Faith Formation for Adults       
Ministry Contact:   Joseph Fey  (812-952-2853)                       
A variety of adult faith formation groups currently meet in our parish community. You are invited to join a group already in existence or start your own group with the  assistance of the Faith Formation staff. Excellent resources for Scripture study or faith-sharing are available. In addition, leader or facilitator training is provided. Current groups include:
 
Sunday AM Bible Study             
Ministry Contact:  Chuck Lynch  (812-951-3664)
Our Sunday group continued to gather in the cafeteria classroom to study the weekly readings and reflect on the Gospel.  We are supported each week by a 6-minute video Opening the Word and handouts from FORMED.  Another handout Bringing Home the Word from Liguori Press is also used.  Prayer and faith sharing are a major part of this time together.  The strength of faith gained from community is most evident.  When classroom meetings ended in March because of COVID-19, we went online with FORMED and continued the handouts by email.  Most importantly, we stayed connected prayerfully with a weekly updated prayer list of requests and reflections, being able to share in each  other’s concerns. Even now, you are invited to join us in the email group for prayer and weekly reflection on the Sunday readings. 
 

Monday PM Bible Study             
Ministry Contact:  Chuck Lynch  (812-951-3664)
Our group began the year in September with a10-session study titled Beginning Apologetics 1.  “Apologetics” simply means giving a reasoned explanation for our faith.  A Catholic apologist explains and defends Catholic doctrine using Scripture, history, and common sense. We also interspersed the study with the 14-session FORMED video series The Wild Goose, a deep, personal experience of the Holy Spirit, presented by Fr. Dave Pivonka.  We were ready in March to begin the new Ascension Press Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life, with study materials and online registrations, when COVID-19 isolation began.  We have accessed this study individually online.
 
Thursday AM Bible Study
Ministry Contact: Pat Wuerth (812-952-2197)
The Little Rock Scripture Study group meets on     Thursday mornings from 9-10:15 am in Room 102 to discuss various books of Sacred Scripture. Outside     reading is required and the gathering includes discussion and further study. In 2019-20, the group  finished John and began study of the Letters of John. In 2020-21, we will continue with the Letters of John.
 
Thursday PM Bible Study
Ministry Contact: Lisa Abell (812-972-4365)
In 2019-2020 this group finished Scott Hahn’s Genesis. We finished the study in late spring and will start soon with Fr. Michael Gaitley’s The One Thing Is Three: How the Most Holy Trinity Explains Everything.  The group meets on Thursday evenings in the home of Jaycen and Lisa Abell. The group stopped meeting due to COVID, however, plans to start back up once it is safe to meet. For more information, please contact Lisa.
 
Catholic Book Reading Group               
Ministry Contact: Melanie Wermuth (812-725-4023)
St. Mary Catholic Book Reading Group began in 2003, and we have read and discussed over 100 books! Our purpose is to promote reading books by Catholic authors of theology, history, fiction.  We also read books of    particular interest to Catholics, such as pro-life or bioethics. We meet at approximately 6-week intervals on Fridays at 3:00 pm in Room 102.  Books discussed     recently include:  A Pope and a President, A Song of Nagasake, The Priests’ Barracks, and The Reed of God. All are invited to join us for these discussions.
 
Men’s Fellowship Group                    
Ministry Contact:  Stewart Toney (812-968-3639)
The men's fellowship group meets on the first Sunday evening most months from September through May. We meet at 6:30 pm in the Parish Life Center. The evening is one of prayer, and discussion of Scripture, the Catechism, Catholic books, or DVD/ online resources. It's an opportunity to discuss our faith and share it with fellow brothers in Christ. Men can participate as much as desired. Approximately an hour is given to our topic and discussion, followed by social time with snacks and    refreshments. We have been viewing and discussing the Wild Goose series on FORMED.
 
Financial Peace University          
Ministry Contact:  Matt Schickel (812-987-8894)                       
Annually, St. Mary Church offers an 8-week course known as Financial Peace University. Financial Peace University is a Scripture-based program that teaches  participants how to beat debt, build wealth, and keep your own economy thriving. During this life-changing course, individuals will learn Financial Peace is offered for individuals, couples and families. Learn more at www.fpu.com.