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Suggested Community Study Materials |
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First Four Study Materials
The following materials were discerned for use by Small Faith Communities for study as they begin their journey together. These materials are “user friendly,” and provide a strong, well-rounded, orthodox Catholic foundation. As each of them can be completed in six to twelve weeks, the community will never feel bogged-down or overwhelmed.
1. Area 1: General Spirituality
Discovering My Experience of God – Awareness and Witness
By: Fr. Frank DeSiano CSP and Fr. Kenneth Boyack CSP
Published by Paulist Press
997 MacArthur Boulevard
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
www.paulistpress.com
Discovering My Experience of God is designed to help Catholics know and affirm their stories of faith. This book allows readers to do a simple and thoughtful set of exercises by which they can discover the signs and patterns of God’s presence in their lives. This will help Catholics have greater insight into their own experience of God and assist them to speak to others about it. It is an excellent tool for small groups to come to know each other while they are preparing their story to tell others of God’s action in their life.
2. Area 2: Catholic Catechesis
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Importance of a Small Faith Community |
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For a list of suggested study materials for Small Faith Communities, click here.
Why a Small Faith Community is Important
“Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation providing
opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience
of Christian living and service to Church and society.” (OHWB, USCCB,106)
“Adults do not grow in faith primarily by learning concepts, but by sharing the
life of the Christian community” (OHWB, USCCB, 83)
The parish is to be the first church community, the basic setting for building connections and communion of people (koinonia) and the first line of pastoral care of souls. This is easier within small groups of 10-12 individuals who meet on a regular basis. It is only by getting to know and trust others over a period of time, that sharing of our faith, our lives, our questions, and ourselves at a deeper level is possible.
A Small Faith Community…..
• commits their lives to each other and walk together through life’s ups and downs.
• meets together weekly to grow closer to each other and Christ, to carry out the mission of His Church.
• grows together in unity, building up and strengthening the body in love. (Eph.4)
• communicates and shares what it is to be human, Christian, spiritual, material, religious, social, as well as eternal.
• strives TO BE not TO DO. They listen to each other’s individual’s story and history, valuing each person’s situation, vocation and mission NOT just what they do or how they function.
• consists of evangelized people who are centered in the Lord Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit. They are responsible in mutual love, service and caring for one another.
A Small Faith Community is and is not:
A Small Faith Community IS:
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A Small Faith Community IS NOT:
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| a faith sharing group |
just a Bible study group
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designed to facilitate spiritual growth
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dry "formal" religious instruction |
a place to study the faith
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merely "intellectual discussion" |
place where sharing is confidential
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a gossip session |
| place to give and receive support |
a counseling session |
Please Note: All members of a LOTW Small Faith community should have a Small Faith Community Member Guide. Click here to view/print the guide (pdf).
For a list of suggested study materials for Small Faith Communities, click here.
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Conference