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Lent 2022
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Discipleship Groups are opportunities for small groups of people to gather in person or via Zoom for faith-sharing purposes. A menu of opportunities is available during Lent and also in the Fall.
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Note:
A new offering of Discipleship Groups will be available in the Fall of 2022!
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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.
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MONDAYS
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The Five People You Meet in Heaven
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
In this 6-session in-person journey, we will explore the bestselling book by Mitch Albom, which follows the life and death of a man named Eddie, who is killed and sent to heaven. There he encounters five people who had a significant impact upon him during his life. Participants are required to purchase the book (click HERE).
6 in-person sessions: Mondays, 7:00-8:30 PM, March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4 and 11. Led by Bob Waters: watersro1@gmail.com
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TUESDAYS
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The Rosary: Meditating on The Fruits of the Mysteries
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
"The Rosary is the 'weapon' for these times." - Padre Pio. It is the armor that protects us and helps us obtain virtues that allow us to listen more clearly to God's will. During this 6-week, in-person series, we will recite and meditate on one set of Mysteries of the Rosary each session, followed by a brief discussion. Meditating upon these spiritual fruits will deepen our prayer experience and our devotion to God and The Blessed Mother. Optional book: Pocket Guide to the Rosary Leather Bound - January 18, 2019, by Matt Fradd
6 in-person sessions: Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:30 pm in our St. Benedict's Chapel; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, & April 5. Led by Caterina Viscomi: cviscomi04@gmail.com. -
Angels on Assignment
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Join us in discussion and faith-sharing as we journey in 6 virtual sessions through the book "Angels on Assignment" by Roland Buck, an intriguing recount of the author's personal encounters with angels and what the Bible tells us about these messengers of God. As you become aware of the remarkable role of these messengers, you will gain increased faith and confidence in God's plan for your life. Purchase of the book and reading of the first two chapters are required prior to the start of the first session.
6 virtual sessions: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm, March 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5 and 12. Led by Carol Critchley: majkidmom@gmail.com. -
Bible Stories and Great Works of Art
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Join us on this 5-week, virtual journey of faith as we explore beautiful and inspirational masterpieces of art based on stories in the Bible. Each session features short and engaging presentations by art historians with insights on the artists (such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Thomas Cole, Rembrandt, etc.) and the spirituality of each work. Many depict scenes based on liturgy and gospel readings during Lent. Includes group participation and time for discussion.
5 virtual sessions: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm, March 8, 15, 22, 29; and April 5. Led by Carl Schlotfeldt: carl.schlotfeldt@gmail.com.
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Raising Kids Who Care
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
This 6-session virtual journey leads parents through conversations about how families can become more balanced, empathetic, and loving. Weaving in familiar examples, recent wisdom from Pope Francis, and insights from our faith tradition, this series will kick off rich, lively discussions and give parents practical tools to bring home with them. Session themes: Wasting Time with Family; Rules, Rules, Rules; Habits of the Heart; Decision-Making & Prayer; Self-Esteem & Failure; and Seek First The Kingdom (dealing with stress & anxiety).
6 virtual sessions: Tuesdays, 8:00 - 9:00 PM, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5. Led by Diane Byrne: dbyrne@ndcarmel.com. -
Contemplative Photography: The Art of Receiving Photos
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
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 6-session in-person journey, we will explore ways we can 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.
6 in-person sessions: Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, March 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5 and 8. Led by Denise Panyik-Dale (photography ministry and Getty Images contributor): dpanyikdale@gmail.com.
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WEDNESDAYS
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The Chosen Season 2: Let's Discuss
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
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 2 (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!
6 in-person sessions: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, March 9, 16, 23, 30; April 6 and 13. Led by Patty Migliore-Torres: pmiglioretorres@gmail.com and Ann McLoughlin: annie6556d@gmail.com. -
He Leadeth Me: An Extraordinary Testament to Faith
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Using Servant of God Fr. Walter Ciszek’s story of surviving 23 years in Russia, 15 of those years at hard labor in the Gulag - the horrific Siberian labor camps - where he struggled to minister as a priest and practiced living each day totally dependent on God, we will explore wonderful insights for our present situations. Fr. Ciszek “felt I had learned much…that could be of help to others in their lives. For every man’s life contains its share of suffering” (p. 12). With COVID-19 pressing an added layer of stress on life for two years and public trust appearing eroded, let’s spend time with Fr. Ciszek, who clung to a “core of seemingly simple truths” and grew in his relationship with the Lord (p. 12) when trust and hope for his life appeared uncertain. Come, be amazed and fed by this Servant of God’s spiritual odyssey and modern embodiment of the resurrection. Click HERE to buy the book.
6 in-person/virtual sessions, Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, March 9, 16, 23, 30; April 6 and 13. Led by Peg Buck: mmbuck@gmail.com.
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For Women: The Belonging Project – Finding your Tribe and Learning to Thrive
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Are you hungry for authentic community, a deeper connection with God, and greater friendships than just “likes” on social media?
Join us for this 5-week in-person journey guided by videos and content from Amberly Neese's The Belonging Project. With delightful humor, we will unpack the four “one another” sayings in the New Testament: Love one another, Serve one another, Build-up and strengthen one another, Forgive one another. We will share an engaging experience that will encourage and equip us to pursue deeper relationships and true belonging. Participants are required to purchase the book (click HERE).
5 in-person sessions: Wednesdays - 7:00 - 8:30 pm, March 9, 16, 23, 30; and April 6. Led by Melissa Fasano (parishsecretary@ndcarmel.com) in her Cedar Knolls home.
