is a personal rebirth and parish revitalization. There is a renewal weekend for women and for men. For more information please contact Scott Steinke at 777-6433, ext. 115.
RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a formation process that affords participants the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. Primarily it is designed to help non-Catholic adults discern whether or not the Lord is calling them to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. If they choose to become a Catholic, they will be initiated at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 15, 2006. The process is also helpful for adult Catholics wishing to grow in their own Catholic faith. If interested or if you have questions, please contact Jerry Barney at 777-6433, ext. 121.
Small Faith Sharing Groups
Small faith groups meet periodically in the intimate setting of a parishioner's home. The frequency of meetings is determined by each group. Various resources are used to enable the participants to share their faith journeys with each other. If interested or for further information, please contact Jerry Barney at 777-6433 ext. 121 or Steve Shank at 779-8640.
Generations of Faith
GOF is a creative approach to parish faith formation. Check back soon for upcoming dates for the 2007-2008 liturgical year. For more information please contact Kathy Guenther at 755-4974.
Bible Study Registration
Contact Jerry Barney at 777-6433, ext. 121 for more information.Part I... Cancelled due to weather
Part II... St. Maximillian Kolbe, 7-8:30 PM, Thursday, February 28
Part II... St. Susanna, 7-8:30 PM, Thursday, March 6
Each night stands on its own, so it's worthwhile to attend even if you missed one evening.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (and children) is a formation process that affords participants the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. Primarily it is designed for non-Catholic adults to help them discern whether or not the Lord is calling them to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. If they choose to become a Catholic, they will be initiated at the Easter Vigil Mass. The process is also helpful for adult Catholics wishing to grow in their own Catholic faith.
Starting in September, meetings will be held in the Day Chapel from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM almost every Thursday evening until shortly after Easter.
If interested or if you have questions, please call Jerry Barney at 777-6433, ext. 21.
Small Faith Sharing Groups
Small groups meet periodically in the intimate setting of a parishioner’s home. The frequency of meetings is determined by each group. Various resources are used to enable the participants to share their faith journeys with each other. If interested or for further information, please contact Steve Shank at 779-8640 or Jerry Barney at 777-6433, ext. 121.
(St. Susanna & St. Max events also listed to offer you even more opportunities!)
Marriage Retreat
Part I, Friday October 5 & Part II, Saturday, October 6
Location: St. John Hall (our former church)
Parishioners Mike and Ginny Hughes, will offer a reflection on marriage Friday evening, October 5 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. They have been happily married for 17 years and have two children: David and Caroline. A wine and cheese party will follow immediately after. The next day, Saturday, October 6, the retreat will continue under the guidance of Mary Cummins - Wlodarski from 9:00 - 4:30 p.m. (a continental breakfast, and lunch will be provided). Mary will discuss "You Complete Me: How to Turn Opposites into Attraction". Mary is the Pastoral Associate for Holy Trinity parish in Dayton. She and her husband Wayne have been married over 30 years and have three children. A $10.00 voluntary donation per couple is requested to cover the costs of food/speaker. If you wish to attend, please register by calling Jerry Barney at 777-6433, x 121 no later then October 1.
"Tips for Care-giving, & Care for the Care-givers"
Monday, October 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: St. John Chapel
More than 40 million Americans are helping to care for a sick or elderly loved one. If you're one of them, you should know about the Family Care giving Program, designed by the American Red Cross. This program will be presented on Monday, October 1st by Kim Lanzarotta, LPN, and St. John parishioner. Kim has 22 years nursing experience, and would like to help those who find themselves in a care giving situation. This program is designed to minimize stress, and balance work and home responsibilities.
