Small Church Communities




	This page was last edited on: Thursday, July 31, 2008 04:00:18 PM

"Small Christian Communities are a sign of vitality within the church, an instrument of evangelization, and a solid point for a new society based on love." (John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio)

Ordinary People Connecting
Life & Faith on a Regular Basis

What are Small Church Communities?

--- JUST THAT!!!

Ordinary People Connecting Life & Faith on a Regular Basis!

Small Church Communities are groups of 8-12 ordinary people who meet every other week to share their life and faith by sharing on the gospel for the up coming Sunday.

Each Small Church Community (SCC) has a Pastoral Facilitator who connects back to the parish through monthly meetings with our pastor, Father Tom. These SCCs evolve to include formation, prayer, and service--the activities of the parish church in miniature.

Why do we need SCCs? We as American Catholics move more often and therefore have less stable relationships. There are many more miles between family members than generations ago. We are sometimes isolated and alone. In a large parish it is very possible to be sitting amid strangers even when we come to mass regularly! One of the basic needs a parish fills is the need to experience faith and love. Although Good Shepherd is a very friendly parish where we are greeted at the door by our pastor and priests and turn to each other in greeting before the start of mass, it is easy to fall between the cracks.

In a small church community you have the opportunity to deepen your prayer life and your relationships with other Catholic Christians. You have support in making the decisions that you know are right but are counter-cultural. You are affirmed because you are missed! Read more about the value of small church communities in the the articles below.

Pastoral Facilitator's Section --- (only available to PFs & Staff liasons)

Gospel Faith Sharing Questions

Join A Small Group

Do you have a comment or question for Core? We would be happy to help you in any way with your faith sharing questions and problems. Type in your concern and click submit. It will immediately be delivered to our email.

Ministry Coordinator Prayer Helps

Good Works of Our Small Churches

National Alliance of Parishes Restructuring Into Communities

PF Study Pieces

A Study of Small Church Communities

Basic Principle for SCC Members

Evaluation for a Small Church Community

How to Decide on Outreach/Mission

Improving Your Facilitating Skills

The Phases of Small Church Community Formation

SCC Format & Resources

"SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES
IN THE U. S. CATHOLIC CHURCH"
A Theological Reflection by Bernard J. Lee S.M.

If You Have Questions about Small Church Communities at Good Shepherd or Want to Join Our List of Parishes Restructuring into Small Church Communites Contact Us At... smallchurchcommunities@goodshepherdonline.com

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