Amazing Grace Adaptive Praise & Evangelization (AGAPE) is a Bible Study for Adults (18+) with special needs. Weekly we explore the Sunday Mass readings through reflection, discussion, and interactive activities like games. Our time together helps deepen our understanding of Scripture in a joyful and supportive setting. Throughout the year, we also come together for fun social events. Bible Study Grow in your Faith Are you looking to deepen your faith? There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved at our parish. We have Bible Studies, Community Groups, Prayer and Devotions, Classes, Retreats, Organizations, and Groups in Spanish. I Want to Volunteer Contact Us All Categories Bible Study Class Community Group Organization Devotion Retreat AGAPE Various Times English Only Bible Study Amazing Grace Adaptive Praise & Evangelization (AGAPE) is a Bible Study for Adults (18+) with special needs. Weekly we explore the Sunday Mass readings through reflection, discussion, and interactive activities like games. Our time together helps deepen our understanding of Scripture in a joyful and supportive setting. Throughout the year, we also come together for fun social events. More Information Cornerstone Evening Mondays at 6:30 PM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. Register Cornerstone Morning Wednesdays at 9:45 AM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. For the 2025-26 year, Cornerstone will be studying Acts of the Apostles. Register Scripture & Reflection Wednesdays at 7 AM English Only Bible Study Join us for the Wednesday Morning Daily Mass at 6:00 AM. Stay after Mass and enjoy some coffee and fellowship as you discuss the readings for the Day. More Information The Great Adventure Various Times English Only Bible Study The Great Adventure (TGA) bible study is designed in such a way that anyone can make sense of the Bible and experience the life-changing power of God’s word. TGA introduces Catholics to scripture, equipping them with a basic biblical literacy. There are multiple classes offered each semester. More Information Walking With Purpose Wednesday Afternoons & Evenings English Only Bible Study Walking with Purpose Bible studies help women grow closer to Christ as they lean on truths found in Scripture to live joy-filled lives. Our Catholic Bible studies are unique in that they offer solutions found in the Bible that can be applied to our everyday lives and vary in length and depth to meet the needs of different women. Register BACK TO ADULT FAITH - GET INVOLVED BACK TO TOP

Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto, siblings from a humble farming family in Fatima, Portugal, were among the three children who witnessed the Marian apparitions in 1917. Raised in a devout Christian home, they spent their childhood tending sheep with their cousin Lucia. Illiterate and uneducated, they received simple catechism at home. Francisco, contemplative by nature, often prayed in solitude, deeply moved by God's presence. After witnessing the apparitions of the Angel of Peace and Our Lady of the Rosary, he embraced a life of prayer and sacrifice. He died of bronchopneumonia in 1919 at the age of 11. St. Francisco Marto Time Period: 1908-1919 Feast Day: February 20 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Marian Saint Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: From the wood of the floor of the bedroom Francisco and Jacinta Marto are the youngest of the seven children of Manuel Pedro Marto and Olimpia de Jesus, inhabitants of the parish of Fatima, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Ourém, in the Diocese of Leiria, Portugal. Francisco was born on June 11, 1908 in his father's house, in Aljustrel, and was baptized on the 20th of the same month in the parish church of Fatima. His sister Jacinta was born on March 11, 1910, also in her parents' house, and was baptized on the 19th of the same month in the parish church. They grew up in a family environment of modest means, in a quiet, agricultural town separated from a Portugal that was in political and social turmoil. The brothers did not attend school. They could neither read nor write and had little knowledge of the geography, history and thought of the world beyond their mountains. Their Christian education was very simple: they learned catechism at home or with their aunt, the mother of their cousin Lucia who, together with them, would be one of the visionaries of Fatima. Their parents also gave them an example of committed faith with their lives: Sunday participation in the Eucharist, family prayer, truth and respect for all, charity towards the poor and those in need. They began to take care of their parents' flock while still young: Francisco was 8 years old and Jacinta 6. They spent most of their days caring for the sheep, together with their cousin Lucia, also a shepherdess. In 1916, in spring, summer and autumn, together with Lucia, they had the apparitions of the Angel of Peace. In 1917 they were visited by Our Lady of the Rosary, from May to October on the 13th of each month, except in August. In this month the apparition occurred on the 19th, since the