Lord, how good it is for us to be here -- Matthew 17

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Adult Formation

The parish communities of Transfiguration and St. Catherine offer a shared menu of opportunities for adults to grow in faith, no matter where you are on your journey.  

 

Getting started in faith or looking to brush up on the basics? 

  • Order of Christian Initiation for Adults:  If you have never been baptized, been baptized Christian in another denomination, or been baptized Roman Catholic but never received First Eucharist or Confirmation, you are a candidate for the OCIA program.  AND, if you are already a fully initiated Catholic but would like the chance to explore our Catholic beliefs more deeply alongside those who are preparing to be initiated, you are welcome to participate too!  Sessions begin in the fall, and candidates are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.  Contact Deacon Eric Bessette for more info. 

  • Alpha: Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith.  Each session includes dinner, a video talk exploring a different faith question, and conversation in small groups.  If you are looking to ask the big questions in a non-judgmental and supportive community, Alpha is for you!  Coming Spring of 2025!  Alpha will run on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm from March 12 to May 21.   There are plans to provide child care on site for those who need it.  To register - click HERE!  If you are able to help - with meal preparation, hospitality or by leading group discussions, please contact Anne Gallagher.

 

Interested in exploring your faith at home on your own time? 

 

  • Franciscan at Home: Our parishes are offering FREE unlimited access to this library of online enrichment workshops.  Follow the link below to create your account; then you can begin learning using one of the suggested tracks or explore on your own. https://franciscanathome.com/diocese-rochester 

 

Looking for a place to have faith conversations or to learn more about faith topics of interest to you? 

  • Women in the Spirit: gathers monthly, usually on the first Wednesday, to learn more about sharing our faith.  We listen to experts share their insights, we explore our sense of spirituality amongst us, and we work in community with each other.   All women and their guests are welcome! 

 

  • Men in the Spirit: gathers monthly, usually on the third Monday, for fellowship, light supper, presentation, reflection, and evening prayer – time to feed our spiritual life and renew friendships.  All men are welcome! 

 

  • Women’s Bible Study:  typically offered in the fall and in the spring.  Join a community of women to dive more deeply into Scripture with prayerful study and lively discussion.   There is a winter 2025 Women's Bible Study session already underway.

Please consider joining women from both parishes in an 8 week journey of discovering the Holy Spirit!   This study is based on a book by internationally recognized Anne Graham Lotz (daughter of Billy Graham) as she encourages us to experience the Holy Spirit as a constant companion. The program will be offered on Tuesdays from 12:30-2 pm, and Thursdays from 7 –8:30 pm, beginning January 14/16 and concluding on March 4/6.  We also will offer a remote group if there is sufficient interest, to be scheduled once participant availability is known. The registration deadline was January 6, so on line registration has concluded.  Questions?  Email Mary Jo Brandt at mjbrandt6@gmail.com or Kathy Kyhos at kkyhos@frontiernet.net

  • JustFaith:  A study and discussion program that dives deep into the social justice issues facing our world today.  I the 2024-2025 liturgical year we are offering three sessions.  Contact Joy Morris at joyemorris@yahoo.com  or (585) 317-9868. for more info. 
    • Fall:  Migration: Faith and Immigration Justice - session completed
    • Winter: Civil Dialogue: Want to Talk?  Communication Skills for Divided Times - UNFORTUNATELY CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT
    • Spring: Preventing Gun Violence: From Rhetoric to Real Solutions 

      • Winter Session: Do you want to learn how to navigate disagreement in a healthier way?
        Want to Talk? Communication Tools for Divided Times         is an eight-session small group program in the Just Faith series that guides you in deepening your relationships while staying true to your values. This program draws upon the wisdom of experts in nonviolent communication, civil dialogue, and grassroots organizing. It provides practical tools for navigating these difficult times as well as having tough conversations with our loved ones.          For information about the program, click here to access the JustFaith Ministries website: https://justfaith.org/programs/series/civil-dialogue/

         Click HERE for the registration form.  Sessions will be held at Transfiguration in the Parish Life Center on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon starting on Tuesday, March 4. (Dates are March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, and 22). The fee is $35 per person, and two books will need to be ordered. Checks for $35 should be made payable to Church of the Transfiguration and mailed to Margie Benza, 50 West Bloomfield Road, Pittsford, NY 14534.  Please submit your registration before February 24.

         

  • Speakers Series: Learn more about our rich faith tradition by spending several weeks reflecting on a theological topic.  Coming this Lent - Sr. Barbara Moore at St Catherine and Joe Kelly at Transfiguration.  More details will be available on the Lent and Easter page.

 

  • Young Adult Ministry: We’ve recently started a faith-sharing group for young adults in their 20s and 30s.  We come together for fellowship, food, and fun.  Contact Anne Gallagher for more info. 

 

  • Franciscan Spirituality Group: gathers monthly on the second Sunday to discuss the writings and daily meditations of Franciscan Fr.  Richard Rohr OFM. Contact John and Pam Notebaert for more information (585-259-1175, psnotebaert@gmail.com ) 

 

  • Interested in starting a faith-sharing small group? We are hoping to grow small groups in our parishes!  If you have an idea for a small group or would like to be involved in building this ministry, contact Anne Gallagher. 

 

Ready to go deeper with God and take your faith to the next level? 

  • Spiritual Exercises: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola consist of guided prayer experiences intended to help retreatants grow closer to Christ and develop the spiritual freedom needed to serve God. We've offered the Spiritual Exercises annually to parishioners for nearly 20 years. Those making the retreat commit to daily prayer, regular meetings with a spiritual director, and group sessions for teaching and sharing. The Spiritual Exercises have deepened the prayer lives and been a source of healing for many at Transfiguration and St. Catherine's. Our cohort for 2024-25 is now full, and we are taking inquiries for the 2025-26 group. Contact Bob Muhlnickel at rlmuhlnickel@gmail.com. 

 

  • Parish Retreat Opportunities: We periodically offer special days of retreat for prayer and reflection. 

 

  • Retreats at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua: We are blessed to have a beautiful resource for spiritual renewal in our diocese!  Notre Dame offers a wide menu of weekend and day retreats throughout the year.  Explore their offerings here: https://notredameretreat.org/