Christian formation needs to be a lifelong process.  In order to grow in our love and understanding of our faith, we need to be lifelong learners, deepening our understanding of the scriptures, the sacraments and Christian living.

Little Flower Parish seeks to offer our parishioners a variety of experiences that will help us deepen our faith and our relationship with Jesus Christ.

We offer periodic Bible Study and Scripture Sharing opportunities, including “Breakfast with the Prophets” which is held on Saturday mornings during Lent.

Two Women’s Spirituality Book Groups, each group made up of approximately 15 women, meet on Tuesday or Thursday each week from 10:00 to11:30 am in Room 2H of the Parish Center from October through May.  These groups come together to grow closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, sharing and discussion of selected spiritual books.

Mornings and evenings of renewal are planned in Advent and Lent.

Parishioners have an open invitation to join any of our faith enhancement experiences and are encouraged to suggest topics for discussions or presentations.

Program Contact:  Kay Stumbar - 908.464.7444  / kstumbar@lfbhnj.org

CORNERSTONE RETREATS
Men’s and Women’s Cornerstone Retreats are jointly sponsored by Little Flower, Our Lady of Peace and St. Teresa’s Parishes.  Cornerstone provides an opportunity to step away from one’s daily routine to reflect on those things that are most important in life. Included are inspiring talks by fellow parishioners as well as time for prayer and personal reflection with God.  The Cornerstone program builds fellowship and unity among the participants who are then encouraged to take that spirit back to their individual parishes. 

The Cornerstone Retreat is facilitated by a team from the three parishes who have themselves already experienced the benefits of Cornerstone.

A Men’s Cornerstone was held at Our Lady of Peace Parish in New Providence on November 7-8, 2008.  

A Women's Cornerstone was held at Our Lady of Peace Parish in New Providence on March 13-14, 2009.  

For future Cornerstone dates, call the Program Contacts.

Program Contacts:  
Thomas Billings  -  908.665.0284
Eileen Baker  -  908.464.7444   /   ebaker@lfbhnj.org

R.C.I.A. (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS)

Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith?
Do you know someone who may want to become a Catholic?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process for welcoming adults, age 18 and over, into the Roman Catholic Church.  It includes periods of inquiry, catechetical sessions, discernment, prayer and finally the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation:  Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, which occur during the Easter Vigil or during the Easter season.

The RCIA is a community journey that leads to a transformation of mind and spirit.  Its purpose is to assist prospective Catholics in their journey to become active members of the Church community through periods of study, faith sharing, scripture reflection, and rites (steps along the way that are celebrated with the parish community).

Who might consider the RCIA process?

• Adults who have never been baptized
• Adults who have been baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to 
      seek full communion with the Catholic Church
• Adults who were baptized Catholic as infants, but who have not celebrated the 
      sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist
• The process can also be adapted for children of catechetical age (7 and older) 
      who have not been baptized.

Little Flower Parish offers an on-going process for an adult who wishes to inquire about the Catholic faith.  A person may begin the journey at any time he/she so desires.

Program Contact: Kay Stumbar - 908.464.7444  /   kstumbar@lfbhnj.org

The Little Flower Resource Center (library), located in the back of the upper Church, maintains a variety of books, magazines, videos and audiotapes for personal and spiritual growth. The library is maintained through monetary donations of parishioners, many of whom memorialize loved ones or special family occasions such as baptisms, communions, confirmations or marriages.

Information in the Resource Center is available for all parishioners use at any time.  Please visit us!

Each year in October, around the time of the feast day of our parish patron, St. Therese of Lisieux, Little Flower conducts a parish mission.

The theme of the Parish Mission for 2009 will be Surviving the Recession: Using God's Stimulus Package to Avoid "Spiritual Bankruptcy."  The mission will be presented by Apostolica, on September 27, 28 & 29 at 7:30 PM in the Little Church on Plainfield Avenue.  The members of Apostolica are Deacon Tony Siino and Sherry Ottoson from St. Jude's Church in Mount Olive, New Jersey.  Join us for three evenings of prayer, song and meditation.


Program Contact:  Kay Stumbar - 908.464.7444    /  kstumbar@lfbhnj.org