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THURSDAYS
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Who am I to Judge?
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
In this 8-session in-person journey, we'll explore the classical view of morality and find it's an entire way of life. What are "right" and "wrong"? Is what's right for you right for me? Is there a right and a wrong for everyone all the time? These are difficult questions to discuss. Our society believes that each person should make up their own morality—that there is no moral truth that applies to everyone. So how do we talk about morality in a relativistic world?
8 in-person sessions: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 21 & 28 (no session on Holy Thursday, April 14). Led by Christa Cottone: christa_cottone@alumni.shu.edu. -
God at the Workplace
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
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 8-week virtual journey on Zoom, based primarily on Ken Costa’s “God at Work” video series, 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!”
8 virtual sessions, Thursdays, 7:00-8:30: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 21, 28. Led by Jen Qvotrup: jqvotrup@optonline.net and Nancy O'Donnell: odonnelln@optonline.net. -
What's So Amazing About Grace?
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Join us as we journey in 8 virtual sessions through the book "What’s so Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey. We will walk with Yancey to examine grace at an everyday level and discover grace as we have never known it before – the most powerful force in the universe and our only hope for love and forgiveness. Yancey sets grace in the most horrific situations including the Nazi holocaust, the brutality of the Ku Klux Klan, and murders such as Jeffery Dahmer. Purchase of the book and reading of the first three chapters are required prior to the start of the first session.
8 virtual sessions: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 21, and 28. Led by Barb Katona: Barbkat2013@gmail.com
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Pivotal Players by Bishop Robert Barron
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
In these compelling video presentations, Bishop Barron takes people around the world and deep into the Catholic Faith, unlocking the truth behind the Catholic Church's most influential people. Our 6-session virtual journey will focus on Bartolome de las Casas, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and St. Ignatius of Loyola.
6 virtual sessions: Thursdays, 3:00-4:30 pm, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7. Led by Laura Balogh: lbalogh@ndcarmel.com. -
Everyone's Way of the Cross
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Join us for a 5-session in-person 'walk with Jesus' as He takes the final passage to His crucifixion—from condemnation to death. Using Clarence Enzler's booklet, Everyone's Way of the Cross, as a guide, we will travel our own spiritual journeys through the Stations of the Cross while exploring a different theme for each one, including obedience, suffering, compassion, and humility. Note: There is no need for participants to purchase the book!!
5 in-person sessions, Thursdays, 7:00-8:30: March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. Led by Dennis Bloshuk: dennyb220@gmail.com.
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FRIDAYS
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Visio Divina (Sacred Seeing)
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
This unique format uses looking at art while meditating on scripture. The art can be spiritual work but doesn’t have to be. Both the Word of God and the visual images enhance our understanding of each other. When done as prayer, the exercise is meant to deepen our connection with God.
For these sessions, we will ask participants to choose a part of scripture that has had special meaning for them on their faith journey. Then the group will be asked to select artwork (paintings, sculpture, pen and ink, photographs, etc.) that compliments those readings to discuss and pray together. No formal art training is required, only your love for Christ.
6 virtual sessions, Fridays, 2:30 - 4:00 pm, March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1 and 8. Led by Judy Yap: jyap@optonline.net and Michelle Craig: mlecraig72@gmail.com,
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SATURDAYS
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Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Many of us want to read the Bible because we know it is God’s Word, but give up because it seems so complicated. This journey will help us get the “big picture” by showing how fourteen narrative books of the Bible tell the complete story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church. Through compelling videos, presenter Jeff Cavins will show us how to read the Bible so that we can actually understand it. Aided by the unique color-coded Bible Timeline® Chart, which arranges the key people, places, and events of Scripture in chronological order, Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible will help us discover the story of salvation history and understand how you fit into God’s plan. Participants may purchase the study set ($26.95) in advance HERE.
8 in-person sessions , Saturdays, 10:15 am to 11:45 am: March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16, and 23. Led by Maria Cascio: familyfaith@ndcarmel.com and Debbie White: luvmorgan@optonline.net.
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Stress Management for Christians
THIS GROUP IS NOW CLOSED.
Do you feel that you need some assistance managing the stressful aspects of your life -while feeling peaceful, calm, relaxed, and connected to God and our faith?
During this 6-week virtual journey, we will explore various stress-management skills and strategies that may be used for healing - physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and relationally - while drawing closer to our wonderful Lord. Each session will include prayer, topic presentation, group discussion - enhancing the “mind/body/spirit” connection. We will journey in a supportive environment- while connecting to God, self, and others. Group members will leave each group experience with gentle homework assignments to practice their “tools for living” between meetings.
6 virtual sessions, Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 am, March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2 and 9. Led by Patty Allocca, RN, LCSW, Ph.D.: clinicalpastoralcounseling3@gmail.com. Patty Allocca has been teaching stress management skills for over 25 years.
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Testimonials from past participants!
Here's what past participants have said about their Virtual Discipleship Group experience:
- The series helped focus me spiritually and insights shared by my fellow participants were awesome.”
- “Our facilitator guided us through our book with great care, thoughtfulness, and efficiency. She provided us with the tools to share our thoughts on every concept. I am deeply changed by this experience.”
- “This journey was a needed reminder of how easily our spirituality can be strengthened by sharing it with others, and by connecting with others who are yearning for the same thing.”
- “I benefited most from being with a group of people also seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus and to share faith experiences with others. The series did a great job of bringing Jesus, the man, to life for us as well as the experience of being an early follower.”
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Discipleship Group Leaders Welcomed!
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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.
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What do past DG leaders say about their journey?
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