Overview
The passing on of our Catholic tradition depends on the witness of adults in continuing their own faith development. The quality of faith formation for children and youth is directly related to an adult community that is well-formed in the Catholic faith. Thus, our primary focus is on adult faith formation. Many adults long for a deeper personal experience of God and involvement in a community of faith. We provide opportunities to satisfy the spiritual hunger of adults and to talk about the importance of Jesus Christ in their lives.
Adult faith formation opportunities, including Bible studies, prayer groups, and learning sessions, are offered throughout the year.
Childcare may be available for adult faith formation events, as requested.
Contact: Teri Burns, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, 616-676-9111 (ext 115)
Subscribe to receive updates on Adult Faith Formation offerings at St Robert of Newminster Parish.

Register for Free at https://strobertchurch.formed.org
With your free access to FORMED, 24/7 on your smartphone, computer, iPad, or Kindle, you can:
- Prepare for Mass each week by watching an insightful five-minute video on the Sunday Readings;
- Enjoy movies as a family that are both nourishing and entertaining;
- Enrich your marriage with the award-winning video program Beloved; and
- Help your children grow in faith and character with engaging children’s materials.
Centering Prayer
Thursdays, 12-1 p.m., Room 205
Centering Prayer is a method of prayer to cultivate the development of Contemplative Prayer. Come from 12-12:30 p.m. for the practice of Centering Prayer, then you may choose to leave or stay to discuss a particular reading. You may also opt to participate via Zoom. For more information or to sign up, contact Teri Burns, ext 115.
Women’s Faith Readers Book Club
The Women’s Book Club meets every 6-8 weeks to discuss an agreed-upon novel or non-fiction book. Discussions are held on Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. in room 202 (enter Door E and take the stairs or elevator to the second floor) and/or via Zoom.
Contact: Teri Burns
That Man Is You!
Meets Fridays, starting September 16th from 6:00-7:30 am in the Parish Life Center.
Men of all ages, Catholic and non-Catholic are welcome!!
Contact Al Juarez for more information: 616.550.9996 Email
Bible Studies
Adults interested in learning more about the Bible and who want an opportunity to share their faith stories with others are invited to participate in a Bible study group. No previous experience is necessary to participate in any group. Materials are provided with your registration. There is a women’s Going Deeper in Faith, Sunday Scripture Study and Growing in Faith Bible Study.
Women ALIVE
Throughout the year, women of our parish and the larger community are invited to participate in events to help them be more Alive, Loving, Inspired, Vibrant, and Engaged.
Our 2023-2024 season will be on a Tuesday, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm:
- December 5
- February 13
Watch the bulletin for event details.
If you are interested in joining the Women ALIVE team, we’d love to have you help us plan and coordinate events!
Contact: Jolana Peard
O.W.L.S.
Second Friday of each month
Older Wiser Lively Seniors are invited to join other senior parishioners on the second Friday of each month for fun and casual fellowship. If you are interested in planning or helping with events, contact Catherine Jacobs.
Contact: Catherine Jacobs
Marriage Enrichment
Marriage is not just a matter of love; it is also a matter of ongoing development of your commitment to your spouse. It takes regular prayer and practice in self-less giving to make your marriage fruitful in God’s love and joy.
Give your marriage a boost with The Choice Wine: 7 Steps to a Superabundant Marriage. This program puts couples on a path to superabundance through seven simple, yet highly
effective steps. Each session will include fellowship with drinks and appetizers followed by a video presentation and good conversation.
Childcare will be available. For more information or to sign up, contact Rich & Michelle Ptak, Email, 616-822-6019
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
- September 15
- October 20
- November 17
- December 15
- January 19
- February 16
- March 16
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Check out these online resources, as well:
Adult Faith Formation Online Resources
Faith formation is a life-long process. In our tech-savvy world, there are a variety of web resources to help you enhance your spiritual growth.
- Catholic Information Center
- Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Dominican Center at Marywood
- FAITH Grand Rapids magazine
- Ignatian Spirituality
- Loyola Press
- Our Sunday Visitor
- Virtual Learning Community– Provides on-line courses in theology, scripture, sacraments, liturgy and many others for catechists. The Diocese of Grand Rapids is a partner and can provide the five week courses at a reduced rate of $40 per person.
- Word on Fire