In addition to an incredibly rich liturgical life, there is a deep commitment at St. Camillus to prayer, faith sharing, and a deepening of our spiritual life. We have a number of small faith sharing communities (in English, French and Spanish) throughout the parish. Some have been meeting for years, while some are new. All welcome new members. While most groups meet weekly only during Advent and Lent, to discuss the challenge of the Sunday readings to the way we live our everyday lives, there are some that meet regularly throughout the year.

Faith sharing is only one option of group prayer available. For those who prefer a more contemplative approach to prayer, there is a meditation group that meets weekly. For those who prefer a more lively approach, there are charismatic prayer groups in Spanish and French. If you have a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, there is the Legion of Mary in French and in Spanish, as well as a multicultural Rosary prayed before weekday Eucharist. For those seeking a more Franciscan flavor, we have a Secular Franciscan community associated with us. For those seeking a more Eucharistic spirituality, each month we have a Benediction and Adoration in both Spanish and English. For couples seeking a spirituality that focuses on married life there are the Teams of Our Lady, small groups in which couples share and support one another in their marriage vocation. If you are someone struggling with an addiction to alcohol, we have the 12 Step Spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Retreats are a powerful and transformative part of Catholic faith life, and here at St. Camillus we offer a number of possibilities. The Holy Name Society and the Hispanic Committee usually sponsor days of recollection during both Advent and Lent. There are retreats in Spanish for young adults.  For teenagers there are SEARCH retreats for high school juniors and seniors and lock-in retreat for grades 7-10. In addition some of the parish groups such as the Christian Life Community and Teams of Our Lady sponsor special retreats for their members.

Another important component of spiritual life is an opportunity to explore the call of God in our lives through Spiritual Direction.  We are blessed to have a number of lay and religious directors willing to share this gift with others.

When members of the parish family die, we seek to support the families in their hours of grief. Volunteers from the Holy Name Society and the Caring Friends offer prayer and support along with the possibility of assistance with planning the funeral liturgy and the preparation of a meal after the burial.

For many parishioners, involvement in these different forms of spirituality is a key part of their lives.  Over time in many groups, relationships form, deep friendships develop, and true Christian community happens. They also help people to reflect on who God is, who they are, and where God is calling them. In our busy, complicated world, God’s Spirit speaks to each one of us, seeking to help and guide us to a fuller life, but we hear that voice only if we take the time away from the world’s busyness and distractions to pray, reflect, and share faith. Could involvement in one of these groups help you to hear God’s voice more clearly? Could it provide you with a deeper experience of Christian community? Could it help you to discover where God is calling you in this life?