Synod Small Groups

Choir

led by Brenda Sevcik
Anyone in 9th grade or older can join. Prior experience with a choir not required! Practice is on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30PM.

Divine Mercy Cenacle

led by Sandy Berg & Kathy Loehr
This group meets Monday mornings to study the teachings of Saint Faustina and the devotion of the Divine Mercy. Small groups gather to learn and grow and then come together to end in praying a Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Faith In Action

led by Debbie Roscoe & Paulette Herold
This group will put their faith into action by identifying adult (18+) volunteer opportunities in our parish, archdiocese, local and greater community and maybe someday national or internationally. We will start by reviewing the Corporal Works of Mercy to determine which organizations and opportunities we would like to explore. We will plan and organize what we would like to accomplish for the next 8-12 months. Once planned, we can invite adult parishioners to participate as well.

God's Plan for Marriage

led by John & Kate Capistrant & Rod & Rita Kunkel (multiple groups)
The purpose of these groups is to offer education and support to married couples through our shared experiences to help each couple strive for the best sacramental marriage possible. Couples will enjoy a fun non-threatening environment while learning more about techniques and experiences in a variety of topics, such as improving communication, making more time for each other, challenges of family life, etc. This group is not for "troubled" or "problem" marriages, but rather for those that choose to invest more effort into strengthening their love for one another. Studies have shown when we surround ourselves with like-valued people, we tend to be more stable and secure in our values and beliefs. Choosing to love one another on a daily basis requires work and discipline, and yet can be very gratifying when couples grow more in love with God and each.

Handy Helpers

led by Rod Kunkel
The purpose of the group is to offer support to those that cannot do minor repairs or maintenance to their home due to severe economic challenges, physical disability, recent loss of a spouse, or a household in crisis. Repairs could range from raking leaves to replacing simple plumbing or electrical appliances. Adding accessibility options may be an option as well. Group volunteers can range from no specific home repair skills to those that have worked in a professional home related trade.

Journey of Faith Bible Studies

led by Brenda Schroll
Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons throughout the school year, many adults gather to learn and grow in faith. The large group typically watches a video together and then breaks into small groups to unpack the content. Studies are often from FORMED.org, Ascension Press and other great Catholic productions.

Lord, Teach Us How to Pray

led by Luke Bearth
A group focused on prayer, God's desire for each of us, the importance of awareness in our lives, Lectio Divina, adoration and the Mass, along with some practical guidelines to developing a long-lasting prayer life.

Merry Widows

led by Sherry Mason & Maureen Lahr
This group is focused on supporting single people who have lost their spouse. We want to offer this important ministry to others. As the group grows in participants, the group will likely split into two or more small groups.

Praying for Recovery

led by Christina & Greg Decker
Addiction touches so many families. Through prayer, education and sharing, this group offers support for those who are affected by a loved one's addiction. Those who are facing challenges to their own recovery from addictions are welcome and encouraged to join as well. This group is NOT Alcoholics Anonymous or Al Anon although those who are using these support groups are also welcome. This group is facilitated by Christina Decker, a member of SJB and a retired alcohol and drug counselor and mental health therapist with 30 years experience providing group and individual therapy. Christina's husband, Greg, a retired alcohol, drug and gambling counselor, co-facilitates the group.

Reason for Believin' & Returning Home

led by Gil Roscoe & Deacon Jerry Little
Bringing together people who want to explore, explain, defend and grow their faith. Discussing topics and questions of why the Catholic Faith and Church do what they do and believe what they believe. The group also is good for those who have loved ones who have left the Church and want to find ways to invite them back.

Respect Life

led by Mary Wee & Liz Wilson
Monthly activities to pray, support and inform regarding pro-life issues. Meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Cana Room at 6PM.

Shining Light

led by Emily & Michael Klein
A group of young families who support each other in the joys and difficulties of parenting by provide practical tips for bringing the Faith into daily and family life and talking about difficult cultural topics that our children are facing or will face. Moms will spend the first 30-45 minutes together while the dads spend time with the children in a different part of the house, then we would switch. The dads would spend 30-45 minutes to discuss while the moms are with the children. We all come together including the children to end the group in prayer.

Uniquely Gifted

led by Kathleen Meitrodt
A group for those caring for loved ones of all ages with special needs, focusing on our journey to Heaven through and with our loved one(s). Asking not "why me", but rather "who am I to be given this gift?"

Men's Book Club

led by Rod Kunkel
A men's group that meets to grow in the Catholic Faith while sharing and supporting each other. Meets on the 4th Friday of every month at 8:30AM in the Cana Room.

Men for More

led by Michael Klein & Derek Ausman
Catholic writer Matthew Kelly says that "The great majority of modern Christians do not actually believe holiness is possible. Sure, we believe it is possible for our grandmothers or some medieval saint—just not for us." At the same time, Pope Benedict tells us that "Christ did not promise an easy life. Those who desire comforts have dialed the wrong number. Rather, he shows us the way to great things, the good, towards an authentic human life." And finally, Aquinas instructs us that "this is not opposed to humility. The magnanimous person pursues greatness in proportion to his ability." This group is for men who wish to rise above the tendency toward mediocrity and comfort in our modern world and hold each other accountable to using our time well and pursuing the unique call to both greatness and humility that God has for each of us. This group will draw from elements of the popular Exodus 90 program (concrete goal setting, habit formation, accountability) and read together the writings of the popes, saints, theologians, and/or Scripture (as selected by the group) to discover and concretely respond to God's call to greatness.

That Man Is You

led by George Heim
Address the pressure and temptations men face in our modern culture as husbands and fathers. This group meets Tuesdays at 7PM in the youth room.

Cana Mom's Group

led by Becky Petrich
A women's group to live out your vocation to marriage and parenthood in all its fullness. Meets most Monday evenings in the school.

Friday Morning Faith Sharing

led by Marilyn Lyden
A women's group that gathers to share friendship and support through prayer and spiritual study. Meets Friday mornings in the Atrium at 9:30AM.

Growing in God's Grace

led by Mary Bona & Patti Auron
A women's book study, discussion and time in Adoration. Meets on Sunday evenings twice a month.