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.
Ministry Contact
Activities and Events
Open Wide Our Hearts Sessions
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 minds and hearts to Christ’s love for all people and how we can work toward real and lasting change in our community and in our world. Read more about the issues and how to respond by clicking below.
Year of St. Joseph with USML
Pope Francis recently announced that 2021 is the Year of Saint Joseph, honoring the 150th anniversary St. Joseph as the patron of the universal Church. Join USML/Mundelein Seminary for opportunities this year to learn, reflect and pray on the life of Saint Joseph. Click button below to visit the Mundelein Seminiary website for more information.
Retreat Opportunity at Mundelein Seminary
Enjoy the natural beauty of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake campus while engaging in personal spiritual reflection and Catholic devotions on retreat from Friday, May 28 to Sunday, May 30 with Fr. Bradley Zamora. All are welcome. Full details and registration: //www.usml.edu/retreat. Click below for more information or to register.
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
Busted Halo
Faith Shared Joyfully!! Check out the Busted Halo website to find articles, information and many engaging resources.
Catholic Stuff You Should Know
Podcast of lighthearted explorations of prominent and obscure Catholic topics.
Thinking About Becoming Catholic?
Have you or someone you know thought about deepening your relationship with Jesus? Are you searching for a spiritual home and seeking a community in which to worship and get involved? Considering being baptized or being confirmed? Maybe you just have some questions about the Catholic faith. Contact St. Mary to learn more.
