An Open Invitation
Lauren Pappas in Avalon last year with her sons, Joseph and Paul.
Four years ago, a friend and Walking with Purpose (WWP) member asked me multiple times to attend the weekly meeting in Morgan Hall. However, each invitation made me hesitate, asking myself, “Am I a good enough Catholic to participate in a women’s Bible study?” Growing up, I learned my spoken prayers and the Church’s traditions, but I rarely sat to read or consider Scripture aside from the Gospel on Sunday mornings. With my young children attending Mass with me, distractions are often unavoidable, and sometimes, I miss out on the Gospel’s message.
WWP is a Catholic Bible study program that aims to bring women into a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By reading Scripture followed by small group discussion, the multigenerational women of WWP find solutions to their everyday challenges through the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church.
One day, I accepted my friend’s invitation, which has transformed my relationship with God. At my first meeting, I quickly cast aside my initial fear of not knowing enough Scripture when I realized we begin our journey precisely where we are. The program has deepened my faith in and knowledge of the Bible, and meaningful friendships within the group have developed. The opportunity to reflect on Scripture and share insights about our faith is enriching.
Last year, thirty-seven women joined us in Morgan Hall. While our beginner’s session is entitled Opening Your Heart, Touching the Divine is geared for those who participated in any session since WWP began at CTK in 2019. I encourage you to accept this invitation to deepen your relationship with Christ, regardless of where you are in your faith journey.
Lauren Pappas is a coordinator for WWP and a member of Father Jon’s Homily Inspiration Group.
Take the first step to Opening Your Heart by using the QR Code to contact Lauren Pappas. Meeting options are Thursday at 7PM or Friday at 9AM.
March for Life
Fr. Jon, KC Clement, and Marilyn Schiffman carpooled to the New Jersey March for Life on Thursday, September 26.
As a suburbanite, I’m always concerned about parking when driving into a city. Therefore, after parishioners Marilyn Schiffman and KC Clement packed into my Honda Fit to carpool to the inaugural March for Life in Trenton, we prayed to the parking angels. Forty-five minutes later, we found a parking garage directly across the street from the Cathedral of St. Mary. The only problem was that the garage was for city workers and required an ID for entry. The attendant waved us in anyway!
At 9:30 AM, the bishops of New Jersey led Mass in a packed cathedral. In his homily, Bishop O’Connell of Trenton described a billboard on Route 70 in Ocean County with a father and baby daughter and the words, “Duty to Protect.” He preached that Catholics have a duty to protect the dignity of human Life in all stages and conditions. At 11 AM, a rally began in front of the Statehouse. Catholic and Protestant clergy prayed before and after brief speeches by activists and a state assemblyman. After 12 noon, we marched along a one-mile loop around the Statehouse.
KC, who sings in the choir, had never before attended a pro-Life march. He was moved by the testimony of speakers at the rally. “May God bless these young women and girls that said yes to Life and let their babies grow strong,” he said. Marilyn, who belongs to CTK for Life, shared, “It felt spiritually luxurious to celebrate Life with such a joyous community of Catholics.” She noted the presence of many religious sisters and brothers in various habits not often seen in parishes.
We were back at the parish by 2 PM – and the rate for five hours in a Trenton parking garage? Free for us.
Fr. Jon began his pro-life activism by praying the rosary in front of Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, PA while studying across the street at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Join CTK for Life by speaking to Jennifer McHugh-Barker, MD, or emailing her at jlm310@comcast.net. Help with the new mothers class at the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Center, MAMIS, by talking to Cheryl Judge at the office.
Fr. Jon and KC Clement stand in front of the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton.