Small Church Communities
“One way of renewing parishes…might be to consider the parish as a community of communitiers and movements. It seems timely therefore to form ecclesial communities and groups of a size tht allows for true human relationships. In such a human context, it will be easier to gather and hear the word of God, to reflect on the range of human problems in the light of this word, and gradually to make responsible decisions inspired by the all-embracing love of Christ.” Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia in America #41
What is “Small Church Community”?
A Small Church Community (SCC) is a small group of adults, and at times children, who gather to reflect on their lives in the light of the Gospel and to share their Christian faith through prayer, friendship, and service. The early Christians gathered in small groups that allowed deep conversations about faith and life. Today, SCCs facilitate these same deep conversations, bringing together in faith persons who may be very diverse in terms of age, family-style, and personality. Close relationships are formed as group members listen attentively to one another and together try to listen to God. The connection between faith and life leads to action on behalf of others beyond the group and fosters a deeper connection to Eucharist. Although each SCC is unique in its membership and style, every SCC contains the following elements…
- Prayer: Individual and group prayer are essential to sustaining the life of every SCC
- Support: As group members bond, support and concern for each other is a natural outcome; true friendship is one of the blessing of SCCs
- Reflection: Reflection and sharing in the SCC challenges each member to a deeper understanding of the Gospel and to a deeper living of the Gospel
- Learning: The sharing of faith promotes a deeper understanding of the Gospel and continuing conversion to the Lord
- Participation: SCCs are an essential part of the broader St. Monica Parish community and the universal Church; they provide support for members that can lead to a deeper participation in Eucharist, in the life of the Parish, and in the mission of the Church
- Action: SCCs are a source for collaboration in the mission of the Church, reaching out in service for love of neighbor, bringing the Gospel into all strata of humanity
Who can join a Small Church Community — how can one join a SCC?
Anyone can join a Small Church Community! To join a Small Church Community at any time of year, simply contact Anne Corcoran at 253-2193×5 or acorcoran@stmonicaindy.org.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Discernment Tools for Annual SCC Discernment/Evaluation:
2011 Member Sheet for SCC Discernment
2011 Member Sheet for SCC Discernment-SPANISH
2011 Annual Discernment Instructions
2011 Annual Discernment Instructions-SPANISH
