Gregorian Chant, the Music of the Early Church
This study group will explore the development of Gregorian chant and its role in the Church’s liturgy through the first millennium. January 10, 17 and 24.

The Holy Women of Palestine
In the fourth and fifth centuries important monasteries were founded in the Holy Land by prominent Roman women. This study group will focus on their example of commitment to Our Lord and His Church. February 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Holy Week and Easter in the Early Church
Holy Week and Easter form the most important and holiest of Christian celebrations recalling the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord. These study days will investigate the earliest forms of those holy days. March 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Prayer in the Early Church
The earliest forms of the Church’s liturgical, monastic and mystical prayer will be explored in this study group. May 9, 16 and 23.

The Mystery of the Eucharist
The Eucharist has been the center of Christian life since Our Lord’s Last Supper and sacrificial death on the Cross.  This reading group will center on the Church’s developing understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist during the first three centuries of the Christian era. June 6, 13, 20 and 27.

The Lives of the Desert Mothers
The fourth-century Egyptian desert was so filled with devout men and women that it was described as “a city.” This study group will focus on the sayings and lives of the desert mothers. July 11, 18 and 25.

All study groups meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in Saint John’s Rectory. Pre-registration is required; please call Saint John’s Rectory at 203-324-1553, ext. 21.