Every Monday afternoon, after the noon Mass has concluded and the church has quieted, a vibrant and faithful group of women gathers for something truly special. They call themselves The Belles of Saint Mary—a warm and welcoming Bible study group made up of women from our parish who are committed to growing in faith, knowledge, and fellowship.

The Belles meet from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. in the Parish Center, and their weekly gatherings include thoughtful discussion and shared prayer. The studies are Catholic faith-based and offered in English, with programming that runs year-round. The Belles take shorter studies and enjoy brief seasonal breaks during the summer months.

Each study includes a workbook designed to guide participants through weekly reading and reflection. The workbook draws from both the Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church, helping participants engage with Scripture in a meaningful and structured way. Each week, the group completes one chapter of the study and discusses their responses together.

During their meetings, the Belles break into small groups to go over discussion questions and then come back together to watch a video presentation by well-studied Catholic theologians. Past studies have included titles such as Women of Faith (Johnette Benkovic), Theology of the Body (Christopher West), Our Father’s Plan (Scott Hahn & Jeff Cavins), The Gospel of Matthew (Jeff Cavins), and Catholicism (Bishop Robert Barron)—each one chosen for its depth, clarity, and alignment with Church teaching.

The 2025–2026 course will be Foundations in Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This engaging and accessible study will guide participants through the core beliefs of the Catholic faith, examining the biblical and historical sources of the Catechism, exploring how Church teachings have developed since the time of the apostles, and offering a virtual pilgrimage to over 40 locations around the globe where these foundations were laid.

Classes will begin on Monday, September 29, 2025, and continue each Monday from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. The cost is $45, which includes a workbook. Participants are also asked to bring their own copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You can also use the Ascension app - the free version- and access the entire bible, and Catechism digitally.  The paid version of the app includes extra features but is in no way required for the class.

Registration forms will be available in both the front and rear vestibules of the church. Please fill them out, and turn them in to the office, with a CASH payment.

We hope you’ll consider joining this beautiful sisterhood of faith. Whether you’ve never attended a Bible study or you’ve been part of many, The Belles of Saint Mary invite you to come and see what God has in store for you.