The Prayer and Spiritual Life Commission is concerned with the spiritual development of parishioners and reaching out to all through the Spiritual Works of Mercy

Welcoming Committee

The Welcoming Committee hosts Newcomer Sundays and other events. We initiate personal relationships with new parishioners with the goal of helping them find their place in our parish community. This is a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy meeting new people and sharing the warmth of Blessed Sacrament. All levels of involvement are available.

Youth Retreats Youth Retreats

(Altar Server Camp, SKY Camp, QUEST, Teens Encounter Christ)

The diocese sponsors retreats for youth of all ages.

SKY Camp is for students entering grades 6 – 9; QUEST is for high school freshman and sophomores; Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreats are for high school juniors and seniors, college freshman and sophomores.

Schoenstatt

Schoenstatt is a Catholic lay movement for those who strive to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the example of Mary. Schoenstatt is deeply and devotedly Marian and those involved have repeatedly experienced how love of Mary opens new avenues to a vibrant relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit, God the Father, and to a renewal of love of neighbor and self. The Schoenstatt Movement includes branches for priests, consecrated and single men and women, couples, mothers, university students and youth. Members of all ages may participate in monthly small group meetings, days of reflection, camps and family activities, retreats and pilgrimages.

Contact:           Cor Mariae Schoenstatt Center

340 State Highway 103

Crete NE  68333

402-826-4852

Evangelization

Mission is to fulfill our baptismal promise to proclaim Christ. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we assist the pastor in spreading the Catholic faith. In gratitude for the Father’s love, we develop and provide opportunities for conversion and evangelization in our parish community. Monthly meetings, ongoing training. We would like at least a 6 month commitment.

Prayer Line

Parishioners call to request prayers for special intentions. The coordinator calls four people, who then each all one person. Time commitment varies by the number of requests and the type of prayer each member selects.

Light of the World

Light of the World is a method of evangelization being implemented in the Lincoln Diocese. Evangelization is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, the basic message of Christianity. The first step is a weekend parish retreat, which covers topics from God’s love for you to presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Following the retreat, participants may form a small community where they can study the faith, and share the joys and struggles of living a Christian in today’s world. Members discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus. Community members are invited to gather weekly for 2 hours. Light of the World CORE members meet 1 to 2 hours per month.

Legion of Mary

The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation, under ecclesiastical guidance, in Mary’s and the Church’s work of advancing the reign of Christ. Active members pray the Rosary and Tessera daily, attend weekly hour long meetings, and are involved in several works, most notably visiting new parishioners. Other activities include visits to nursing homes, taking Catholics to Mass, visiting homebound parishioners, hosting RCIA classes, leading the Rosary before each Mass and praying at Planned Parenthood. Members also help with the rotation of our Lady of Fatima statue. Monday morning group meets after 8:20 a.m/ Mass; Monday evening group meets at 5:30 pm. Members spend up to 2 hours a week on committee activities. Members take pride in bringing Jesus and Mary into the hearts and homes of everyone they encounter on their calls.

Perpetual Adoration

Since our Church has the special name of Blessed Sacrament, it is truly appropriate that we have Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We have been blest for having had this special devotion for the past twenty-three years at Blessed Sacrament, wherein someone is in prayer before Jesus in the Tabernacle 24 hours a day, seven days a week, adoring and praising Him and keeping Him company. Parishioners may sign up for weekly, semi-weekly, or even a monthly hour – - whatever works with your schedule. Substitutes are also needed to cover an hour when an adorer is unable to be there. Many graces and blessings are received by those who partake in this holy devotion.

Confraternity of Christian Mothers

Mothers of all ages are welcome to join this spiritual organization which encourages moms in their vocation of motherhood and the Christian upbringing of their children. Christian Mothers offers friendship, spiritual enrichment, fellowship and guidance for the challenges facing our families in today’s world. Our group meets one Saturday each month following the 8:30 am Mass. Meetings last 90 minutes. Dues are $15 per year, but all are welcome regardless of ability to pay. New moms are always appreciated!

Living Rosary

This group includes more than 200 parishioners who pray one assigned decade of the rosary each day. No meetings. No dues. Approximately 35 minutes of prayer each week. This group provides a good opportunity for fallen away Catholics to practice their faith.

Marriage Encounter

Marriage Encounter is a weekend enrichment experience that focuses on making good marriages better. Healthy marriages lead to stronger families. Weekends run from Friday evening to Sunday evening at a hotel. During the weekend, couples learn a new way of communicating with each other, which often results in a “just married” feeling. Couples also learn about the Sacrament of matrimony. Group sharing is not required. All couples married a minimum of 2 years are encouraged to attend. Coordinators attend 5 meetings a year plus 1 weekend per year.

Engaged Encounter

Couples must enroll in an Engaged Encounter weekend prior to marriage. Married couples can become presenters for Engaged Encounter weekends.

Retreats

Our Lincoln Diocese offers weekend retreats from mid-August to mid-May at Our Lady of Good Council Retreat House in Waverly. In Mark 6:31, we are invited to “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Our Retreat Masters are from our diocese mostly. At times, others come to us. They convene at 7 pm on Friday and close after lunch on Sunday. These are silent retreats – truly a time for meditation and inspiration. Visit http://www.goodcounselretreat.com/ for more information.

Retrovaille

Retrouvaille is a program for couples who are struggling in their marriage. The program begins with the weekend phase where a technique of communication is presented to enable couples to take a good look at most areas of their relationship. During the post weekend phase, the weekend technique is further developed and combined with additional tools to explore other areas of the marriage/relationship. Weekends usually are held in February and August. Retrouvaille is designed to Heal and Save Marriages.