Good Shepherd Parish continues to offer a free one-year membership to Formed, a Catholic on-line resource for you to enjoy. It has something for everyone. We want to give witness to the Risen Christ’s Presence in each person and to recommit ourselves to being disciples of Jesus Christ and to living our faith fully. Please take advantage of this opportunity!
Go to formed.org to create an account. On the blue navigation bar “click” on Find Your Parish Subscription, then search out the parish by name. We are listed as Good Shepherd Church, it gives a dropdown menu to choose from, we of course are 56 Franklin St., Vineyard Haven MA., “click” next. Create your account: enter your name and email. “click” sign up button. That’s it! You can start watching immediately, or use the sign-in button next time.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
An Invitation That Never Ends!
Have you been worshiping with us, but never officially taken the step to become Catholic?
Have you been away from the Church, and have now returned, but want to know more?
Have you been a Catholic all your life, but never celebrated all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)?
Have you joined us from a different background and would like to find out more about the Catholic Church?
If you (“or someone you know”) answers YES to any of these questions, you are invited to find out more through the process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a journey that begins with your questions. On behalf of the Catholic faith community of the Good Shepherd Parish, we look forward to welcoming you.
We are using the newly revised series Symbolon: The Faith of the Church. This 16-episode series is available on http://formed.org and we have participant workbooks available at the parish office. Our RCIA team is Regina Amarins, Esther Deming, Sergio Racigh and Sue Pagliccia.
Unlock the profound beauty and depth of the Catholic faith by joining Taylor Kemp, Noelle Garcia, and Augustine Institute theologians on a transformative journey across America, delving into Catholicism’s rich history, core teachings, and spiritual practices. Guided by the Creed, it explores everything from the sacraments to inspiring saintly stories, empowering you to understand, live, and share your faith confidently. Designed to offer you and your parishioners a fuller understanding of the truths and beauty of the faith, this new series is ideal for your RCIA classes. Recommended too for adult Catholics as a refresher course. Watch the trailer:
Symbolon: The Faith of the Church—newly revised 16 video series for Adults
Seeking the Face of God. Session 1 (35 minutes): Created by God and meant to return to him, our hearts are drawn towards the living God. See why seeking God is more than just thinking about him—it takes humility, perseverance, and deep prayer. Discover your heart’s true purpose and connect deeply with the living God.
I Believe in God, the Father Almighty. Session 2 (29 minutes): The greatness of the Lord is on display in the wonders of the created world. Learn why this powerful God wants to connect and invite us into a close relationship with him. Explore this divine connection and feel God’s presence in your life.
Creator of Heaven and Earth. Session 3 (34 minutes): Within the whole of the visible creation, only one creature is capable of entering into communion with God: the human being. Learn how Original Sin affected this gift and its consequences for everyone. Understand this vital relationship and its impact on our lives.
I Believe in Jesus Christ. Session 4 (30 minutes): Merciful and wise, God’s chose us to be his own. Through the Law and the prophets, he prepared us for the coming of his Son, Jesus Christ, who would save us from our sins and fulfill all that God had taught and promised.
His Only Son, Our Lord. Session 5 (30 minutes): God’s chosen Messiah far surpasses expectations: God didn’t just send a leader. He sent his Son. Jesus Christ reveals something that had once been hidden—God is a Trinity. As one of the three divine persons, Jesus shows us the depth of God’s Love and his plan for salvation.
Born of the Virgin Mary. Session 6 (30 minutes): Jesus is truly God, one person of the blessed Trinity, and he is truly man. He shares in our human nature and experiences, yet remains free from all sin. By becoming man, Jesus enables us to share in God’s life through grace, fulfilling the divine plan for humanity.
He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate. Session 7 (30 minutes): Experience the transformative Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ, who through his suffering, death, and resurrection, gave his life to free us from sin. These central and salvific events offer the gift of new life, making us adopted sons and daughters of God!
I Believe in the Holy Spirit. Session 8 (30 minutes): After his Ascension, Christ sent his Church the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit constitutes the Church and empowers her to bring salvation to the world. Through the Holy Spirit, every soul is united to the Body of Christ, including yours.
Mary, the Mother of God. Session 9 (28 minutes): Witness how the radical faith, hope, and love of our Blessed Mother Mary, helped form our Church. By saying “yes” to God’s plan for her life, his plan for the salvation of the world was set in motion—a work that continues today in every Catholic Church worldwide.
The Sacraments. Session 10 (28 minutes): Why does the Church have sacraments? Christ came down to our level through the Incarnation. He continues to do so through his sacraments—visible signs instituted by Christ to give grace. Allowing the Church to participate in God’s saving work, the sacraments offer us concrete experiences of God’s presence and action in our lives.
The Body and Blood of Christ. Session 11 (30 minutes): The Holy Eucharist: it’s the source and summit of the Catholic faith. It’s heaven on earth. It’s the greatest of the sacraments, and one we can easily receive. In the Eucharist, Christ’s redeeming sacrifice is genuinely present before us. Discover how the Mass illuminates the great mystery of our faith and fosters our participation in it.
Made for Communion. Session 12 (30 minutes): Human beings are made for communion. We’re born into the communion of family. We grow in communion with friends. The sacraments initiate and nourish our communion with God. Explore what God has revealed about communion and how to build and deepen it in your own life.
Faith, Hope, and Charity. Session 13 (33 minutes): The whole of the Christian life is fundamentally a living out of the theological virtues. Whether washing the dishes or offering prayers for the Church, every moment is an opportunity for holiness. See how you can increase the theological virtues in your life and grow closer to God.
The Truth will set You Free. Session 14 (26 minutes): Experience true freedom through your identity as a child of God. Freedom rests on the truth, and growth in freedom requires the guidance of wisdom. Before true joy can fill the heart, the splendor of truth must fill the mind. Discover how embracing the truths of the Catholic faith can empower you to find perfect joy in real freedom through Christ.
Prayer, On Earth as It Is in Heaven. Session 15 (33 minutes): Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian soul and an intimate conversation with God. The heart that responds to Christ’s summons, “Follow me,” does so with a view towards eternity. Learn what it means to come before God as a child, ready to receive his love and respond to his call to follow him each day.
Discipleship and Mission. Session 16 (32 minutes): You’ve witnessed the glory of Christ’s mission. Now discover yours! After encountering Christ, knowing the truth of his love, and being transformed by it, the Church calls us to proclaim the good news of salvation to the world. Learn how God is calling YOU to reveal his goodness and invite others to experience his love.
For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 508-693-0342
Scripture Studies (on Zoom)
If anyone would like more information, please contact Fiona at http://Fiona at f_finneran@hotmail.com
This new series will be starting on Wednesday, May 14th and run for six weeks. “Sunday Seminar Series” at https://catholic.bible/sunday-of-the-word-of god/
These are videos about Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church from the USCCB. The topics are:
• Understanding the Pentateuch: Its Importance in Scripture Dr. Bradley Gregory, The Catholic University of America
• Voices of the Prophets: Messages for Today Dr. Deirdre Dempsey, Marquette University
• Spreading the Gospel: The Church’s Mission in Acts Bishop Slawomir Szkredka, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles
• Letters from a Missionary: Paul’s Epistles Explained Dr. Timothy Milinovich, Dominican University
• Unveiling the Future: Insights from Apocalyptic Scriptures Dr. Kelley Coblentz Bautch, Saint Edward’s University
• Challenging Misconceptions: Understanding Disability and Illness in Scripture Dr. Thomas Bolin, Saint Norbert College.
Learn the Catholic faith using the Catechism–2 ways, both free:
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz with Ascension Press for a deeper dive into the faith! https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear
Flocknote’s Catechism in a Year group delivers a short, daily email M-F to your inbox that you can read in less than 5 minutes. Join today and learn more about your faith in an easy and manageable daily format. sign up at https://flocknote.com/catechism/
More Home Studies
Learn More About The Bible
DVD’s for your spiritual and theological growth and development.
You may take these home for a week at a time. Pick up and sign out at the office.
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Oremus – 8 hour sessions on Prayer
- Catching Fire, Becoming Flame – 6 one hour sessions on the spiritual journey as a process of transformation, Your Image of God, The Examen of St. Ignatius, 7 Principles of Prayer, God’s Will and Decision Making, Forgiveness.
- Lectio Divina – 16 hour sessions on various themes
- The Bible Time Line – 24 sessions on the Story of Salvation
- Letter of James – Jeff Cavins – 10 one hour sessions
- Psalms – Jeff Cavins – 10 one hour sessions
- Revelation – Jeff Cavins – 10 one hour sessions
- Acts of the Apostles – Jeff Cavins – 20 one hour sessions
- The Mass by Edward Sri – 4 sessions
- DVD’s on Moses, Joseph, Jacob, David, Abraham – one each
Women’s Bible Study (on hold-TBD) 
Do you desire to grow in your Catholic faith? Do you seek connection with other women in our parish community? Are you searching for something more in your life? We invite you to consider joining Walking with Purpose this fall at Good Shepherd Parish. Weekly group sessions are starting soon.
Opening Your Heart, the foundational study, is designed for women new to Walking with Purpose whether or not you have any Bible study experience; you are welcome as you are to learn how the Scriptures apply to our everyday lives. Walking with Purpose transforms the hearts and lives of women by providing Bible studies that enable women to know Christ through Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
For questions or to RSVP, contact Margaret Penicaud, 508-645-2710, mmpenicaud@gmail.com or visit Walking with Purpose online at http://www.walkingwithpurpose.com for more information.
Book Group – Wednesdays at 10:15 am – Parish Center (or via Zoom–seasonal). https://goodshepherdmv.com/book-club/ For more information contact Carol Shilakes at carolshilakes@gmail.com
Miscellaneous
Throughout the years we have offered retreats, guest speakers, parish missions, and prayer groups. For current offerings, check the Parish Bulletin, or follow us on Facebook at Good Shepherd Parish MV.