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.
Developing Small Christian Communities
Core Team for Small Christian Communities (click here for pdf file)
Content: Church documents on Small Christian Communities, three types of SCC’s, role of the Core Community, how to start SCC’s in your parish, resources for Small Christian Communities.
Small Christian Communities – Training for New Leaders(click here for pdf file)
Content: Guidelines and principles of faith sharing, basic outline of a Small Community and how to run an effective meeting.
Small Christian Communities – Training for Seasoned Leaders
(click here for pdf file)
Content: Development of the five basic elements of a Small Community: prayer, sharing, support, learning and mission; the stages of a Small Community resources.
Links to Small Christian Community Organizations:
www.smallchristiancommunities.org Small Christian Communities in North America
www.naprc.faithweb.com National Alliance of Parishes Restructuring into Communities (NAPRC)
www.nafscc.org North American Forum for Small Christian Communities (NAFSCC)
www.renewintl.org RENEW International
www.sccconnect.org Small Christian Community Connections (SCCC)
DAILY READINGS
FAITH SHARING RESOURCES
Faith Sharing for Parishes Experiencing Transition
The closing or merger of a parish, the closing of a convent, the closing of a local Catholic High School - all of these and more can  be very painful times in the life of a parish. A Prayer Service for Parishes Experiencing Transition will give people an opportunity to share and pray together centered on the Word of God.
EMMAUS JOURNEY
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.
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
QUEST
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
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
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 , Michael A. Cowan and Bernard J. Lee, SM.
CREATING COMMUNITIES OF GOOD NEWS - A Handbook for Small Group Facilitators , Mary LaCourse Mauren.
CREATING SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES - Minimum Structure, Maximum Life (2003), Barbara A Darling with Jack Ventura, SM; Good Ground Press,
St. Paul , MN
CREATING SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES - A Plan for Restructuring the Parish and Renewing Catholic Life, Arthur R. Baranowski; St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati, OH
FACILITATING FOR GROWTH - A Guide for Scripture Study Groups and Small Christian Communities), Barbara J. Fleischer.
GATHERED AND SENT - The Mission of Small Church Communities Today, Bernard J. Lee and Michael A. Cowan.
GETTING A GRIP ON YOUR GROUP - A Guide for Discerning Priorities in Your Small Christian Community , Barbara A. Darling.
SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES - A Vision of Hope for the 21 st Century),
THE CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE OF SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES, Bernard J. Lee, S.M.; Paulist Press, Mahwah , NJ
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