Prayer and Spirituality Ministries
Alive in Mystery (AIM)
Contact: Andrea Santer (304) 295-4382
This is a brand-new ministry which provides support for newly professed members of our parish (those who’ve recently become Catholics) by befriending them as they integrate into parish life. AIM meets on a regular basis for the purpose of faith sharing, scripture study and prayer. AIM meetings stress growth in understanding of the rich heritage of the Catholic faith, such as the sacraments, lives of the saints, different prayer forms, teachings of the church, etc.
 
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)
Contact: Mary Smith (304) 422-6836
A weekend of spiritual refreshment begins the process we call "Christ Renews." Scripture - prayer - shared reflection on how God has worked in our lives - liturgy - singing - laughter - all these are elements of the weekend retreat experience. A team of men/women present the two-day program for a group of men/women. Those who receive the retreat weekend, form a team that meets to grow in faith and prepare to present the retreat to a new group.

The whole process - from receiving the Christ Renews experience, to sharing this great gift with another group - brings stronger and deeper faith and understanding, energized prayer life, joy, and warm bonds with other parish members. All parish members are encouraged to participate.

No further weekends are scheduled at this time.
 
Small Basic Christian Communities
Contact: Deacon John Maher (304) 428-1262
Friendship, support, reflection on Scripture, deepening of faith, and prayer - that's what a Small Basic Community can offer you. There are several groups now active, and new groups are formed whenever enough people show interest. These groups are informal and usually meet in members' homes. Meetings are scheduled in the evenings or during the day, either weekly, bi-weekly, or whenever everyone can be present. Participating in a group can give you much encouragement and growth in your faith life!

There are currently none of these groups that are forming or adding members
 
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Contact: Mary Ellen Maybury (304) 485-3055
This is a lively group that seeks to study the Bible for greater understanding and application to daily life. They study one book of the Bible at a time, using Catholic Scripture guides. Some members contribute to discussions with insights from various Biblical commentaries and with personal reflections, while others prefer to simply listen and learn. Meetings are every Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30 in the conference room of the Parish Activity Center. New members are always welcome!
Sr. Rose Ann Study Group
Contact: Ruth Meyers (304) 428-7457
This group meets weekly to discuss books that call them to examine their faith and make it deeper! They've read studies on prayer and on Scripture and authors such as C.S. Lewis and Catherine Marshall. The members of this group provide great support for each other and their families, through prayer, listening and discussion. They're always looking for new people - call the Contact Person for time and location of the next meeting.
 
Prayer Support Team
Contact: Clarice Dunphy (304) 485-1807
Christ encourages us to pray for one another. It is in this spirit that the Prayer Support Team was formed. The team is composed of those who pray daily for the general needs of the parish, as well as for urgent needs called in by parishioners. The coordinators relay these called-in petitions to team members, who pass them from one to another by phone, until all available team members receive the prayer request.

If you know of an urgent need for prayer, please don't hesitate to call one of the team coordinators. You can also become part of the team - here's a chance to provide important help for others without making a time commitment! You'll pray in your own home, in your own way, on your own time. Just call a Prayer Team Coordinator and ask to be part of this ministry. Normally, team members are called between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., but emergency requests are relayed at once.
Praying for our Children
Contact: Ruth Meyers (304) 428-7457
Most people seem to agree that the youth of today face many challenges. If you would like to help youth by praying with others to intercede for your own children and/or the youth of our parish, community, and world, come to the church on Tuesday evenings at 7:00. You'll find opportunities to learn how to pray more effectively, and to realize the power of communal prayer for vital concerns.
 
Centering Prayer Group
Contact: Sr. Molly Bauer (304) 424-6080
Centering Prayer is a way of cultivating a relationship with God. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him. The practice of Centering Prayer involves sitting comfortably in silence, ordinarily closing your eyes as a symbol of letting go of what is going on around you and silently introducing into your awareness a sacred symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within. Open to anyone who is interested, this group meets at 1815 Park Avenue, Parkersburg, each Monday morning from 9 - 10 a.m. To learn more about Centering Prayer, look at the Contemplative Outreach website: www.contemplativeoutreach.org
Journeys Young Adult Group
Contact: Russell Rice (304) 420-9064
Journeys is a group welcoming young adults (ages 20 - 40+ - or simply young at heart!) of all faiths and walks of life... married, single, divorced, widowed, with children or without... all are welcome to share faith and fellowship in this fun-loving community of friends. Informal gatherings are typically held weekly, hosted by a different group member each week, and the group frequently enjoys community service events. Meetings are held in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where casual conversations can become serious discussions about faith and life in general. Prayer, worship and being open to God's will in our lives are central to our mission. Come and join us for fellowship, fun, service and prayer on our journeys through life with God and each other.
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