Our Lady of the Valley offers a variety of Classes and Small Groups for adults led by clergy, parish staff, and faithful parishioners. Our small groups during the Fall and Spring terms engage a variety of topics including Scripture studies, book studies, courses on the Liturgy and Sacraments, Catholic Culture and Morality, Sacred Art, Men's and Women's groups, and more. To learn more about current groups that are meeting, please reach out to Ryan Long (ryan@ourladyofthevalley.net).
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CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR FALL 2026:
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FUNDAMENTUM: REALIZING THE 'DIVINE EXCHANGE' IN THE CHURCH’S SACRED WORSHIP – WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASSES
Following upon Pope Leo XVI's repeated calls through the summer of 2026 for authentic renewal of the Sacred Liturgy of the Church and for earnest liturgical catechesis for the lay faithful, Father Sam offers a 12-part theological series this fall on sacramental theology and orthodox liturgical praxis as a necessary means to cooperate faithfully and fruitfully in God's work of redeeming love, which will follow naturally upon last year's Radix course. This new course will elucidate the Church's own expectations for the proper celebration of the Sacred Liturgy and for sacramental participation in all parish settings, which Father Sam expects to implement more fully into the life of Our Lady of the Valley in the near future with the help of this series.
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INSCRIBED UPON THE HEART - THURSDAY EVENING & FRIDAY MORNING CLASSES
The Beatitudes “display the mystery of Christ himself, and they call us to communion with him” (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth). This course led by Ryan Long will dive into the Beatitudes, drawing connections between the Virtues and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as we explore together a transformation of heart and what truly makes us happy!
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ADULT SMALL GROUPS DURING THE WEEK:
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Abiding Together Women's Group
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The Cyclone Mom Method Women's Group
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Pursue Well Men's Group
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COR Men's Group
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Men Growing in Faith
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Genesis to Jesus
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LUMEN Post-OCIA Group
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Patriarch Men's Group
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Well Read Mom
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Marian Consecration: 33 Days to Morning Glory
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Remain in Me and I in You Women's Group
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The Imitation of Christ
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And More!
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for connection and more information, Contact:
Ryan Long, Director of Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
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“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 27).
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The fundamental objective of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is to provide catechesis and spiritual development for adults seeking a deeper relationship with Christ through the fullness of the Catholic Church, and for adults preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. OCIA is designed to cover the essential pillars of Faith, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer. While intellectual formation (learning, listening, reading, studying) is certainly a vital element that we pour substantial effort into, it is not the only element. OCIA also aims to provide liturgical formation by spending time in God's presence, spiritual formation in prayer, and community formation with discussions and fellowship so that we learn not only what our faith is, but also how to live our faith in relationship with God and others. At Our Lady of the Valley, OCIA runs year round because the emphasis is on the formation of the whole human person, and not merely on the completion of subject matter. The timelines of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth can vary depending on the individual. If you are interested in learning more, we are ready to welcome you and walk the journey together.
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Our OCIA cycles follow a recurring pattern throughout the year:
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FALL SESSIONS: September through December
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SPRING SESSIONS: January through March
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MYSTAGOGY SESSIONS: Easter through Pentecost
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SUMMER SESSIONS: June through August
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for more information on ocia, Contact:
Ryan Long, Director of Adult Faith Formation
GRIEF SUPPORT:
Whether it was the death of your life mate, a close friend, or some other special relationship, grief is meant to be shared. This is a mutual support group. The group is not psychotherapy but it will help you navigate the difficulties of this new experience.
Each week, we will discuss the issues and concerns common to newly bereaved people.
Contact
Phil Montera or Patty Wunderlich