Little Shepherds had remained in Ourém from 13 to 15 August 1917. Francisco had a calm and peaceful character. He is remembered full of admiration for the creation in which he enjoyed the beauty of the Creator. The peace that he drew from this he then transmitted to his friends, among whom he knew how to be a sign of harmony, even when arguments or offenses occurred. After the apparitions of the Angel and the Madonna, he developed a lifestyle characterized by adoration and contemplation. Whenever possible, he took refuge in some isolated place to pray alone. He often spent long hours in the silence of the parish church, near the tabernacle, to keep the hidden Jesus company. In his intimacy with God, Francisco glimpsed a God saddened by the suffering in the world, suffered with Him and wanted to console Him. The boy, who did not hear the voice of the Angel and the Lady, but only saw them, was the most contemplative of the three visionaries. In his life, it is evident how prayer is nourished by attentive listening to the silence in which God speaks. He allowed himself to be inhabited by the ineffable presence of God – "I felt that God was within me, but I did not know what it was like!" – and it is from this presence that he also welcomed others into his prayer. Francisco's life of faith was a life of contemplation. In October 1918 he fell ill during an epidemic of bronchopneumonia. He progressively worsened until April 1919. On April 2nd he confessed and the following day he received the Viaticum in his home. The following day, April 4th, around 10:00 p.m., he died peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family. He was buried in the cemetery of Fatima on April 5, 1919. On March 13, 1952, his mortal remains were transferred to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima. Monsignor José Alves Correia da Silva, Bishop of Leiria, opens, on April 30, 1952, the Informative Process on the reputation of sanctity and virtues of Francisco Marto. The Process concluded on August 1, 1979. He was beatified by St. John Paul II on May 13, 2000 in Fatima, together with his sister Jacinta. Next Item Previous Item

Peregrine Laziosi was born in Forlì, Italy in 1260. As a teenager, Peregrine became a ringleader of rebels opposing the Pope. In 1283, Forlì was placed under a spiritual interdict by Pope Martin IV, who sent Philip Benizi, from the Order of Servites to Forlì. One day while Philip was preaching, Peregrine knocked him off a platform. Immediately remorseful, Peregrine cast himself down and begged the bloodied priest for forgiveness. Philip Benizi forgave Peregrine, who eventually converted to Catholicism and joined the Servites. Peregrine became known for his preaching in the area, earning the nickname “Angel of Good Counsel.” His feast day is May 1st. St. Peregrine Laziosi Time Period: 1260-1345 Feast Day: May 1 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Servite Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Peregrine Laziosi, a rebellious soul who would one day attain sainthood, was born to a wealthy family in Forlì, Italy in the year 1260. In his teenage years, Peregrine joined an anti-papal party, soon becoming a ringleader of a group of rebels opposing the Pope in his hometown. In 1283, the residents of Peregrine’s town of Forlì were placed under a spiritual interdict (a ban prohibiting persons or groups from participating in certain Catholic rites) by Pope Martin IV, which closed the churches in the city, hoping to bring the citizens to their senses. The Pope sent Philip Benizi, from the Order of Servites (also known as the Servants of Mary) to Forlì, as his personal ambassador to try to preach the Gospel and bring peace to the angry rebels. One day while trying to preach, a group of the Peregrine-led rebels were heckling Philip, and the moment became so heated that Peregrine knocked Philip off the platform on which he was standing, with a strong blow to the face. While this could have easily been a turning-point down a dark and violent path for young Peregrine, instead, it was a wakeup call. Peregrine was so overcome with remorse for his actions towards Philip, that he repented, cast himself at the feet of the bruised and bloodied priest, and begged for forgiveness. Not only did Philip Benizi forgive Peregrine, but he would help him convert to Catholicism. Peregrine began engaging in good works, distancing himself from the rebels, and praying regularly in Our Lady’s chapel in the nearby cathedral. It was in the cathedral that he had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding out a black habit like those the Servites wore, and telling him “Go to Siena. There you will find devout men who call themselves my servants. Attach yourself to them.” The Servites welcomed him with open arms, with Philip Benizi himself ceremoniously handing Peregrine his new religious habit. He soon went on to be ordained a priest, before returning to his hometown to open a new Servite house, founded to care for the sick and the poor. Peregrine quickly became well known for his preaching in the area, earning the nickname “Angel of Good Counsel” for all of his wise