The Faith Formation Ministries offer education on our Catholic Faith and opportunities for spiritual growth and initiation into the Faith, in both formal classroom/small-group settings and in more casual settings such as our Youth and Young Adult groups.
Bible Study
Our Bible Study Ministry holds a Fall and a Spring study yearly, in addition to special study programs. Saint Jerome said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” The Bible is at the heart of our faith and our relationship with God. It is the inspired Word of God, giving us the knowledge for salvation. The Bible covers salvation history from Adam and Eve to the formation and completion of the Church of Christ. The Bible Study Ministry’s call is to impart the knowledge of God’s Word and its application in today’s world.
If interested, please contact:
- Stan Pesotski: 856-625-6609; stanpesotski@aol.com
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place at the 9:30am Mass from September to May. It is a program in which children in grades K-5 learn about the Gospel message in a variety of ways that they can relate to.
If interested, please contact:
- Julie LaRosa: jlarosa@olopp.org
Faith Formation Classes (Religious Education for Public School and Homeschool Children)
Our Faith Formation Program is designed to meet the needs of Our Lady of Peace Parish families with children in the public school systems. Our parish commitment to teach the Good News of Jesus integrates the parish, non-parochial school systems, and home study and homeschool programs.
While sacramental preparation takes place in St. Mary’s School and the Faith Formation program, the celebrations of our sacraments are a combined parish experience. The children from both the School and Faith Formation program are integrated at each celebration of the sacraments. The sacraments are celebrated whenever possible at parish liturgies. The Faith Formation Office also oversees the homeschool and home study programs.
The practices and retreats for First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation are experienced and shared at the parish level. The Liturgical Ministers help prepare each liturgy together with the Priests and Deacons. The Music Ministry joins to help us celebrate each of the liturgies. It is our mission to teach all of our children by sharing with them the experiences of our personal spiritual journey.
FAITH FORMATION CLASSES:
Grades 1 to 8: Thursday, 5:45-7pm
Summer Program: Contact office at 856-629-0614
Home Study: Contact office at 856-629-0614
*Home Study and Homeschool families must contact the Faith Formation office before being accepted into the program.
If interested, please contact:
- Lisa Caso/Paula Fiore: 856-629-0614
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults; formerly RCIA)
This Order reaches out into the community in search of prospective adult candidates for initiation into the Catholic Church. The initiation of candidates takes place in the midst of the community of the faithful. The order of initiation is suited to the spiritual journey of adults, which varies according to the many forms of God’s grace. On this spiritual journey, the candidates are instructed in the faith and mentored by our experienced team.
The best place to start is right among the faith-filled families that already have participating members for partners (for example: a husband or wife and children that are Catholic; a spouse who is non-Catholic but is interested in joining the Church). It is also for any Catholics who have been away from the Church and seek a “refresher” in the Faith.
If interested, please contact:
- Deacon Al LaMonaca: 856-629-6142 ext. 113
OCIT (Order of Christian Initiation for Teens; formerly RCIT)
This Order reaches out to those in high school or college who are looking to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Communion, and/or Confirmation or for those who want to come fully into the Catholic Faith from another faith.
If interested, please contact:
- Lisa Caso: 856-629-0614 ext. 120
Upper 20s & 30s Young Adult Ministry
This ministry is designed to meet the spiritual needs of adults in their upper 20s and 30s and to create a place of Catholic community and fellowship for this age group. We meet on Tuesday nights from 7-8:30pm. We engage in faith and theology discussions, host guest speakers who share their faith experiences and topics of interest, and participate in service projects and outreach programs in collaboration with local organizations.
If interested, please contact:
- Joachim Cendana: 856-629-6142 ext. 127
Vacation Bible School
Held for one week during the summer, our Vacation Bible School program gives children the opportunity to deepen their relationship with and understanding of God through various interactive lessons and activities.
If interested, please contact:
- Julie LaRosa: 856-629-6142; vbs@olopp.org
Youth and Young Adult Ministries
These ministries bring the Church to the youth and the youth to the Church through faith, fun, and service.
Jesus Fish Guppies: 3rd – 5th grade
This group serves as an introduction to our Youth Ministry programs and meets monthly. The group is also invited to be a part of several events on the Jesus Fish & JP2 calendars throughout the year.
Jesus Fish: 6th – 8th grade
The Jesus Fish Group meets every Thursday from 2:45-4:15pm for boys’ and girls’ Spiritual Guidance, which is a time for open discussions about the faith, the joys and the struggles of life, and how to overcome them with our morals and beliefs. Free pizza is served at these meetings. General meetings occur one Sunday a month from 7-9pm in Marian Hall. Each session includes spiritual and fun events.
JP2: 9th – 12th grade
The JP2 (John Paul II) High School Group meets every Thursday from 5-7pm for Spiritual Guidance. We talk about typical high school problems, their spiritual remedies, and how to grow closer to God through it all. Discussion takes place from 5-6pm, then free pizza and social time from 6-7pm. General meetings take place one Sunday a month from 7-9pm in Marian Hall. Each session includes spiritual and fun events.
ACTS Young Adult Group: 18-26 years old
This group is for any adult between the ages of 18-26. We generally meet every Monday night from 7-9pm. Our meetings begin with the Rosary followed by announcements and then a topic for the evening. We also have service nights in which we participate in a service activity at a local organization. In addition, we schedule fun events regularly, including bowling, game nights, movie nights, etc.
If interested, please contact:
- Catalina “Cat” Morales: 629-6142, ext. 120; cmorales@olopp.org
- Brooke Tell: btell@olopp.org
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