Our Lady of Sorrows Church

RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA is the Church's preferred way for people to become members of the Church. Reestablished following Vatican Council II, this process began in the Early Church and was begun here at OLS in 1983 with nine people being welcomed as members on Easter of 1984. Every Easter since we have had the joy of welcoming new, full fledged members. We are particularly pleased with the great number of those who came through the RCIA who now fill the many ministries which are so vital to our parish.

• The group begins the RCIA process here at OLS by participating in the Alpha course. Alpha will begin in September and run for ten weeks. Alpha is a program to talk about and explore your faith and answers some of the big questions, like why are we here. There is a dinner, video and discussions not only with the new RCIA candidates and catechumens but also parish members or anyone else who is participating in the Alpha course at the time.
• Our Catechumenate period (December until Lent) is based on the Augustine Institute program Symbolon, which has videos based everything you need to know to live as a faithful Catholic. 
• Our weekly meetings are led by a team of members with different backgrounds in the church leading to lively and interesting discussions.
• Candidates are invited to bring a sponsor, who travels with them along the way as moral support and helper on many levels.

Any questions? Or if you are seeking more information about our program please contact Diane Rigotti at the parish office 607-748-8287

Adult Faith Formation

There are many opportunities offered at OLS to expand and deepen your faith through groups that meet regularly and through special meetings and workshops offered at various times during the year. You can study Scripture, get involved with a book group, read and discuss the weekly gospel, or get involved with some of the many other adult education programs offered throughout the year. The following are groups that are currently meeting on a regular basis during the year. Special programs are offered during Advent, or Lent, or other times during the year will be advertised in the weekly church bulletin.

• Tuesday Bible Study Group (Room 11) - This group meets every Tuesday night at 6:30pm, Room 11, in our school building. You may use the school entrance instead of the church entrance to find Room 11. This group meets beginning in September and continues until June. The group takes a break over the summer months. They use a variety of Bible Study Programs with most studies lasting eight to ten weeks. The beginning of a new topic or study will be announced in our bulletin. This is an interesting and lively group! Come join us! 
• Thursday Morning Women's Spirituality Group - This group meets Thursdays at 9:30am in Room 11 in the school building. They read and discusses both contemporary and current Catholic literature as well as authors from the past. They also have used series from Formed, our web subscription Catholic site for courses, books and DVD's.  Discussions last about an hour. This is an engaging group of women from very diverse backgrounds making for a welcoming and spirited group.
• Tuesday evening Zoom Sunday Scripture group - This is an online group, beginning at 7pm, making it easy for anyone to join from anywhere. They discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday Mass using the book Living Liturgy, published by Liturgical Press. Call the parish office (607-748-8287) for directions on how to join this zoom group.
• The Alpha program - Alpha is a place to connect with other people who are open to exploring life, faith, and meaning. It's a safe place to ask questions that ultimately will bring you closer to God. Alpha runs once a year at OLS. It is run over several weeks with dinner, a video, and discussion. Watch our bulletin for starting times.

All of these groups may be found in the Parish Information Calendar published in our church bulletin. Other groups offered at different times throughout the year will be announced in the church bulletin and on our website.

The church also has an open library for anyone to use to further their study or deepen their faith that is at the far end of the gathering space on the end by the cafe entrance. Books may be signed out and used at any time.

Any questions please contact Diane Rigotti - 748-8287 for more information.