Small Christian Communities

What is a Small Christian Community? | Daily Gospel Reading
Faith Sharing Resources | Books

Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst."

Matthew 18:20

Small Christian Communities are the places of evangelization

for the benefit of the Church.

(Evangelii Nuntiandi 58)

"Faith is a treasure, which is enriched by being shared."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, #949

Looking at the early Christian tradition we note they prayed together, broke bread as the Lord through his disciples taught them, and shared their lives and sustenance.  As they continued to gather they grew in understanding of the personal and social implications of their faith in Jesus. They supported one another as they retold the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and reflected on its meaning. This was the household church that continues to provide the basic structure of a Small Christian community.

WHAT IS A SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY?

A small Christian community is a gathering of 6 to 12 people who invest time with one another for the common purpose of applying gospel values to every aspect of their lives. The gatherings are usually in people’s home for about 90 minutes in order to:

  •  Read and reflect on the scriptures
  •  Pray together
  •  Share their faith stories
  •  Resolve to respond in action for the good of others.
Six Key Elements of Small Christian Communities:

1. Prayer – Emphasis needs to be on the centrality of God’s Presence and power working in and through the lives of the members and within the community.
2. Sharing – Reflecting through the light of the Scriptures, members talk about their experience of the action of God in their daily lives.
3. Learning – Through the use of prepared materials, and reflection on Scripture and Church teachings, members gain a fuller knowledge of the richness of our Faith and how Church teachings and the Scriptures relate to their lives.
4. Mutual Support – As community, members support one another in and through the events of life.
5. Mission – Members are challenged to bring the Gospel into the world by participating in acts of justice and outreach to society.
6. Openness – A small Christian community is never a closed entity but is always open to new members and, when they grow too large, to dividing and forming new communities.


RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEADER:

The leader/facilitator of a small Christian community has several responsibilities and tasks that help the small community to function well.

Before the Meeting:

  • Pray for each member.
  • Inform members of any changes in location, date and   time of meeting.
  • Contact members who were missing from the previous meeting.
  • Prepare well by taking time to read and reflect on the material for faith sharing.
  • Create a prayerful environment by placing a Bible, candle, and live plant in the center of the gathered group.

During the Meeting:

  • Try to ensure that all are comfortable and feel welcomed.
  • Promote participation by ensuring that each person is given the opportunity to share at the level at which he/she feels comfortable.   It is important that no-one be made to feel they are being forced to share.
  • Create a prayerful atmosphere by allowing for short reflective silent periods after the scripture reading, and the reading of the reflection.
  • Pay attention to Group Dynamics during the meeting by:
    • listening to each person with total attention and encouraging members to do the same  paraphrasing to see if you understand the speaker’s comments 
    • supporting and affirming others in what they share and how they are trying to live out their faith
    • clarifying if there is a misunderstanding by restating what the person has said
    • refocusing the group if they appear to be straying from the topic
    • Drawing out the reticent or shy participant by gently encouraging him/her to participate
    • Directing the over talkative person so that he/she understands that everyone needs time to share
  • Manage meeting time by beginning and ending the session at the agreed times and by moving the meeting along so that all sections of the material for that meeting are covered.
  • Invite the members to share in the various tasks that help make the meetings run smoothly e.g. prepare the opening/closing prayer; prepare to proclaim the scripture reading; bring refreshments; welcome people as they arrive.
  • Ensure confidentiality by periodically reminding members that whatever is said during the meeting is never shared beyond the small community.

After the Meeting:

  • Reflect on how the meeting went for you and the members.
  • Obtain information to answer questions that surfaced during the meeting.
  • Communicate with any members who were absent and invite them to return.
  • Prepare for the next meeting at least three days before the date.
  • Communicate with the parish Small Christian Communities Coordinator on a regular basis, informing him/her on how your small community is doing and letting him/her know your needs.
  • Be on the look-out for materials such as music, materials on the topic, and faith inspiring readings that would enhance the quality of your sessions. 

DAILY READINGS

FAITH SHARING RESOURCES

PrayerTime Cycles a, b, and c.: Faith-Sharing Reflections on the Sunday Gospels, English and Spanish. This three volumes provide small communities the opportunity to reflect on each Sunday of the year with opening prayer, gospel passage, invitation to reflection, discussion questions, invitation to act and closing prayer.

Contact: RENEW international www.parishlife.com 888-433-3221

AT HOME WITH THE WORD – Sunday Scriptures and Scripture Insights

Useful for meditation on the Sunday scriptures by yourself or with others. Appropriate for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year, it provides the three scripture readings and psalm as well as insights into the readings and suggestions for reflection.
Contact: Liturgy Training Publications www.ltp.org

CONNECTIONS: A Spirituality of Life and Work: A Paulist Ministry
A small group Paulist program designed to enhance the spirituality we live in the real world. The process is open to use by Catholics and other Christians who want to help each other become more conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Contact: 512-452-7566 www.landings-international.org

DISCIPLES IN PRAYER – A Resource for Faith Sharing
A resource helpful for private prayer, small faith-sharing groups, for all those at various stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or for anyone who takes delight in understanding the Word at the center of Catholic faith and teaching.
Contact: Oregon Catholic Press 503-281-1191 liturgy@ocp.org

EMMAUS JOURNEY – A Catholic Bible Study from the Word Among Us Press
This set of booklets incorporate reflection on Scripture passages around various important topics of personal spirituality and discipleship. Each discussion topic is presented and reinforced by references to valuable Catholic resources.
Contact: info@emmausjourney.org www.emmausjourney.org

LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE STUDY
Helps individuals and communities encounter God in the words of the Scriptures. Participants support and challenge one another by forming small faith communities to share their experiences and growing understanding. As people accept the challenge of the Scriptures, they reach out in service and parishes are renewed by the Word of God.
Contact: www.littlerockscripture.org 1-800-858-5434

QUEST – A Reflection Booklet for Small Christian Communities
A faith-sharing guide following the liturgical cycle. It includes commentaries, questions for reflection and faith sharing, suggestions for action, songs and opening and closing prayer/rituals. This is an excellent resource for groups that want to continue meeting throughout the year.
Contact: The Pastoral Department for Small Christian Communities
860-243-9642 www.sccquest.org

RENEW INTERNATIONAL
A Roman Catholic organization which fosters spiritual renewal, evangelization and the transformation of individuals, parishes and society through parish-based small Christian communities. There are over 30 faith sharing topics based on life issues, Catholic truths, lectionary readings, prayer, morality, social and sacramental. Many downloadable samples available.
Contact: www.renewintl.org 888-433-3221

SHARING GOD’S WORD THROUGH THE YEAR – A Guide for Small Groups of Young Adults – Cycles A, B & C
Sharing God’s Word Through the Year helps young adults reflect on the Scripture and relate them to daily life in a small faith sharing group. It uses the Gospel readings from each Sunday as a springboard for reflection. A short historical-cultural commentary helps young adults understand the context of the Sunday readings. Each Sunday includes a story written by a young adult on the meaning of the gospel theme. The questions for discussion and sharing along with the action suggestions are geared to the needs and issues of people in their twenties. The binder is fully reproducible and ready to use in a variety of settings.
Contact: Center for Ministry Development 203-723-1622 www.cmdnet.org

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SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY RESOURCE BOOKS

COMMUNION AND MISSION - A Guide for Bishops and Pastoral Leaders on Small Church Communities , 1996, USCCB

CONVERSATION, RISK & CONVERSION - The Inner & Public Life of Small Christian Communities (1997), Michael A. Cowan and Bernard J. Lee, SM; Orbis Books, Maryknoll , NY
This resource addressed issues such as the mission of SCCs and conflict resolution within them. By reflecting on the internal and public dimensions, it offers a convincing social analysis of the Catholic church in the U.S. today.

CREATING COMMUNITIES OF GOOD NEWS - A Handbook for Small Group Facilitators ( 1992), Mary LaCourse Mauren; Sheed & Ward, Kansas City , MO Offers creative ideas for facilitating openings, prayer, getting acquainted, meaningful breaks, evaluation processes, closures. Contains practical tools for building dynamic communities of faith and hope.

CREATING SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES - Minimum Structure, Maximum Life (2003), Barbara A Darling with Jack Ventura, SM; Good Ground Press,
St. Paul , MN
A powerful experience to create community with those of diverse background. Provides practical step-by-step suggestions to help those who seek new forms of community.

CREATING SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES - A Plan for Restructuring the Parish and Renewing Catholic Life (1993), Arthur R. Baranowski; St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati, OH
Art Baranowski witnesses to a deliberate pastoral attempt to bring parishioners together into small groups. This book shares the vision which inspired his parish as well as the how to's of what they did.

FACILITATING FOR GROWTH - A Guide for Scripture Study Groups and Small Christian Communities (1993), Barbara J. Fleischer; The Liturgical Press, Collegeville , MN
Practical guidelines to facilitators and other members of small groups for developing healthy group dynamics and clear communications.

GATHERED AND SENT - The Mission of Small Church Communities Today (2003), Bernard J. Lee and Michael A. Cowan; Paulist Press, Mahway , NJ

GETTING A GRIP ON YOUR GROUP - A Guide for Discerning Priorities in Your Small Christian Community (2002), Barbara A. Darling; Good Ground Press, Cincinnati, OH
Valuable resource for established faith-sharing groups by looking prayerfully at their reasons for being and ways to bond more deeply. It will assist in setting a course for ongoing transformation and greater commitment to evangelization.

HOW TO START A SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY (Video), Fr. Patrick Brennan Practical answers to how to start a SCC. Tips for leaders and suggestions on how to formulate good discussion questions, break the ice and encourage group interaction. A specific emphasis is placed on SCC developed in connection with a parish and parish staff and communities or "house churches" that are separate from parish life.

SHARING THE TRADITION SHAPING THE FUTURE - A Faith Sharing Experience for Christian Communities , 2001, USCCB

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES - A Pastoral Companion (1996), James O'Halloran, SDB; The Columba Press, Dublin , Ireland
A pastoral resource for small communities, with diversity and flexibility affirmed throughout. Fr. O'Halloran offers practical advice and deals with the theory, practice and spirituality of small Christian communities.

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES - A Vision of Hope for the 21 st Century (1997), Thomas A Kleissler, Margo A. LeBert, Mary C. McGuinness; Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ
Points to the dynamic possibilities of a parish that places pastoral importance on development of small Christian communities. It offers approaches to their development and suggested "how to" steps, explores role of pastor and parish staff in this endeavor and looks at small Christian communities in light of other aspects of parish life.

THE CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE OF SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES , (2000), Bernard J. Lee, S.M.; Paulist Press, Mahwah , NJ