Thanks to all for your valuable survey insight and feedback as we strive to offer our Small Group participants what they want to help grow in their love, understanding and relationship with Christ.

The Group leaders met with Father Leo last week to discuss the June Small Group options.  It was decided that we, the group leaders, would encourage participation in the Summer Adult Education Series, The Pivotal Players and the Communion of Saints.  Since the series so nicely fits the description of suggested topics from our small group survey results, we have opted to forego our traditional June Small Group session.

The Pivotal Players and the Communion of Saints series will be offered on Thursday evenings, 6-8pm, beginning June 13th (for 6 weeks, skipping the July 4th week).  The classes will include some DVD videos, some additional resources, some guest speakers, some discussion time, possibly some small group breakout time, and an optional study guide. See the bulletin announcement or the web page here for more details.

We encourage as many as possible to attend at least one evening of the series.  Opportunities to share one's personal journey will be available and encouraged.  It will be beyond what you'd expect...very interactive and relateable.  If you're not sure, attend one session that you think might appeal to you.

Francis of Assisi and Michealango will have guest speakers... possibly a ‘Paint and Pray’ Night....  Darleen is incredibly creative and well-resourced; you will not be bored!     

A copy of the Bishop Barron Word on Fire poster is here.  To purchase the optional $25 study guide, go to www.WordonFire.org (but try one class before buying it if you aren't sure that you'll continue).
 

We believe that Faith grows in a circle... and we think Small Group circles are where that can happen.  It's where our great big Church becomes many great small churches.  It's a place to grow, to be known, cared for and loved!

A St. Mary and St. Philip Small Group ministry emerged in September 2014 to offer it's members the opportunity to deepen their spiritual relationship, engage in fellowship with like-minded people of faith, and to  develop a desire to become more intentional disciples of Jesus Christ.  To the excitement and surprise of many, our Small Group programs have enriched our members, and our parishes, beyond expectation.   We typically hold sessions during the Fall, Advent, Lent, and Spring.

Small Groups may meet at the church, or at member homes .  Days and times are flexible.  We generally offer Small Group sessions in 3, 4 or 5 week increments.  Discussion topics correlate with the homily or message series.  That same message travels throughout the parish, touching all generations from the Little Angels Club Mass-time Nursery program to Religious Education, through the Liturgy  and continues in depth during Small Group discussions.

Those discussions invariably take us to personal experiences, allowing members to see Jesus though another's eyes, and offer an added dimension to our relationship with Him.  Importantly, relationships with one another grow, offering support and fellowship.  It is not a small thing to share heartfelt and deeply meaningful core-faith values.

Small Groups are not religious education formation, though we learn plenty!  We are not Bible Study, but may discuss Scripture.  We are not a Prayer Group, but we certainly pray.  We may discuss the beliefs of our faith, but we avoid personal judgements or controversial topics.

Consider the value of sharing your faith journey with others who have the desire to be in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. "If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk together".

New group leaders are always welcome! 

For more information, please contact: SmallGroups@stmarysgrafton.org.