Adult Programs
Spirituality Center
SpiritSite is a Spirituality Center dedicated to making the teachings of Christian spiritual masters on contemplative prayer, praying with the Scriptures, and the spiritual journey more widely available within parishes throughout the Diocese of San Jose. SpiritSite’s goal is to lead members of the parishes to a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and personal transformation.
Bible Study
Periodically, a multi-week (usually six weeks) Bible Study is offered. The goal of this bible study is to enablle particpants to get a grasp of the distinctive character of the particular biblical book being studied. Prior bible study is not a requiement. There are two groups, one will meet on Tuesday evenings and the other on Friday mornings. For further information, please contact Pat Bortle (evening group) or Don Sifferman (morning group).
Introduction to the Sunday Gospel
A brief introduction to the Sunday Gospel is available by email. This introduction provides some background information that places the gospel selection in the context of the Gospel from which it is taken. It includes some short comments and a thought for reflection. To sample or subscribe to this resource, email your request to Gospel Reflections.
Faith Sharing Groups
Groups of parishioners meet for 6 weeks in the Fall and during Lent to pray and reflect on Scripture. Each group has a facilitator and typically meets at the facilitator or other member’s home or at the parish. Groups meet on different days and at different times, so anyone interested in participating, can find a convenient group time. This is a way to grow spiritually and to gain a wonderful sense of community. For additional information contact Naomi Levenson.
Just Faith
JustFaith is a thirty-week program, in three ten week courses, that involves participants in a panorama of learning experiences, which form a rich context for personal transformation and fresh commitments to justice and parish social ministry. JustFaith is sponsored by the Diocese of San Jose, our neighboring parishes, and Catholic Charities USA. A typical week includes a communal prayer, discussion of assigned reading, and a video presentation or guest speaker. For more information visit JustFaith.
Groups meet once a week with breaks at Christmas and Easter. In addition to the weekly meetings there are three Saturday retreats and several “hands-on” experiences.
Justice Speakers Forum 2006
Ascension Parish, Prospect & Miller in Saratoga, 7:30-9:00 PM
Monday, March 20 Networks of Peace
Mr. Joseph Hastings, West Coast Director, Catholic Relief Services
Monday, April 24 The Disparity of Wealth between Rich and Poor Nations
Rev. Joseph Sands, SJ
Monday, May 22 Globalization: the Loss of Livelihood of Indigenous Peoples
Sister Diane Clyne, RSM, Justice Coordinator
Mercy Sisters, Burlingame
Monday, June 12 Human Trafficking
Sister Jean Schafer
Questions and answers and a panel discussion follow each presentation. A $5 free will donation for each session is suggested. Refreshments will be served. For further information contact Bill Kroenung.
Retreat Opportunties
EL Retiro San Inigo - Jesuit Retreat House, Los Altos
Presentation Center - Los Gatos
Vallombrosa Retreat Center - Menlo Park
Marriage Encounter
Marriage Encounter offers a weekend experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It's a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It's a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other.
The emphasis of the Marriage Encounter weekend is on the communication between husbands and wives. The weekend provides a conducive environment for couples to spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, while encouraging them to focus on each other and their relationship.
It's not a retreat, marriage clinic, group sensitivity, or a substitute for counseling. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Marriage.
This is a time for you and your spouse to be alone together, to rediscover each other and together focus on your relationship for an entire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention!
For additional information visit the Marriage Encounter website.
Beginning Experience
The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce or death is one of life's most traumatic experiences. It can result in nearly unbearable feelings of loneliness and grief.
Many people who have suffered this loss feel left out by their church, uneasy around married friends, unsure of themselves and uncertain about their futures.
The Beginning Experience weekend program helps grieving single-again persons emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning and move into the future with renewed hope.