Adult Ministry
This ministry primarily focuses on adult Christian education. One of the fundamental pillars of all St. Catherine ministries is education. “Are we helping our parishioners grow in their knowledge of the Orthodox Christian Faith, and are we helping equip them to be not just hearers, but doers of the word?” (Mt. 7:24; Js. 1:22) Growing in our faith should be a constant activity until our last breath. Jesus’ first commandment upon starting His public ministry was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” This command to repent was in the continuous present tense, showing that our Lord wants us to be life-long learners who keep reading and studying. In this spirit, St. Catherine seeks to further the Christian education of all adults who consider themselves to be a part of the St. Catherine Family by offering the below ministries.
Agape Senior Circle
The Agape Circle gathers our seniors once a month from September through May, in order to have fellowship, deepen friendships and support one another in a group setting. The group chooses a Feast day during the month to celebrate Divine Liturgy, share a meal, and have a discussion with our Clergy. Orthros is scheduled at 9am and Divine Liturgy at 10am. The group also may schedule special gatherings to play games, watch movies, or take day trips. We are always looking for new members and welcome both existing and new members to contribute their suggestions for activities.
Bookstore
The bookstore ministry is committed to equip and educate our parishioners and others in the Orthodox faith and life with resources and support in an atmosphere of hospitality and encouragement. Our core values as a ministry are: love, respect, support, education, wisdom, and outreach.
Introduction to Orthodoxy
Each year, St. Catherine offers an introductory educational series aimed at helping people to learn about the Orthodox Christian Faith, Church and practices. The series begins in the Fall and continues into Great Lent. The entire series consists of 13 presentations with discussion and a Lenten Retreat. Each class takes place on Saturdays from 5pm to 7:30pm. The class begins with Great Vespers at 5pm followed by the presentation/discussion. This Intro. to Orthodoxy series is open to all guests and members of St. Catherine. It serves as an adult Orthodox Catechism for all, as well as a part of the preparation for those who wish to become an Orthodox Christian through either holy baptism and/or holy chrismation.
Men’s Group & Book Study
This is a ministry for men who gather on Tuesday morning from 7am-8am for a book study, spiritual fellowship, to deepen friendships, and to support one another through learning, prayer, and other activities like fishing, retreats and service projects. Any man 18 years and older can join at any time. You do not need to come in at the beginning of a book study.
Parish Bible Study
This is a ministry open to all our Parishioners. We gather every Tuesday morning from 10am -11am to read the life of a Saint, a book study, and Bible Study. Our goal is to better learn our Faith and apply it to our everyday life. We also seek spiritual fellowship to establish and deepen friendships and support one another. Anyone may join at any time.
Young Marrieds
This is a ministry dedicated to the Young Married Couples of our parish. In our contemporary American society, many young married couples live apart from their extended families due to jobs, increased mobility and other factors. The local church community can therefore provide much needed support to these couples. This support can take the form of help with marriage, child-raising, social networking, faith-application questions, fellowship and support. This ministry meets monthly for a book study, potluck dinner, and fellowship. This ministry also sponsors an annual retreat on a specific theme helpful to the group. Any married couple between the ages of 18 and 50 may participate at any time.