Questions? For specific information about one or more groups, please e-mail the facilitator(s) indicated. For any other questions, please email Cristina Folan at commsupport@ndcarmel.com.
Some of the groups require the purchase of a book or related materials. If you need financial assistance, please contact our parish office at 973-538-1358, ext. 105.
Five sessions in person: Mondays, 7:30-8:30 pm, February 27 through March 27. Led by Carl Schlotfeldt: carl.schlotfeldt@gmail.com
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Join me in this six-session series featuring Fr. Dave Pinvonka, President of Franciscan University, leading us on a journey with Christ into conversion. The series is beautifully filmed on location in the Holy Land, highlighting sacred places such as the Sea of Galilee, the River Jordan, the desert of Temptations, and many of the holy sites in Jerusalem. In each session, we will explore areas where conversion is so often necessary. This will be a journey of grace, hope, and transformation!
Six in-person sessions: Mondays, 10:30-11:30 am. Feb. 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3. Led by Erica Jackson: erica.marie.jackson@gmail.com.
Do you feel that your work has meaning and purpose?
Do you find it challenging to stay true to Christian ideals amid the reality of your daily routine and the culture of your workplace?
In the busyness of our workday, as we rush to meet deadlines, achieve goals, and enhance our customers’ experience, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. During this six-week virtual journey on Zoom, we will explore the perspective and relevance of Christian faith in our workplace, addressing such topics as Decision Making, Stress and Resilience, Failing Well, and Spiritual Renewal. In all, we will discover that God is indeed “at work!” and we can open our hearts to His presence in our workspace.
Six virtual sessions: Mondays, 7:00-8:30, February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, and April 3. Led by Jen Qvotrup: jqvotrup@optonline.net
Why we do what we do at Mass.
Three in-person sessions: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 am, March 7, 14 & 21. Led by Fr. Paddy
We give witness through the Psalms to the ways we are called to give God worship and praise for the blessings He pours out to His people; for what He has done and is capable of doing. Worship through music is a powerful form of prayer, but worship can come in many forms. These evenings will include brief musical moments, opportunities to read scripture, and conversation to help us witness God's grace. In this four-session series, we will examine some of the Psalms, explore and witness the blessings God pours out, and see how we can respond to our call to worship. Participants are encouraged to bring their Bible.
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As the great photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart, and head.” More than 1.4 trillion photos were uploaded to online platforms in 2021. It seems at times that the only goal is to take as many pictures as fast as possible and upload them onto ever-waiting social media platforms to garner as many “likes” as possible. Do we take the time to contemplate the beauty of what we are capturing or how what we share through our lens inspires or impacts those around us?
In this six-session journey, we will explore ways to open our eyes, hearts, minds, and cameras to contemplate and share God’s beauty in everything! This journey is open to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned photographers. You do need access to a camera, be it a smartphone, point-and-shoot, or interchangeable lens camera.
Six in-person sessions: Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Feb. 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21 & 28. Led by Denise Panyik-Dale (photography ministry and Getty Images contributor): dpanyikdale@gmail.com.
Our five-session virtual journey will be based on the book "The Friendship Project, The Catholic Woman's Guide to Making and Keeping Fabulous, Faith-Filled Friends" by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet. Each week we will discuss the chapters assigned as we use this very practical guide to help women develop and enhance Christian friendships. Participants are asked to read the introduction and chapters 1 and 2 before the first session. Purchase the book HERE.
Five virtual sessions: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, February 28, March 7, 14, 21 & 28. Led by Carol Critchley: majkidmom@gmail.com
Join us for a special Holy Hour each Tuesday evening during Lent, with a short reading from St. Faustina’s Diary, singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and silent adoration. All are welcome!
Five in-person sessions: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM, in the Chapel, February 28 - March 28. Led by Marc Luciani (mluciani@ndcarmel.com) and Maria Cascio (familyfaith@ndcarmel.com).
Have you wanted to join a discipleship group but can’t fit one more thing into your schedule? Are you at home taking care of kids or loved ones and can’t seem to interrupt your schedule? Are there other reasons that you have been unable to join a group? This group is for you! Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “Where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is.” You will be amazed by the warmth and caring you will feel while you draw closer to our wonderful Lord. Led by Patty Allocca: clinicalpastoralcounseling3@gmail.com.
You know that you love your child. But how can you make sure your child knows it? In our journey through the book The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, we will discover our child/children's unique communication style to better meet their deepest emotional needs. From quality time to physical touch, these five “love languages” hold the key to our child/children's development and success. Click HERE to purchase the book and read the first two chapters before our first gathering!
Important! Our first and last sessions will be in person on Saturdays, Feb. 25 and March 25, from 9:30-10:30 am. We will hold the four sessions in between via Zoom on Wednesdays (March 1, 8, 15 & 22) from 7:30 - 8:30 pm. Led by Diane Byrne: dbyrne@ndcarmel.com.
Please join me on this eight-week journey that will help us to grow and deepen our prayer life. We will unpack the importance of prayer and various aspects of prayer, including Adoration, Petition, Intercession, Unanswered Prayer, Contemplation, Listening, and Spiritual Warfare. The journey will allow us to learn, share faith and embrace practical prayer activities.
