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
Grief Workshop Begins in October -- The 8-week "New Hope Grief Workshop" begins October 4th at Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian. Each session consist of a short presentation on a particular topic followed by small group discussion. Groups are set according to the type of loss (spouse, child, parent, significant person, etc.) dealing with a similar situation.
The workshop is presented by the New Hope Center For Grief Support; a non-profit bereavement and out- reach center located in Northville. and is co-sponsored by St. Patrick Church and OLCCP. It is open to anyone in the community. Brochures and registration materials are available through each of the church offices.
The program begins October 4th and runs for eight consecutive Mondays through November 22nd, 7:00- 8:45 p.m. at Orchard Lake Community Church, 5171 Commerce Rd., Orchard Lake. 248-682-0730. For additional information, please contact Adrienne Matthews at 248-360-9678 or Judy Polesnak at 248-698-3100 ext. 15.
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.