Renewing Your Catholic Faith

WHAT ARE SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITIES?
Smallchurch communities are parish based gatherings of eight to twelve adults and/or young adults who share their personal experiences of God's work and will in their lives. They support one another to further these actions in a life of service. They reflect on the scripture and challenge each other to live the gospel in their daily lives and meet as a group at least once every three weeks. They commit themselves to being church - on a small scale - focusing on their Catholic faith and God's will as it pertains to them on a daily basis while connecting faith with everyday life.

WHY HAS THIS CONCEPT DEVELOPED?
Small church communities have been identified as a source of support for Catholics who wish to deepen their faith and integrate it more fully into their work and relationships. Sometimes we may find it difficult to apply what takes place at Sunday Mass to the rest of the week. The small group experience enhances the Sunday liturgy for its members, because it gives them an opportunity to share the message of the gospel in a very personal way.

To be truly Christ's Church in the world is the vocation of every lay person. The small church community, as a vital part of the greater parish community, provides encouragement to many Catholics to live out this call. Sharing life stories with each other gives concrete examples of God's grace in our lives. Contact your pastor to ask if your parish has small church communities.

"So that all parishes of this kind may be truly communities of Christians, local ecclesial authorities ought to foster the following: a) adaptation of parish structures according to the full flexibility granted by canon law, especially in promoting participation by the lay faithful in pastoral responsibilities; b) small, basic or so-called 'living' communities, where the faithful can communicate the Word of God and express it in service and love to one another; these communities are true expressions of ecclesial communion and centers of evangelization, in communion with their pastors."
-- John Paul II Christifideles Laici

Christian Family Movement - Study Group Starter Kits for $40
Contents: Everything a small group of couples needs to get started learning the meaning of Christian marriage, the value o marriage to individuals, couples and society at large, enriching their familylife and growing in faith. Download details and ordering information here. Christian Family Movement Study Group Starter Kit 19.20 Kb

Quest: A Reflection Booklet for Small Christian Communities
A complete resource for your group! Includes opening prayer, Scripture sharing and reflection, Faith sharing/reflection questions; response in action and closing prayer. Call (860) 243.9642
http://www.sccquest.org

For more information on Small Faith Community Development, contact Office of Laity and Family Life,  20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119 debmeister@archstl.org phone:314.792.7185.