advice which he freely gave to the people. He was also known for his personal penances, which he took on in reparation for the sinful ways of his past. To atone for his misdeeds, of his penances was standing whenever it was not necessary to sit. Peregrine would hardly ever be found in a chair, instead supporting himself on a choir stall when tired. By the age of 60, he had developed severe varicose veins in his leg from all the standing, and in turn, cancer in his foot. His leg rapidly deteriorated, with the severe pain leading him to visit a doctor, who solemnly told Peregrine that his leg needed to be amputated. Peregrine had no choice but to accept the diagnosis. The night before the scheduled surgery, Peregrine spent many hours in prayer before a crucifix, asking for God to heal him if it be His will. Eventually falling asleep, Peregrine had a vision of Jesus descending off the cross, to touch his leg. The vision startled Peregrine awake, only to look down at his foot and find it completely healed of the cancerous growth. The doctor who arrived to perform the amputation could find no sign of the cancer, and news spread of the miraculous cure throughout the town. Peregrine would go on to live another 20 years. He would pass away on May 1st, 1345, from a fever. Many who traveled across the countryside to honor his death were healed through his intercession. His body resides, still to this day, in the Servite church of Forlì. Pope Paul V declared him blessed in 1609 and Pope Benedict XIII canonized St. Peregrine in 1726. He was the patron saint for individuals suffering from cancer, AIDS, foot ailments, or other illnesses. St. Peregrine experienced a miraculous healing of his foot, but more importantly, a healing of his heart following a violent clash. He entrusted his life to the will of God, and was richly rewarded for his faith. Next Item Previous Item

St. Peter of Verona, born to heretical parents, became a Dominican after being educated in Catholic schools. He was appointed inquisitor for northern Italy by Pope Gregory IX in 1234, converting many heretics. Despite drawing large crowds, Peter made enemies among the Cathars. He was ambushed and murdered by a heretic while traveling between Como and Milan. Before dying, he supposedly wrote "Credo in Deum" (I believe in God). Depicted with a blade or knife in his head, Peter was canonized the year after his death and named patron saint of inquisitors. St. Peter of Verona Time Period: 1205-1252 Feast Day: April 29 Title/Attributes: Martyr, Dominican Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Peter of Verona, was an inquisitor and martyr. He was born in Verona to parents who were adherents of the Cathar heresy. Educated in a Catholic school and the University of Bologna, he was brought into the Dominican Order in 1221 by St. Dominic himself. Preaching with some success in Lombardy, he endured and overcame false accusations that he had been visited by women in his cell. In 1234, he was appointed inquisitor for northern Italy by Pope Gregory IX at a time when the region was filled with Cathars and other heretics. Although attracting very large and enthusiastic crowds, Peter also made enemies among the Cathars, who hated him for his activities and his success in converting many heretics back to the faith. A group of Cathars ambushed him on the road between Como and Milan, and a heretic named Caino murdered him. He supposedly wrote in the dirt the words “Credo in Deum” which means “I believe in God.” In art, Peter is shown with a blade cleaving his head or sometimes a knife in his head and a sword piercing his breast. Canonized the year after his death by Pope Innocent IV, he was also named the patron saint of inquisitors. Next Item Previous Item

The Seven Holy Founders established the Servite Order (Servants of Mary) in 1233 in Florence. Troubled by the city’s immorality and materialism, these laymen of the Confraternity of Our Lady withdrew from society after a vision of the Virgin Mary instructed them to lead a life of prayer and penance. Retreating to Mount Senario, they adopted a black habit and embraced the Rule of St. Augustine, professing vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Pope Benedict XI approved the order in 1304, and the founders were canonized in 1887. Their names are Bonfilio, Alexis, Manettus, Bartholomew, Uguccio, Sostenes, and Buonagiunta. The Seven Founders of the Servite Order Time Period: 1233 Feast Day: February 17 Title/Attributes: Confessors, Servites Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones The Seven Holy Founders were the founders of the Servants of Mary, commonly known as the Servite Order. The seven were members of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Florence, who were appalled at the excessive humanism, immorality, and materialism of the city. After receiving a vision of the Blessed Virgin, who told them to withdraw from the world, they departed the community and retreated to Mount Senario, where they established the origins of the Servite Order. The Virgin instructed them to adopt a black habit and to follow the Augustinian rule, with vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Pope St. Benedict XI gave formal papal approval in 1304, and the Seven Holy Founders were canonized in 1887. The Seven founders were: Bonfilio Monaldo Alexis Falconieri Manettus dell'Antello (Benedict) Bartholomew Amidei (Rocovero) Uguccio Uguccione (Gherardino) Sostenes Sostegno Buonagiunta Monetti (John) Next Item Previous Item

