Study Groups

Tuesday Morning Study Group. This group meets Tuesdays from 10-11:30am. Dates and length of the studies vary. Topics offered include Scripture studies, prayer studies, book studies, and discussions on the Sunday readings to help you prepare for Mass. (Due to the pandemic, this group is currently meeting virtually.) For more information, contact Faye Akers in the Faith Formation Office. 
 

Independent Small Groups & Individual Studies

The Faith Formation Office has a variety of study materials available you can check out for your own individual use or for an independent small group that you organize and host on your own.

• How? Contact the Faith Formation Office to set up a time to view our library of available DVDs and leader’s materials.
• Where? Arrange for a location that works for you or your group – home, coffee shop, library, online, etc.
• When? Decide on dates and times that work for you and your group.
• Who? Invite others and make arrangements for your group, as well as communicate expectations and meeting details.
• Cost? There is no cost for use of DVDs or leader’s materials you borrow from the Faith Formation Office. However, you must order and purchase participant materials from the publisher.

Online Studies

FORMED. St. Boniface has a parish subscription to FORMED which allows unlimited access to al parishioners. FORMED offers digital faith formation on demand for all ages including Catholic videos, audio books, e-books and study programs. To set up a FREE account and access resources, click here.

Elements of the Mass. Offered by the Liturgical Institute, this series of thirty 3-minute video episodes on every part of the Mass will help you know and love the liturgy more. To view and access the FREE videos and study guides, click here.

The Mass: A Four-Part Mini Series with Father Ken Gross. Find out how Father Ken prepares for Mass and learn more about how you can better pray and experience the Mass, too! Click here to view the series on our St. Boniface YouTube channel. 

Part One: The Introductory Rites (15 min)
Part Two: Liturgy of the Word (15 min)
Part Three: Liturgy of the Eucharist (15 min)
Part Four: Concluding Rites + Q&A (20 min)

Ascension. Groups of two or more can start a Bible study or faith formation program anywhere, anytime. To view and access available program offerings and more details, click here.

10 Gifts of the Catholic Faith. Offered by the Archdiocese of Dubuque, these video-based sessions are based on the top ten gifts of the Catholic faith, including Jesus in the Eucharist, Sacraments, Community, Catholic Social Teaching, Mary & the Saints and more! To access the videos and view and print discussion materials, click here.
 

Continuing Education Opportunities (St. Joseph Educational Center and Diocese of Des Moines)

Both St. Joseph Educational Center (located in West Des Moines) and the Diocese of Des Moines offer a wide range of continuing education opportunities for adults in our parish, arranged through partnerships with Creighton University, the University of Dayton, and Franciscan University of Steubenville.. Offerings include:

• one -time workshops and courses
• certifications for catechists and teachers
• higher level degrees in theology and ministry

To find out more, contact Faye Akers in the Faith Formation Office at fayeakers@stbonifacechurch.org or 515-987-4597.

 

The Search Small Groups

The Search is a 7-part video series hosted by Chris Stefanick with small group sessions facilitated by St. Boniface parishioners. The series explores the deepest questions of the human heart: Why am I here? What is life all about? What happens when we die?

The Search guides you through "the great story of everything," as astrophysicists, psychologists, neuroscientists, artists, chemists and professors point to one big (and perhaps surprising) conclusion -- Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Click here to view all seven topics covered in the series. 

Facilitator Resources

Everything you need to facilitate your small group is here, but don't hesitate to ask for help! For more information, contact Faye Akers in the Faith Formation Office at fayeakers@stbonifacechurch.org or (515) 987-4597.

Facilitator Training. A virtual facilitator training session was offered Wed, Jan 20. PowerPoint slides from the training are available upon request.

Facilitator Guide. Includes session outline and episode notes. Click here to view and print.

Episode video teasers. Used at the beginning of each session to remind participants of the episode content prior to small group discussion. Click here to access and capture the appropriate episode "teaser" for each session.

FORMED account. Each facilitator needs one. Sign up FREE at this link.
 
The Search video series. Watch the appropriate episode before each small group session. Click here to view.

Zoom account. Each facilitator needs access to a Zoom account. 

Participant Resources

Facilitators, we suggest that you include the link to this website page in your communications with small group members so they can access the videos and print the discussion guide to prepare for each session. The link to copy and paste in an email is https://stbonifacechurch.org/adults-learn   (Make sure you remind small group members to scroll to the bottom of the page.)

Participant Discussion Guide. Each small group member needs one of these. Click here to view and print.

FORMED account. Each small group member needs one. Sign up FREE at this link.

The Search video series. Watch the appropriate episode before each small group session. Click here to view.

Episode Notes. Optional, but available to any group member. Click here to view and print.

Evaluation form. After you've completed the entire series of The Search, please click here to complete the series evaluation. Your feedback helps us improve in the future, thank you!