Experiences that promote a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith include, but are not limited to, Bible studies, prayer and faith-sharing groups, reading/discussion groups, and retreats. Brief descriptions of current programs are listed below. We encourage you to explore the website calendar, parish bulletin, bimonthly E-Newsletter, and our social media pages. Email Marcia Leous with questions.

BIBLE STUDIES

The Church of the Gesu offers regular group opportunities throughout the year for exploring the Bible.

The Tuesday Women’s Bible Study meets in the Sacred Heart Room, Pastoral Center from 8:30-9:30 am to study the Bible or other texts with biblical connections. The group also meets periodically for prayer, retreats, service, and socializing. The fall study, September 16 – October 28, is based on The Holy Spirit: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, Our Sunday Visitor. Email Deb Bruening for more information.

The Wednesday Bible Study meets in McAuley Hall at 9:15 - 10:50 am (after the 8:30 am Mass) on two or three mornings each month. A new study of the book of the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah begins on September 10. A book will be sold at the first few sessions to guide study, prayer, and reflection. Participants are asked to bring a Bible. Email Fr. Michael Vincent, SJ for more information.

The Saturday Bible Study meets in McAuley Hall from 12:00 - 2:00 pm to study God’s Word and share fellowship. No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary. The group will continue studying the New Testament Gospel of Matthew on September 13. Part 2 of this study is available from Little Rock Scripture-Liturgical Press. Email Christie Okocha or Marcia Leous for more information.

BIBLICAL FAITH-SHARING PROGRAMS

Biblical faith-sharing programs are offered each year. Participants use short booklets that include three Bible passages connected by a theme. Background information on the Bible passages is included, but the emphasis is on prayer and reflection in a small group setting. This year’s fall theme is Mary, Favored by God from the “Alive in the Word” series of Little Rock Scripture/Liturgical Press. Stay tuned for more details or email Marcia Leous, Director of Faith Formation for Adults.

BOOK STUDIES

Reading Group with Fr. Greg Hyde, SJ, Gesu Priest in Residence

Fr. Hyde will facilitate a reading group centered on selected articles from Commonwealth Magazine. The group meets on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm in the Sacred Heart Room in the Parish Office. The topic will be the recently written Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV, "Dilexit Te," at our next meeting on Wednesday, October 29th at 3:30 pm. You can access the exhortation here. To register or learn more, email Fr. Greg Hyde.

Book Discussion Circle with Fr. Bernie Owens, SJ, Jesuit Retreat Center staff member

Fr. Owens will lead a discussion based on selected readings about William Wilberforce, English parliamentarian, Abraham Lincoln during his US presidency, and two characters in Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country. Two groups beginning on September 9, one at the retreat center (10:30 am – 12:00 pm), and one at the Gesu Pastoral Center (7:30 pm – 9:00 pm). 

For more information and to register, visit www.jesuitretreatcenter.org.

IGNATIAN PRAYER AND FAITH-SHARING

This group meets every third Thursday of the month on Zoom for prayer and reflection in the Ignatian traditions of imaginative Gospel Contemplation, Lectio Divina, and the Examen, with a focus on Sacred Scriptures for the coming Sunday. Email Marcia Leous for Zoom link or for more information.

PARISH RETREATS

Retreat experiences at the Church of the Gesu and at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma, Ohio, help parishioners to develop a deeper spiritual connection with God and one another. To learn more about their retreat and program offerings, please visit the Jesuit Retreat Center website.

McGivney Library

Visit the McGivney Library in the Pastoral Center, second floor, and browse our selections on Ignatian Spirituality, Jesuit history, inspiring lives, prayer, sacraments, the Mass, Bibles, Catholicism, and more.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Click the links below for Ignatian prayer, at-home retreats, daily meditations, and more: 

Jesuit Prayer >

The Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States >

Jesuit Retreat Center >

Ignatian Spirituality >

Loyola Press >

Online Retreat in Everyday Life >

Pray As You Go >

Sacred Space >

St. Beuno’s Outreach – Praying the Sunday Mass readings,   NRSV Bible translation >

PRAYER & FAITH-SHARING GROUPS

Gesu Young Families Prayer Group

Gesu Young Families is for ALL parishioners with children from birth through elementary school age. The group offers various social, spiritual, recreational and community service opportunities during the year.

A group of parents periodically meet to pray, reflect, and support one another in the context of their daily lives. Their first meeting will take place on Thursday, October 22, at 8:00 pm, in the Ignatius Conference Room of the Pastoral Center. Email Mark Cousineau for more information.

For all other Gesu Young Families programming, email Gesu Young Families.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

The Church of the Gesu supports the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuit religious order. The parish staff and their collaborators assist parishioners in deepening their understanding of Ignatian spirituality and foster their spiritual growth through a variety of means, including spiritual direction. This is a ministry of holy listening in which a person meets with a spiritual director or guide on a regular basis, typically once every 4-6 weeks. The context of spiritual direction is the relationship between the person and God, and the content of a direction session is the person’s prayer and daily life experiences. Email Marcia Leous or parishioner Sadie Hackett for more information.