Faith Formation

When we are baptized into the Catholic Church, we begin a lifelong journey to grow in understanding of our faith. Nativity BVM Parish supports our parishioners' faith formation through various ministries that educate and engage. 

• Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
• Adult Faith Formation Series
• Book Club
• Parish Library
• ​Men's Spirituality Group
• Vocations​

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

Jesus invited Simon and others to journey with Him in faith, to get to know Him better and to learn about this life of faith to which He calls us.

Let us walk with you through OCIA - for those who desire to become Catholic or who have questions about the Catholic faith.

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program within the Catholic Church designed for adults who are not yet baptized, those baptized in other Christian traditions, Catholics who haven't completed their initiation sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) or have questions about the Catholic faith.  This program helps individuals learn about the Catholic faith and prepare for full communion with the Church through sacraments, study, prayer, and community involvement.
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• Are you unbaptized and seeking to know more about the Catholic Faith?
• Are you baptized into another faith community and now wanting to become a Catholic?
• Are you a baptized Catholic looking to complete reception of the Sacraments of Initiation – in need of Confirmation and Holy Communion?

If you, or someone you know, is looking to become Catholic, please share this information with them and ask them to join us in the parish conference room on Sunday, September 14th from 10:45 am to 12:00 noon for a review of the upcoming year.

We look forward to walking this faith journey with anyone who is called into the faith. For more information, contact Kathy Thomas at [email protected].

Learn More

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Adult Faith Formation Series

Opportunities for Adult Faith Formation continue year-round through courses offered several times a year. Bible studies and video lectures are featured from solid Catholic sources such as Bishop Barron’s Word On Fire and the Augustine Institute. Discussion groups allow exploration and application to our lives. Courses are open to all and are free except for nominal charges for study guides. 

Coordinator: Deacon Bill Kussmaul

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Book Club

​Nativity BVM’s Book Club gathers bi-monthly to discuss a relevant book on the Catholic faith. The discussions are lively and enlightening in a faith-filled and supportive environment. Our meetings are facilitated by the Pastor, Father Bell, who is an avid reader.  Members leave the discussions enriched by each others insights. Book club selections are publicized in the bulletin and books are available for purchase at the Rectory. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 610-566-0185.

Learn More

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Parish Library

​The books that fill our Conference Room shelves have been organized into a usable, self-service Library. Books are categorized according to topic (e.g. Saints, Prayer, Scripture Study) and collected on color-coded shelves.  Browse the library before or after any weekend Mass. There is no sign-out system. Simply take the book you want to read, keep it as long as you need it, and return it to the appropriate color-coded shelf. 
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Library donations are accepted. Books can be hardback or paper, must be in good shape and not heavily marked or underlined. Donations that are not accepted for the library (because duplicate, or not in good condition, etc.) will be placed on the “Take and Keep” shelf, or donated to the Media-Upper Providence Free Library for their book sale. Many thanks go to energetic volunteers led by retired librarian Rita Moore for making this resource accessible to all. 

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​Men’s Spirituality Group

The NATIVITY BVM Men’s Ministry was established in September 2023, kicking off with an Eagles watch party at Iron Hill Brewery. Since then, the group has fostered engagement among parish men through monthly meetings that focus on spiritual reflections, scripture study, and camaraderie. The ministry has also organized various events, including the Parish Halloween Pumpkin Painting event and a trip to the Padre Pio National Shrine in Barto, PA.

Meeting Details
Group meetings are held every third Monday, typically in the Brick Building, and often features a guest speaker. 

Faith, Community, Service & Friendship
We look forward to many years of being an essential part of this wonderful parish.

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Vocations

​The Vocations Committee is dedicated to nurturing and fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We strive to create a supportive and prayerful environment that encourages young men and women to discern their call to serve God and the Church.

Our committee organizes various activities, literature, prayer vigils and informational sessions to help individuals explore their vocation and develop a deeper understanding of the priesthood and religious life. Through our efforts, we aim to inspire a new generation of priests and religious who will lead and serve our faith community with dedication and compassion. 

Additionally, we would hope to expand and increase the understanding of the commitment required for married life and the single life. 
 
Meetings are once a month except June & July Adults are invited to join
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Contact:  Peg Isselmann  ([email protected])