A little twist to the blog this week. Our parish really believes in Small Groups. In fact we have over 60 parishioners involved in various kinds of small groups. One such is what we call "Heart to Home". Heart to Home is a unique reflection series written by myself as a continuation of weekly homilies. It a way to help parishioners come connect with other parishioners in an informal setting to share and grow in God’s Word. It is a continuation of our focus to make Sunday Matter.
So this week I am sharing a link to one of the Small Group sheets which all members receive. I hope you will use it individually and maybe even consider being a part of a small group. By the way; there are some great advantages to joining a small group:
1. Community:
At Sunday Mass, when your double parked and the kids want to get going, it is difficult to really get to know other people. But in a group of 6-10 people meeting regularly it is only natural that close relationships and friendships develop. You will have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you.
2. Ask Questions:
Have you ever listened to a homily and wanted to say, “I don’t understand!” or “But what about...?” In small groups you are encouraged to ask questions, participate in discussions and listen to others as they share insights and applications from the Bible.
3. Support ‘One Another’:
God never meant for you to go at it alone in the Christian life. Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase “one another” is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, and build up one another. The best way to obey these commands is in a small group.
4. Personal Growth:
Ever feel stuck in your Christian life or just want to find out more about Christianity? A small group provides the opportunity to observe other Christians up close, learn from their experiences, meditate on the Bible, participate in discussion and then reflect on what God would have you do in response to his leading.
5. Meaningful Prayer:
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others. In a small group of 6 to 10, you will learn to
participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you will be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. In prayer we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.
6. Practical Service:
When someone loses a job, or a family member is ill, or a mother needs a babysitter - these are
practical needs that will be taken care of through your small group. Many people can testify that
they would not have made it through a difficult time if it had not been for the support of their group.
Pope Benedict XVI said it best on May 26, 2009,"Strive, therefore, in every parish...to restore life to the small groups...who proclaim Christ and his word, places where it is possible to experience faith, to put charity into practice and to organize hope. This structuring of the large urban parishes by the multiplication of small communities allows the mission a larger breathing space, which takes into account the density of the population and its social and cultural features which are often very different."
Don’t Get Lost in the Crowd ........ Get Involved ...Get Connected! Join a Small Group! We have four active groups that meet in the Parish Centre, contact the Parish Office for details and come, be part of Heart to Home and continue to make Sunday Matter! Here is the Link