Women's Morning of Reflection:
"Breakfast with Julian of Norwich"
Saturday, October 13, 9:00 am
Location: Meyer Center, St. Susanna Parish
Join other women for a light breakfast fellowship and the opportunity to reflect on the spirituality of Dame Julian of Norwich. A portrayal of the 14th century anchoress will help her writings come alive as we learn how to stay grounded in God's merciful love amidst life's challenges. Register at 398-3821, x 3106
W.O.W. (Women of the Word)
Fridays, October 19, 2007
6:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Taste & See the Goodness of the Lord! We would like to invite all the women of St. John's and our neighboring faith communities, to join us for an evening of FOOD, FAITH and FELLOWSHIP (Let's rephrase - SISTERHOOD). Our evening begins with a light dinner; followed by some amazing ladies sharing their "not to be missed" wit, wisdom and faith journey; add in the Word of God, some prayers, songs and dessert; and you have an evening in which God could possibly change you for a lifetime. We would like to especially encourage those of you, who's busy schedule do not allow you time for an ongoing or long term commitment, to share just one evening with us as we all take one step closer to the Lord. Check upcoming St. John's bulletins for more details and RSVP information! If you would like more information or if you would like to be a part of the Giving Team for this event, please feel free to contact Jo Koch at 759-5093 or mojokoch@fuse.net.
"Christian Morality"
Mondays, Wednesdays October 8,10,15,17
7-9:45 pm
Room 37, St. Susanna Education Center
This course considers how God has revealed in Jesus who we are and how we are to live. Participants will look at specific moral dilemmas and develop examples of responses in light of insights gained during the course. Deacon Jerry Barney will present this course, which can be used toward catechist certification. Register at 3983821, x 3106
"A Course of Discipleship"
Tuesdays October 2, 16, 30, Nov 13, 27
9:30 - 11:00 am
Hospitality Room, St. Susanna Church
This series is designed to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Chris Kreger, pastoral associate at St. Susanna, will facilitate this course which uses reading, prayer and shared discussion to help participants determine where they are called to develop further in their faith and how to put their faith into daily practice. Register at 398-3821, x 3106
"Catholic Essentials"
Thursdays Nov 15, Jan 17, Feb 21, May 15
7:00 pm
Meyer Center, St. Susanna Parish
Join us as local speakers present on some of the basic areas of our Catholic faith - Jesus, the Church, the Eucharist and more. Topics and speakers TBA on the adult faith formation portion of our website www.stsusanna.org. These talks are appropriate for high school age and above and are great opportunities for parent/teen or friend-to-friend discussion.
"Church History: From Jesus to Constantine"
Monday, November 5, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: St. John Day Chapel
The early church was an exciting, small community of Jesus' disciples. And it went on a fascinating journey as it became an ecclesial institution with structure, rules, and a hierarchical form of leadership. Explore ancient times with our speaker - Fr. Bob Farrell, Pastor of St. Bartholomew parish, and an instructor of "Church History" for the Archdiocese.
"Show ‘N' Tell Mass"
Monday, November 12, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: St. John Day Chapel
Have you ever wondered why the Presider places a small piece of the Host into the chalice during the communion rite at mass? Are you puzzled by some of the symbols or rituals used in our Eucharistic liturgy? Deacon Jerry Barney will answer your questions during a Show N Tell Mass.
Always engaging and interesting, Jerry will role -play a mass adding commentary to explain the meaning of symbols and rituals used. No matter how long you've been attending mass, there is something you will learn. Enhance your weekly church experience with a deeper understanding of the significance and history of our service.
Advent Retreat "Home for Christmas: Making Your Heart a Home This Christmas"
Mondays: December 3, 10, & 17, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: St. John Church
Fr. Mark Burger, beloved Pastor of St. John Church, will offer a series of reflections sure to make every participant's experience of Advent a more prayerful and meaningful.
National Issues Forum: "Immigration"
Monday, January 14, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: St. John Chapel
Dave Riley, Director of the Dayton Archdiocesan Evangelization and Catechesis Office has an M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, and is presently a candidate for a Master's degree in Counseling. He will discuss the issue of "Immigration" from a Catholic perspective.
"Living in the Word: An Introduction to Praying the Scriptures"
Saturdays: January: 12, 19 (off 26), February: 2, 9, 16, 23, March. 1, 8, 15, 22 (off 29), & April. 5, from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Location: St. John Hall
Fr. Mark Burger, Pastor of St. John Church, will help participants learn some methods of praying with the Word of God. The purpose of these sessions is to help participants delve deeper into God's presence in their daily lives as they walk with God through the Scriptures. In the course of 11 one hour sessions and some take home materials, participants will "pray their way" through the Bible to deepen their own spiritual growth.