St. Camillus of Lellis, born in 1550 in Italy, was a soldier turned servant of the sick. After a military and gambling career left him penniless, he attempted to join the Capuchins but was rejected due to a leg ailment. He later became director of St. Giacomo Hospital in Rome and, with guidance from St. Philip Neri, was ordained. In 1585, he founded the Camellians, a congregation dedicated to caring for the sick, including wounded soldiers. Approved by Pope Gregory XIV in 1591, the order expanded across Europe. Camillus died in 1614 and was canonized in 1746. St. Camillus of Lellis Time Period: 1550-1614 Feast Day: July 14 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Founder Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Body St. Camillus of Lellis was the founder of the Camellians and he was called “Father of a Good Death.” He was born in 1550 in Bocchianico, Italy, and fought for Venice against the Turks, taking up a military and gambling career which left him penniless in Naples in 1574. Camillus joined the Capuchin Franciscans that year but had to leave because of a diseased leg, the result of an illness he contracted in a war against the Turks. Devoted to the sick, Camillus became director of St. Giacomo Hospital in Rome. His confessor at the time was St. Philip Neri, and from him he received permission to be ordained. With two companions, Camillus decided to found a congregation to care for the sick – the Ministers of the Sick, the Camellians. He was ordained by Bishop Thomas Goldwell of St. Asaph of England and started the congregation, enlarging the facilities of their mission in 1585 and opening a house in Naples in 1588. Camillus and his men cared for men aboard plague-stricken ships in the harbor of Rome. In 1591, Pope Gregory XIV approved the congregation, and Camillus sent members to Hungary and Croatia. There they worked in the first field medical unit to care for troops wounded in battled. Camillus resigned as superior of the congregation in 1607, dying in Rome on July 14, 1614. He was canonized in 1746 and declared the patron of the sick with St. John of God. Next Item Previous Item

St. Peter of Alcántara, born in Spain, became a Franciscan in 1515 and was ordained in 1524. As provincial of St. Gabriel (1538-1541), he initiated reforms promoting stricter Franciscan practices. After retiring to a hermitage in Portugal, he returned to Spain in 1557 to establish a new Franciscan branch, later known as the Alcantarines. A spiritual advisor to St. Teresa of Avila, Peter was known for his extreme asceticism. He authored the Treatise on Prayer and Meditation, and was canonized in 1669. He is also the patron saint of Brazil. St. Peter of Alcántara Time Period: 1499-1562 Feast Day: October 19 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Franciscan Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Peter Alcantara was the founder of the Spanish Discalced Franciscans. Born at Alcantara, Estremadura, Spain, he studied at Salamanca (c. 1511-1515) and entered the Observantist Franciscans in 1515. After receiving ordination in 1524, he headed several houses and was provincial of the Estremaduran province of St. Gabriel from 1538-1541. In this post, he reformed several constitutions and thus promoted a much more severe Franciscan reform. At the end of his term in office, he retired to a hermitage on Arabida Mountain near Lisbon, Portugal, where, within a short time, he was joined by other friars. He then returned to Spain where, about 1557, he established a community at El Pedrosa del Acim, with the permission of Pope Julius III. This served as the foundation for the congregation that later named the Alcantarines, the Observance of St. Peter of Alcantara. A brilliant spiritual director, Peter was valued friend and adviser to St. Teresa of Avila, who admired him greatly. Teresa wrote of Peter with deep reverence, observing that his “incomprehensible” ascetical practices had made him appear as though “made of the roots of trees.” He is also renowned as a Spanish mystic and auther of the Treatise on Prayer and Meditation. Peter died at Estremadura on October 18. The patron saint of Brazil, he was canonized in 1669. Next Item Previous Item

St. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as an Apostle, as described in Acts 1:21-26. The Apostles prayed for divine guidance and cast lots between two candidates, Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias; the lot fell to Matthias, and he joined the eleven Apostles. Little is known about his missionary work, but tradition says he preached in Judaea, Cappadocia, and near the Caspian Sea. He was martyred either by stoning in Jerusalem or killed in Colchis or Sebastopolis. St. Helen later brought his relics to Rome, with some eventually transferred to Trier, Germany. St. Matthias the Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: May 14 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Matthias was the Apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot in Acts 1:21-26. Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” So, they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. – Acts 1:21-26. Little is known of his missionary labors, but tradition states that he preached in Judaea, Cappadocia, and on the shores of the Caspian Sea. He was stoned to death in Jerusalem or was martyred at Colchis or at Sebastopolis. St. Helen brought his relics to Rome, and some were transferred to Trier, Germany. Next Item Previous Item

Born in 1878 in Italy, Saint Gemma Galgani’s life was a testament to extraordinary faith and profound suffering. From a young age, she displayed a deep devotion to Christ, often experiencing mystical visions and receiving the stigmata. Gemma’s life was marked by illness and tragedy, losing her parents, and enduring her own physical ailments. Despite these challenges, she embraced her suffering as a means of union with God and offered her life as a sacrifice for the salvation of souls. Gemma’s unwavering trust in divine providence, coupled with her ardent love for Jesus, earned her recognition as a saint and an enduring inspiration for believers worldwide. Her feast day is April 11th. St. Gemma Galgani Time Period: 1878-1903 Feast Day: April 11 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Passionist Sister, Stigmata Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Body Gemma Galgani was born on March 12, 1878 in Bogonuovo di Camigliano (Lucca) and was struck by suffering from a very early age: she was in fact only 7 years old when her mother died. But the family was struck by other losses: the death of her brother Gino, a seminarian, then that of her father. The Galgani brothers ended up broke and Gemma was taken in by an aunt. Her very existence was also marked by illness: lumbar vertebrae osteitis and mastoid otitis. She remained in bed semi-paralyzed for several months. During that period she read the biography of Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, which struck her deeply. She then invoked Saint Mary Margaret Alacoque and after a novena, she was healed. It was 1899. The young Gemma deeply felt the desire to consecrate herself to the Lord but for various reasons she was not given the opportunity to become a cloistered nun. This however did not prevent her from immersing herself in the contemplation of Jesus Crucified. On June 8, 1899, the Octave of Corpus Christi and the eve of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she received the stigmata, which would be repeated periodically from Thursday evening to 3:00 pm on Friday. For a certain period they will manifest themselves almost every day. Some had doubts about the authenticity of these signs, but Father Germano Ruoppolo, general postulator of the Passionists and a great scholar of mysticism, defended her. Strong expression of her mystical life are also the conversations with Jesus, Mary, the Guardian Angel and Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. These conversations are reported in the correspondence, the Diary and the Autobiography. A guest in Lucca at the Giannini house, this would be like a family to her until her death. In May 1902 Gemma was diagnosed with tuberculosis. She therefore had to move to another apartment, even if it was close to the Gianninis'. His death occurred on Holy Saturday, April 11, 1903, when the bells had already announced the Resurrection of Christ. She was beatified 30 years later by Pius XI. She was canonized in 1940 by Pius XII who called her “the star of his Pontificate”. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Renatus of Angers, or Saint René, is a lesser-known French saint whose story is closely tied to Saint Maurilius, bishop of Angers in the 5th century. According to legend, Renatus failed to baptize a dying child and, stricken with guilt, fled to England. After a miraculous discovery of the cathedral keys inside a fish, the people of Angers brought him back. Upon returning, Renatus prayed at the child’s tomb, and the child was revived. He was baptized "Renatus" (meaning “reborn”). Renatus later became bishop of Angers and was venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on November 12. St. Renatus of Angers Time Period: 5th Century Feast Day: November 12 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Renatus of Angers, or Saint René, is a lesser-known French saint whose story is closely tied to Saint Maurilius, bishop of Angers in the 5th century. According to legend, Renatus failed to baptize a dying child and, stricken with guilt, fled to England. After a miraculous discovery of the cathedral keys inside a fish, the people of Angers brought him back. Upon returning, Renatus prayed at the child’s tomb, and the child was revived. He was baptized "Renatus" (meaning “reborn”). Renatus later became bishop of Angers and was venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on November 12. Next Item Previous Item