Growing in Faith

Making a Difference One Family at a Time!

The Christian Family Movement (CFM) at St. Lawrence Martyr Parish is an organization of families growing together and helping each other recharge Christian family values.

CFM has touched the lives of a great many of our parishioners over the years, fostered lifelong friendships and a mutual support system for the families here, and its fun! CFM activities consist of monthly small group adult meetings, large group family events and many opportunities for social outreach.

The Christian Family Movement is a national network of parish/neighborhood small groups of families which has been going strong for over 50 years. The SLM chapter is one of the largest in the U.S.

Each year we divide our membership into smaller groups of 10-15 families. Separate groups exist for first time members. Each group has a leader who facilitates meetings and activities. Groups are formed in September and meet through June.

For more information, contact Mary and John Poprac at (310) 722-0176, or by email at [email protected]. 

Register for Women's Cornerstone Retreat | Register for Men's Cornerstone Retreat

Cornerstone is two separate 26-hour retreats for women and men, 21 and older, which provides you with the opportunity to reflect, renew and strengthen your faith while meeting other women & men in our Christian Community.

The women’s retreat is planned for Friday, October 7, 2022 and Saturday, October 8, 2022.  

The Men's Retreat is planned for Friday, February 25th to Saturday, February 26th, 2022.  We will follow whatever on site protocols exist at that time from the Parish and the Archdiocese.

There will be a number of opportunities on the weekend to examine your relationship with God, your family and others in your life. Most of all, it is an opportunity to step out of your daily routine to think and discuss about those things that matter to you most, in an atmosphere that is confidential and lends itself to reflection and renewal.

For more information about Women’s Cornerstone, please call Robin Lomas at 310-748-7443.

For more information about Men’s Cornerstone, please call Matt Hadnett at 310-686.7113.

The Adoration Chapel

The Chapel is available at all times, day and night, for those wishing to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

In order to provide this opportunity, we need scheduled adorers on whom we can count to be there, particularly through the night.

Are you willing to commit yourself to one hour of adoration, or as a substitute adorer?
 

For more information, contact 310-540-0329 ext. 388 or email

Moms in Touch is an international prayer ministry that began in 1984 by one mom who felt called to pray with other moms for their children and schools. She created a format using scripture that was very simple for busy mothers.

Moms in Touch is two or more mothers who meet for one hour a week to release Gods power on their children and schools through prayer.

We invite mothers, grandmothers, or any woman who is willing to pray for one hour a week to join and see how prayer can make a difference in the lives of our children. We meet in the St. Theresa Room in the hall at 8:00am Mondays during the school year. Please bring a bible with you. We do not meet on holidays. Hope to see you there!

For more information, contact Paula Szalla at 310-938-5117 (day time), or Sharon McCandless at 310-308-6209 (evening).

The Peace and Justice Ministry follows the traditions of Catholic social teaching for peace and justice in all areas, including but not limited to, abortion, capital punishment, sexual ethics, euthanasia, reproductive technology, war, poverty, homelessness, and moral reasoning.

For more information, contact Deacon Dale Sheckler at 310-678-2583.

Never Silence the Human Heart. This is our guiding philosophy. We are involved in all aspects of affirming the sacredness of life from conception to natural death and concern ourselves with issues such as abortion, euthanasia, suicide, death penalty, and end of life issues.

Current activities include a youth pro-life essay contest, various educational and inspirational parish wide presentations, a baby shower for those in crisis pregnancy situation, OneLife LA gathering held annually in January, and more. We support support of the Pregnancy Help Center in Torrance, 310-320-8976.

For information on the Saint Lawrence Respect Life Group email Deacon Dale Sheckler, or call him at 310-678-2583.

Those in crisis pregnancies are encouraged to call the Pregnancy Help Center or the 24-Hour Helpline at 310-787-HELP (310-787-4357).

For information regarding Post Abortion Services – please go to http://byyoursidela.org/

Small Communities of Faith or SCF are small communities typically of 8-12 members who meet on a regular schedule, determined by the needs of the group. Some meet weekly, others biweekly, and still others monthly. Some groups may meet year-round, others during the school year while others may choose to come together for four to six-week sessions in the Advent/Christmas season and during the Lenten/Easter season.

Each SCF forms based on schedule and interests. Some may consist of a mixed group of members, others may be moms of young children, others empty nesters, others married couples, and others may consist of 6 or so families who come together to form a small community.

In Summary, Small Communities of Faith are:

Intentional. The members of each SCF gather for a defined purpose and mission. Not just a social group.
Invitational. Within the network, there is a place for all who come and members are respected.
Inclusive. Recognizing the diverse charisms within the Catholic community, the network embraces all who gather to bear authentic witness to Christ and His Church.
Inspirational. Each SCF is not an end unto itself but inspires each member to live out the mission of Christ in the world. This missionary spirit manifests itself in both the individual and collective actions of the Small Community of Faith.

For more information, contact the pastoral center at mailto:[email protected]  or (310) 540-0329