Small groups are a great way to meet others in a safe environment to explore and challenge your faith. These groups will be meeting in homes, on campus and online each week following the same study guide with a large group meeting happening on the final week. The groups are no larger than 10 people each which provides the ability for everyone to share, relationships to form and faith to deepen. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to meet as a faith community with people exploring their faith just like you.
PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXT ROUND OF CONNECT SMALL GROUPS
We will gather in a variety of ways: in homes, at the Church and online.
Here is a schedule of the group offerings:
Mondays at 7PM with Dalida & Peter Nigro
Mondays at 7PM - LGBTQ Group with Micayla Mirabella
Tuesdays at 7PM - Virtual Group with Elaine Coupe
Tuesdays at 7PM with Joe Florendo
Wednesdays at 10AM with Liz Pierson
Wednesdays at 7PM with Tamara Villagrain
Thursdays at 7PM with Mark & Judy Wilson
Fridays at 10AM with Elaine Coupe
Fridays at 12PM with Brooke Hamel
Please read the Group Leader Bios on this page to learn more about each group leader!
MONDAYS AT 7PM WITH DALIDA & PETER NIGRO
at Westfield home
Dalida: I have been happily married for 28 years to a wonderful husband and partner in life, Peter. Together, we’ve raised two beautiful daughters, Samantha and Sydney. I have reinvented myself a few times in my professional life, working as a software engineer, professional photographer and real estate agent. But my current passion is wood working! I love that I can share my faith in Jesus with Peter. I truly believe that everything does happen for a reason, including being called to facilitate a small group at St. Bart's with Peter. I look forward to meeting new friends in those groups.
Peter: I am married with two daughters (a senior in college and a recent graduate school graduate). I have been a middle school volleyball coach for 12 year and a Westfield resident for over 20. I love shooting pool, darts, horseshoes, board games and playing card games.
MONDAYS AT 7PM - LGBTQ GROUP WITH MICAYLA MIRABELLA
in the St. Bartholomew Cafeteria
I am an artist, activist, feminist and brunch enthusiast. I grew up in Fanwood and at St. Bart’s. I graduated from JCU in Rome in 2020 and am currently pursuing my masters at Kean University. My passion for the LGBTQ rights comes from my personal educational and professional experiences. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive space in and out of the church.
TUESDAYS AT 7PM WITH ELAINE COUPE
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
I have been a parishioner with St. Bartholomew for 16 years. I started as Youth Minister and moved to Director of Community Outreach at St. Bart’s. Over the years I have met most of the parish and enjoyed serving God together with many of you. I was called this year to start the Small Group Ministry and here we are! I will have 2 groups, one on Zoom and one on Fridays that will meet in rectory. We will gather and explore our faith together and see where it takes us.
TUESDAYS AT 7PM WITH JOE FLORENDO
I am 56 years old and have been married for 30 years to my wife Sue. I have been a parishioner at St. Bart’s since the mid 90’s. I have two children 25 and 23 years old. Bot wen tto SBA (k-8th grade). I am involved in Men’s cornerstone, Pre Cana with Sue, Director of Men’s Parish Life Ministry, Men’s prayer group and Sue is a Lector. I have taught Religious Ed, ran Cub Scouts, and coached SBA Basketball. I work for Sirius XM as a Project Leader.
WEDNESDAYS AT 10AM WITH LIZ PIERSON
in the St. Bartholomew Rectory
I have been a parishioner here at St. Bartholomew’s since moving to Scotch Plains from Westfield 16 years ago. I enjoy volunteering in the community and here at Church teaching Sunday School and assisting at the Food Pantry. Outside of St. Bartholomew’s I love spending time with my husband, son, our dog and friends. During Covid I joined a small group ministry offered by St. Bartholomew’s, which is still going strong, and would be thrilled to share that experience with others.
WEDNESDAYS at 7PM WITH TAMARA VILLAGRAIN
in the St. Bartholomew Cafeteria
Tamara Villagrain – I have been a parishioner of St. Bart’s for the past 4-5 years and have been living in Scotch Plains for 18 years. I have been part of the Lectors Ministry and CCD classes/teacher/assistant. I am married, have two boys and two more babies on the way. I attend the Holy Eucharist every weekend with my family because it is such an important component in our family life to have the presence of the Lord. I want to continue to share opportunities to serve the Lord in our parish and help others find meaning in their spiritual life.
THURSDAYS AT 7PM WITH MARK & JUDY WILSON
at Scotch Plains home
Mark: I have been a member of St. Bartholomew for over 10 years. My intro started before I was catholic as a choir member but through St. Bart’s ministry, I was able to jin my family in Catholicism. I am married with two daughters. I am a minister of Hospitality, a choir member and have been involved in men’s cornerstone. I am a proud member of the St. Bartholomew community.
Judy: I have beena resident of Scotch plains and a parishioner since 2006. I have lived in eight states and even Mexico. I am married and have two daughters (20yr and 17yr). I work as an occupational therapist in New York City and am working slowly on my PhD. I am involved in women’s cornerstone and in working for transformation in our Church.
FRIDAYS AT 10AM WITH ELAINE COUPE
in the St. Bartholomew Rectory
I have been a parishioner with St. Bartholomew for 16 years. I started as Youth Minister and moved to Director of Community Outreach at St. Bart’s. Over the years I have met most of the parish and enjoyed serving God together with many of you. I was called this year to start the Small Group Ministry and here we are! I will have 2 groups, one on Zoom and one on Fridays that will meet in rectory. We will gather and explore our faith together and see where it takes us.
FRIDAYS AT 12PM WITH BROOKE HAMEL
at Scotch Plains home
I am a mom of 3 elementary aged children. I am a parish cantor and leader of St. Bart’s Mom’s Group. Our group will meet at my home on Fridays at noon Moms with preschool aged children are welcome to bring their kids to play during the meeting times. I am excited to connect with other parish moms and grow deeper in our faith together.
If you would like to join a small group, please click the following link:
JOIN A GROUP
Please contact Elaine Coupe at kecoupe@verizon.net with any questions.
We hope you can join us! All are welcome!