"The Secret: A Catholic Perspective"
Monday, February 4
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: St. John Hall (our former church)
The Secret is a controversial best seller book/DVD. It informs the reader/viewer of a "secret" to help adherents come to a fuller and more meaningful life. This book/DVD will be critiqued from a Catholic theological perspective. Our speaker is Dr. Bill Johnston. He is a professor in the Religious Studies department of the University of Dayton.
Walking in Lent
February 11,12, With Fr. Phil Seher
7:00 pm
Location: St Susanna Church
Fr. Phil Seher will present this Lenten mission experience. Fr. Seher is an experienced preacher who has ministered throughout the Cincinnati Archdiocese.
"St. Valentine Dinner/Speaker Party"
Saturday, Feb 16, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: St. John Hall (our former church)
Strike just the right cord with your spouse or fiancé when you attend this dinner party for St. Valentine's Day. Following a catered meal, you will hear a light hearted reflection on marriage. Al Cuchetti will be our guest speaker. Al has been married to his wife Cathy for 36 years. They have 7 children and 10 grandchildren. He is the Director of the Jesuit Retreat Center in Milford.
The cost for the dinner and the speaker is just $15.00 per couple. Please bring a bottle of wine for your table, if you wish. Because the dinner is catered, pre-registration is a must. Call Jerry Barney at 777-6433, x 121 no later then February 11 if you plan to attend.
3 Part - Lent Retreat
Thursdays, 2/21, 2/28, & 3/6 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.:
The Pastors of St. Max, St. John, and St. Susanna will together offer participants a spiritual reflection sure to make Lent a more prayerful and meaningful season. Each parish will take a turn hosting the event: 2/21 at St. John, 2/28 at St. Max, and 3/6 at St. Susanna
"The Teachings of Vatican II"
Monday, April 7, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: St. John Day Chapel
Fr. Jack Wessling, is a religion teacher for Ursuline Academy. He is a former seminary professor, pastor, and holds a Doctorate in Theology. Fr. Jack also occasionally presides at St. John's Sunday liturgy. He will give a summary overview of the teachings of Vatican II.
W.O.W. (Women of the Word)
April 11, 2008
6:00 - 100:00 p.m.
Location: Saint John Hall (our former church)
Taste & See the Goodness of the Lord! We would like to invite all the women of St. John's and our neighboring faith communities, to join us for an evening of FOOD, FAITH and FELLOWSHIP (Let's rephrase - SISTERHOOD). Our evening begins with a light dinner; followed by some amazing ladies sharing their "not to be missed" wit, wisdom and faith journey; add in the Word of God, some prayers, songs and dessert; and you have an evening in which God could possibly change you for a lifetime. We would like to especially encourage those of you, who's busy schedule do not allow you time for an ongoing or long term commitment, to share just one evening with us as we all take one step closer to the Lord. Check upcoming St. John's bulletins for more details and RSVP information! If you would like more information or if you would like to be a part of the Giving Team for this event, please feel free to contact Jo Koch at 759-5093 or mojokoch@fuse.net.
"Catholic Identity"
Thursday April 24
6-8:45 pm
Location: Room 37 St. Susanna Education Center
Claire Tenhundfeld, staff member for the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, will present this evening which considers how we pass on the basics of our faith in a classroom setting. This session can serve as toward requirements for Catechist certification. Register at 398-3821, x 3106
"Strengthening Your Marriage"
Monday, May 12, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
Location: St. John Day Chapel
Marriage and Family therapist Tony Fryer, LMFT will be our presenter. He has been married for 12 years and has two children. Tony will offer practical advice on how to keep a marriage happy and healthy.
"Sitio" - Coming in 2008, is a spiritual reflection series offered by Fr. Mark Burger, Pastor of St. John Church. Date, time, location TBA
Special thanks to our parish Adult Education Committee that helped to generate many of the ideas given in this schedule:Jane Mueninghoff, Nilda Goheen, Laura Hoppa, Dan Evans, Joe Weinle, and Jerry Barney.