Adult Formation

 

The parish communities of Transfiguration and St. Catherine offer a shared menu of opportunities for adults to grow in faith, no matter where you are on your journey. 

 

 

 

 Getting started in faith or looking to brush up on the basics?   

 

  • Order of Christian Initiation for Adults :  If you have never been baptized, been baptized Christian in another denomination, or been baptized Roman Catholic but never received First Eucharist or Confirmation, you are a candidate for the OCIA program.   AND, if you are already a fully initiated Catholic but would like the chance to explore our Catholic beliefs more deeply alongside those who are preparing to be initiated, you are welcome to participate too!   Sessions begin in the fall, and candidates are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.  Contact Deacon Eric Bessette for more info. 

 

  • Alpha: Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith.  Each session includes dinner, a video talk exploring a different faith question, and conversation in small groups.  If you are looking to ask the big questions in a non-judgmental and supportive community, Alpha is for you!  We had a wonderful session in the Spring of 2025, and are currently planning our 2026 offering.  If you are interested in Alpha - please contact Anne Gallagher.

 

 

 

 Interested in exploring your faith at home on your own time?   

 

 

 

 

  • Franciscan at Home: Our parishes are offering FREE unlimited access to this library of online enrichment workshops.  Follow the link below to create your account; then you can begin learning using one of the suggested tracks or explore on your own. https://franciscanathome.com/diocese-rochester  

 

 

 

 Looking for a place to have faith conversations or to learn more about faith topics of interest to you?   

 

  • Women in the Spirit:  The Women in the Spirit planning committee will take the 2025-2026 year to reflect and plan the future of Women in the Spirit.  Women in the Spirit usually gathers monthly, normally on the first Wednesday, to learn more about sharing our faith.  We listen to experts share their insights, we explore our sense of spirituality amongst us, and we work in community with each other.   All women and their guests are welcome!  We hope to have robust programming return in the 2026-2027 season. 

 

 

 

  • Men in the Spirit: gathers monthly, usually on the third Monday, for fellowship, light supper, presentation, reflection, and evening prayer – time to feed our spiritual life and renew friendships.  All men are welcome! 

 

 

 

  • Women’s Bible Study:  typically offered in the fall and in the spring. Join a community of women to dive more deeply into Scripture with prayerful study and lively discussion.  The 22 week Fall 2025 Women's Bible Study is forming! 'Opening Your Heart'  will take you on an exciting journey closer to the heart of God, help you form a personal relationship with Christ, and help you find answers to life's biggest questions through the context of the Catholic Faith. Registration forms are in the Gathering Areas or parish offices, and the fee for this program is $40 if you need the 'Opening Your Heart' book, and $5 if you already have the book. Questions?  Email Mary Jo Brandt at mjbrandt6@gmail.com or Kathy Kyhos at kkyhos@frontiernet.net



 

  • JustFaith:  Just Faith is a study and discussion program that dives deep into the social justice issues facing our world today.  Contact Joy Morris at joyemorris@yahoo.com   or (585) 317-9868 for more info.   This Fall we are offering Just Faith - Preventing Gun Violence.  This  8-week program is for anyone who is committed to ending gun violence – gun owners and non-gun owners alike. Registration forms are available in gathering spaces as well as Parish offices. Sessions will be held at Transfiguration on Thursday evenings from 6:30–8:30 PM starting on Thursday, September 11. The last session will be on Thursday, October 30. There is a $35 fee for this program.


 

  • Speakers Series: Learn more about our rich faith tradition by spending several weeks reflecting on a theological topic.  We typically have series in the Advent and Lent seasons.  As the season approaches - we typically add an Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter page to the website with all the special programming, including our speaker series.

 

 

 

  • Young Adult Ministry: We’ve recently started a faith-sharing group for young adults in their 20s and 30s.  We come together for fellowship, food, and fun.  Contact Anne Gallagher for more info. 

 

 

 

  • Franciscan Spirituality Group: gathers monthly on the second Sunday to discuss the writings and daily meditations of Franciscan Fr.  Richard Rohr OFM. Contact John and Pam Notebaert for more information (585-259-1175, psnotebaert@gmail.com ) 

 

 

 

  • Interested in starting a faith-sharing small group? We are hoping to grow small groups in our parishes!  If you have an idea for a small group or would like to be involved in building this ministry, contact Anne Gallagher. 

 

 

 

 Ready to go deeper with God and take your faith to the next level?   

 

  • Spiritual Exercises: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola consist of guided prayer experiences intended to help retreatants grow closer to Christ and develop the spiritual freedom needed to serve God. We've offered the Spiritual Exercises annually to parishioners for nearly 20 years. Those making the retreat commit to daily prayer, regular meetings with a spiritual director, and group sessions for teaching and sharing. The Spiritual Exercises have deepened the prayer lives and been a source of healing for many at Transfiguration and St. Catherine's.  Our cohort for 2025-2026 is almost full.  Contact Bob Muhlnickel at rlmuhlnickel@gmail.com  ASAP if you wish to join in.

 

 

 

  • Parish Retreat Opportunities: We periodically offer special days of retreat for prayer and reflection. 

 

 

 

  • Retreats at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua: We are blessed to have a beautiful resource for spiritual renewal in our diocese!  Notre Dame offers a wide menu of weekend and day retreats throughout the year.  Explore their offerings here: https://notredameretreat.org/