Eight in-person sessions: Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00 pm, February 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5 & 12. Led by Ann Bono: annbono@verizon.net.
The book of Acts is the story of how a few Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, were chosen to bring Christ and the Good News to the ends of the earth. They faced secular forces, internal strife, and hostile crowds, and despite all of this, they brought the kingdom of God to a broken world and the love of God to the hearts of men.
Join us via Zoom on this 22-session journey led by bible scholar Jeff Cavins. We will dive into the book of Acts and learn how the gospel witness spread and how the joys and struggles of the early Christians in living the life of Christ can apply to us today. Purchase your study set HERE and prior to our first session.
Twenty-two virtual sessions, Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00 pm, beginning February 22 through July 5. Led by Barbara and Ed Katona: barbkat2013@gmail.com.
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The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season TV series about the life of Jesus. It allows us to see our Lord through the eyes of those who knew Him and see Jesus as He truly is - not only fully Divine but fully Human. Join us for this six-session in-person journey as we focus on Season 3 (watch the trailer HERE) of this riveting series. We will watch 1 or 2 episodes on our own each week and then come together during our sessions to discuss! No matter where you are in your faith journey, this is an offering not to be missed!
Eight in-person sessions: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Feb 16, 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Wed. April 5. Led by Patty Migliore-Torres at pmiglioretorres@gmail.com and Ann McLoughlin at annie6556d@gmail.com.
What is it about the Passion of Christ that moves us? How has His walk impacted our lives? What can we learn from those who were alongside our Lord?
Few experiences in life expose us to such a wide range of emotions as does the path from the Last Supper to Easter Sunday. Our group will stop at several stations along The Way. And through a variety of mediums, including my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we will explore their impact on us at an emotional, relational and spiritual level. Our time will include presentation, self-exploration, and group sharing with the goal of growing closer to the infinite love of God. Please join me on a magnificent road to deeper intimacy with our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Six in-person sessions: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30, February 23 through March 30. Led by Eric Kispert: erickispert@aol.com / 973-945-0457.
Looking for an anchor to hold you steady through the storms of life? Want the secret to finding joy in the midst of trials? Interested in recognizing the source of discord and the way to peace? Let this coming Lent kick off an 11-week scripture journey that will deepen your knowledge and application of God's Word! Following the video series with biblical scholar Jeff Cavins, we will cover the book of James, one of the most practical books of the Bible, comprising a collection of teachings on issues faced by ordinary Christians in everyday life. Purchase your study set HERE, prior to our first session.
Eleven in-person sessions: Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 pm, beginning February 23 through May 18 (no sessions on April 6 and May 4). Led by Tanya D'Souza (tancait@gmail.com) and Pam O'Connor (pammyjeanslt@aol.com).
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The Enneagram is a system of sacred psychology that affords profound insight into understanding oneself and the relation of people to one another and the divine. "It's a diagram of how people grow in health and experience transformation and how people get trapped in pain and suffering. It's a sacred map of the territories of the soul." Jody Thone
In this 4-week series, we will introduce and discuss this model's nine types, the vices and virtues, through video, readings, and conversation. While you may still have questions by the end of our series, the journey will entice your soul for further discovery for the remainder of lent.
Four in-person sessions on Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 pm, March 2, 9, 16 & 23. Led by Beth Letizia: mrstiz1@verizon.net.
Join this 7-session in-person series hosted by Chris Stefanick, exploring the deepest questions of the human heart—Why am I here? What's life all about? What is this journey between the event we call "birth" and the one we call "death"? What do you want from your life during the in-between? We will journey through the great big story of everything as astrophysicists, psychologists, neuroscientists, artists, chemists, and professors point to one big (surprising) conclusion: Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. What do you seek? Click HERE to check it out! Led by Christa Cottone: christa_cottone@alumni.shu.edu.
Seven sessions in person on Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; April 13 (no session on Holy Thursday, April 6).
Have you wanted to join a discipleship group but can’t fit one more thing into your schedule? Are you at home taking care of kids or loved ones and can’t seem to interrupt your schedule? Are there other reasons that you have been unable to join a group? This group is for you! Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “Where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is.” You will be amazed by the warmth and caring you will feel while you draw closer to our wonderful Lord. Led by Patty Allocca: clinicalpastoralcounseling3@gmail.com.
Do you often hope to have time to organize a room and get rid of the clutter but never get around to it?
Six in-person sessions: Saturdays, 10:15-11:30 am, February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 8 (no session on April 1). Led by Patty Allocca: clinicalpastoralcounseling3@gmail.com.
Have you ever felt strongly that there has to be something more to your life? That your life needs to have more meaning and purpose?
Are you an empty nester, had a job change or retired, lost a loved one, had significant health changes, or just feeling that life as you knew it has changed and what is your purpose now?
Click HERE to learn more about this extraordinary journey coming in April 2023!
If you have a passion for a particular topic, book, film, or program, and you feel called to lead a virtual group, please reach out to Cristina Folan at commsupport@ndcarmel.com to discuss partaking in this opportunity of helping others draw closer to Christ! Start and end dates for a group are flexible, within the context of our seasonal offerings. Guidance/coaching will be provided.
We also encourage leaders to team up to co-lead a journey. It's a great way to get started in facilitating small group discussions and to share and nurture leadership in our faith community.