Community Affairs
Respect Life
This is an advocacy group which provides information, education, and outreach opportunities in areas pertaining to the Gospel of Life [including but not limited to abortion, euthanasia, dignity of life, concerns of persons with disabilities, AIDS, domestic violence].
Peace and Justice
This advocacy group covers a wide range of concerns having to do with the dignified treatment of human beings because of their inherent worth and value as children of God. We hold membership in a number of justice-oriented organizations, including Groundwork for a Just World, Cranbrook Peace Foundation, Bread For the World, Food For the Poor, Amnesty International Catholic Caucus, Network and Pax Christi.
Support Groups
From Grief to New Hope is an eight week grief support workshop for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. This free workshop, co-sponsored by St. Patrick Church and Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, is open to the community and is presented by Cathy Clough, Director of the New Hope Center for Grief Support.
Each session begins with a presentation about one aspect of the grief journey, followed by small group discussion with others who have had similar losses. Groups may include loss of spouse, loss of a parent, loss of a child and loss of a significant other.
The workshop meets Mondays from 7 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. at Orchard Lake Community Church located at 5171 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield. The next session begins in October 2010. For information or to register, call the OLCCP at 248-682-0730. Walk-ins are welcome.
Growing Kids God's Way is an 18-week parenting series. Facilitators Paul and Sandra Cloutier host this program in their home for a small group, usually no more than 5 couples, to allow for in-depth discussion of the presentation material. For information on the series including the start date, contact Paul and Sandra at 248-698-9215.
Information about other groups in the area is available by calling Christian Service at 248-698-3103. There are grief support groups at St. Mary, Milford [248-685-1482]; a DivorceCare group at St. William, Walled Lake [248-624-8870], and career networking/support groups at St. Daniel, Clarkston, St. Andrew, Rochester, and National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak. Go to www.aodonline.org and click on "economic crisis" (on the left hand side) and you will find parishes with Career Ministry programs.