Adult Formation
According to Pope St. John Paul II, the fundamental goal of adult catechesis is to reveal the mystery of Christ and to help people encounter Him more deeply. The ultimate purpose of catechesis is not simply to share knowledge about Jesus, but to lead people into communion and intimacy with Him. Through Christ, we are drawn into the love of the Father, guided by the Holy Spirit, and invited to share in the life of the Holy Trinity (Catechesi Tradendae, 5).
At St. Olaf Parish, we encourage all disciples to grow in a living, explicit, and fruitful profession of faith (General Directory for Catechesis, 66). Opportunities for ongoing faith formation include sharing groups, video-based studies, Bible studies, and spiritual reading—providing opportunities to deepen your relationship with Christ and continue growing in faith throughout your life.
For more information on our program selection, contact Terri Chang at 757-564-3819 or tchang@stolaf.cc
Adult Faith Formation is currently seeking facilitators for the 2026-2027 year to lead Catholic-based studies. If you feel called to guide others on their spiritual journey, please reach out by emailing tchang@stoaf.cc or contacting Terri at the office. The studies for 2026-2027 year are:
Pillar II: The Sacraments - A twelve-session study that opens the Catechism’s teaching on the sacraments and the grace God offers through them. In this study, Dr. Sean Innerst explains the power and purpose of the sacraments and how they shape the life of the Church. Rooted in Scripture and the life of Christ, the sacraments allow us to encounter Jesus and receive his grace.
When: Thursdays 4-6 pm, October 1 - January 14
Unlocking The Psalms - Discover the richness of the Psalms, a collection of 150 sacred hymns and poems that serve as “the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament." The Psalms encompass all five types of prayer—blessing, praise, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving—guiding us to speak to God with honesty and depth. Learn how these prayers express every human emotion and teach us to communicate with God just as Jesus did. Four sessions of looking at different Psalms in the season and ways to approach them.
When: Wednesdays 3-5 pm, September 30 - October 28
Becoming A Woman Of The Word - Book study, 4 weeks of discussing women of the Bible and how examining their stories and struggles can help women find grace in the Word of God.
When: Tuesdays 7-9 pm, 4 sessions starting November 3
Sermon On The Mount - Gospel of Matthew chapters 5-7; Just like Moses gave the Old Covenant Law to Israel from Mount Sinai, Jesus will climb a mountain to deliver the spiritual law of the New Covenant.
When: Wednesdays 5-7 pm, 3 sessions starting January 13
Story Of Salvation: Creation, Fall & Redemption - (Lent) "The story of salvation began with Creation itself—and a decision that affects all of us to this present day. How did the events of an ancient past set into motion God's rescue operation to save us from eternal death?
When: Tuesdays 7- 8:30 pm, 10 sessions starting January 12
Wednesday Women Faith Group meets on Wednesdays at 10:40 am in the Parish Hall.
Check the bulletin for the latest information.
