The Adult Formation Ministry promotes learning and spiritual development for adults of the parish to deepen appreciation for the Catholic faith and inspire greater participation. The ministry coordinates a wide range of opportunities including: Bible studies, lecture-style presentations, small faith-sharing groups, providing resources for personal study, and other activities of interest. Saint Mary will continue to develop the ministry, with a commitment to life-long intergenerational learning, to bring people closer to God. Scroll below to explore activities and resources.
Ministry Contact
Grant Bright gbright@stmota.org.
Women's Bible Study - Walking with Purpose
Opening Your Heart – Bible Study Beginning Fall of 2026
Go on an exciting journey closer to the heart of God, form a personal relationship with Christ, and find answers to life’s biggest questions through the context of the Catholic faith. Opening Your Heart is an incredibly effective guide to deep, lasting transformation of the heart. This is the foundational study for Walking With Purpose. All women are welcome regardless of previous Bible study experience.
Join to explore these core questions to experience all that God has for us:
- How can I conquer my fears?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in my life?
- What does the Eucharist have to do with my friendship with Christ?
- What are the limits of Christ’s forgiveness?
- Why and how should I pray?
- What is the role of suffering in my life?
- What challenges will I face in my efforts to follow Jesus more closely?
Two weekly sessions will be offered:
September 15, 2026 – December 1, 2026 and continued January 5, 2027 – March 16, 2027
Tuesday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. or Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
We highly value each week together, but we understand that life happens. Please attend as you are able, even if you have to miss a week! No session will take place Thanksgiving week – find full session calendar using button on the left.
Registration fee is $50/person and includes the book and all study materials for the entire series.
Click button below to register.
Foundations of Faith: A Journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Foundations of Faith: A Journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Discover the heart and soul of your Catholic beliefs with Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This video-based program offers a comprehensive exploration of the Catechism, unpacking its rich theological insights and helping you apply them to your everyday life.
Learn from some of the most renowned Catholic educators of our time, including the following:
• Dr. Edward Sri
• Jeff Cavins
• Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio
• Fr. Mike Schmitz
This 10 Week Session begins Mon., September 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. in St. Mary Meeting Room 3.
Activities and Personal Study
St. Mary Women's Retreat
Join the women of St. Mary October 23-25, 2026 at the beautiful Siena Center in Racine WI for a much needed time of reflection, prayer and relaxation. This year’s theme is, The Heroic Quest. Click the button below to read more or to register.
Open Wide Our Hearts
Racism still very much exists in our institutions and communities, causing great hardship and division. In the pastoral letter Open Wide Our Hearts the US bishops invite all people of faith to open their hearts to Christ’s love for all people and work toward real and lasting change in our community and in our world. Click below to more read more..
Retreats at Bellarmine Retreat House
A weekend retreat at Bellarmine is a special time to invite silence into your soul and to rest in quiet communion with God. A variety of retreat options are available for men, women and teens. Click the button below to visit the Bellarmine retreat house website for retreat dates and more information.
Year Round Bible Study Options
Bible Study options are available at St. Mary for both group and individual study. If you would like to join the Bible Study Committee to help plan the next group study at the parish, please email the Adult Formation Coordinator.
Social Encyclical: Fratelli Tutti
In October, Pope Francis released his third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. In it, he says fraternity and social friendship are the means to build a better, more just and peaceful world, with the contribution of all: people and institutions. Click button below to read Vatican Media’s short summary of the new encyclical.
Lectio Divina Bible Study
Lectio Divina is a method of prayer, scriptural reading and meditation intended to promote communion with God. Participants prepare for each session by reading the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday. Virtual sessions going on now!
Suggested Resources
Bible in a Year
Click on the image above to sign up for podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Word on Fire
Founded by Bishop Robert Barron. Click on the image above for many useful resources.
Busted Halo
Faith Shared Joyfully!! Check out Busted Halo to find articles and many engaging resources.