The Parishes of St. Gregory, St. Joseph, and St. Thomas have planned a conjoint program of adult learning and faith formation.  Our offerings include faith and personal enrichment, spirituality, prayer, and special events.  Although sites rotate among the parishes all parishioners are invited to each event.

Our hope is that this program will challenge and enrich your intellect, nourish your spirit and body, and enhance your experience of our Catholic Faith.

For events requiring registration, please call your parish office, unless otherwise noted.

St. Gregory--348-6337

St. Joseph--348-3126

St. Thomas--348-3717

SPIRITUALITY AND PRAYER

Parish Retreat--February 18-20, Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.  Pumpkin creek Lodge, Lake Cumberland.  Facilitator:  Sal Della Bella.  Cost $56.00 per night, single or double room, meals not included.  Registration deadline February 7.  Take a winter break!!  Back by popular demand, this retreat will energize your spirit while taking in the beautiful and spectacular Lake Cumberland.  Come, refresh your soul with friendship, prayer, and nature.

Taize Prayer Around the Cross--Sunday, March 6.  7:00-8:00 PM.  St. Gregory Church.  During this season of Lent, the choir of St. Joseph will lead an hour of prayer through a beautiful style of repetitive chant that originated in the small French town of Taize.  The service includes singing, scripture reading, intercessions, and veneration of the cross.

Faith Enrichment

Catholicism 101-Basic Catholic Teachings

All Sessions will begin with a light meal.

Does Mary Have a 21st Century Face?--Sunday, November 21, 5:00-7:00 PM.  St. Gregory, Great Room.  Presenter:  Rev. Bill Medley, Pastor of St. Joseph Church, Bardstown.  Mary has been a major figure in our faith since the start.  Each age in the church has added to the way we view and pray to her.  This session will look at the ways the church of the 21st century looks to Mary for example and guidance in our lives.

Is Church Worth the Effort?--Sunday, January 16, 5:00-7:00 PM.  St. Thomas Parish Hall.  Presenter:  Fr. John Schwartzlose, Pastor of St. Gregory Church, Samuels.  What blessings are given to a family that attends Mass but can argue all the way to the front door of the church?  Why go if the preacher cannot even stay awake?  Is church really worth the effort?  Families that attend worship services together, who support one another in a faith family sometimes find these tasks difficult to keep?  Impossible?-No!  Explore how you can get something out of church and church can get something out of you!

Capital Punishment:  Right or Wrong?--Sunday, February 27, 5:00-7:00 PM.  St. Thomas Parish Hall.  Presenter:  Rev. Richard Sullivan, Pastor of St. James, Elizabethtown.  If someone murdered your child or close friend, what punishment would you want for the criminal?  What is your opinion regarding the death penalty?  In accord with the Gospel, the Catholic Bishops oppose the death penalty while at the same time accept the need society has to protect itself.  This session will examine related values that would be promoted by the abolition of the death penalty.

What is the Spirituality in Suffering?--Sunday, March 13, 5:00-7:00 PM.  St. Joseph, Flaget Hall, Maloney Room.  Presenter:  Rev. Steve Pohl, Pastor of St. Thomas Church, St. Monica Church, Bardstown.  Explore the concept of suffering as an essential part of our lives.  A Christian Spirituality in suffering can help us understand, cope with, and even appreciate suffering that comes our way.

Special Events

Remembering Our Loved Ones Vespers Service--Saturday, November 6, 9:00 AM.  St. Gregory Church Cemetery.  (Incase of inclement weather, service in church.)  This candlelight vespers service if offered in memory of our deceased loved ones.  We will remember especially those who have died during the past year.   

Advent Festival/Candlelight Tour--Saturday, December 4, St. Thomas Parish Hall, 4:00 PM Mass.  Followed by soup and sandwich supper in the parish hall.  This free family-oriented festival is sure to put you in the spirit of the Advent Season.  Make Advent wreaths, angels, stars, and other Advent symbols at assorted activities and learning booths.  Enjoy self-guided tours of St. Thomas's history-abundant facilities.

Health Fair--Saturday, January 8, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.  St. Thomas Parish Hall.  Cost:  TBA through parish bulletin and on this website.  More than twenty exhibitors will be included in this annual fair to raise awareness about your health and wellness.  Blood pressure cholesterol and blood sugar screenings (fasting required), vision and hearing testing and many more will be among the topics.  The Red Cross will also have a blood drive.

Couples Night Out--Saturday, January 22, 6:00-9:00 PM.  St. Gregory Gym.  (Should there be inclement weather, alternate date TBA.)  MC:  Terrance Kibiloski.  Cost:  Free will donation (sponsored by the parishes).  Registration deadline January 14.  Enjoy a delicious meal and entertainment with your significant other.  Laugh at the antics of Terrance Kibiloski as he emcees the evening.  Laughter is the best medicine according to some for health and well being.  Be prepared to laugh, play games, and enjoy fellowship with others.

Women's Tea and Luncheon--Saturday, April 30, 10:00 AM-2:30 PM.  St. Thomas Parish Center.  Theme:  Women Journeying Together on the Yellow Brick Road.  Registration deadline:  Monday April 18.  Cost:  $10.00 per person.  Juggling many activities at one time is the reality for many women and their need for renewed spirituality and restoration.  Identify with the characters of The Wizard of Oz as they tell their story on the Yellow Brick Road.  Laugh at the antics and holy humor of the Benedictine Sisters of Ferdinand.  Enjoy the sharing of good food, fun, prayer, and fellowship with other women along the way.  Please bring your favorite teacup. 

Personal Enrichment

Reader's Club--First session:  Tuesdays, September 7, 21, October 5, 19, November 2, 16, 1:30-3:00 PM.  St. Thomas Activity Center.  Thomas Room.  Facilitator:  Rev. Gary Young, Chaplain, Nazareth and longtime teacher of literature.  Cost:  Per book (TBA).  First Reading:  Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry (reader responsible for purchasing book).  During the session, engage in lively discussion and dialogue as you read the classics and best sellers.  Increase your knowledge and understanding of the world by sharing great books with great people.  Second session and book:  TBA.

Basket Weaving--Instructor:  Mary Laswell.  Saturday, November 6, 9:00 AM-finish.  St. Joseph, Flaget Hall, Maloney Room.  Cost:  $35.00+ (cost depends on choice of basket).  Limit of 10.  Registration deadline:  November 1.  Come and let your fingers do the work!  Make a basket while enjoying the fellowship of others.  Make that perfect Christmas gift or something for yourself.

Copper Tooling--Instructor:  Micki Yonts.  Art Instructor for Nelson County Schools.  Mondays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7.  7:00-8:00 PM.  St. Thomas Parish Center, Thomas Room.  Cost:  $20.00.  Registration deadline December 27.  Come and make a work of art using copper, a tool, and your imagination!  Work with your mind to create a beautiful piece of are for yourself or someone you love.