3 minute read
Small Faith Groups: A Valuable Opportunity To Engage In Stewardship And Fellowship
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus tells us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Here at St. Patrick, we have multiple small groups that gather each week in Jesus’ name. These groups read Scripture, pray, share, and work to deepen their relationship with Christ.
This ministry got its start nearly three years ago, thanks to the work of Barbara Burns. Before helping start this ministry, Barbara had heard from parishioners, who said they wanted a way to grow in faith with others in the parish. She had the experience to help them since she started a similar group at a previous parish.
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“These small groups are important,” Barbara says. “They not only give the participants a deeper understanding of God’s love and care for them, but they also connect with one another on a level of real openness and caring for each other.”
Sharon Mahar has been involved with the program since it began. She had been part of a similar faithsharing group in the 1980s at an Orange County parish. So, she knew she wanted to get involved when the groups at St. Patrick were first being formed and began as a facilitator.
“I knew the benefits of this kind of group back from when I was involved before,” Sharon says.
The small group members have been following the ARISE Together in Christ program from Renew International. Group leaders undergo facilitation training. In nonCOVID-19 times, each group had been meeting for six weeks in the fall and again in the spring.
As Barbara notes, the group’s activities are rooted deeply in stewardship.
“Stewardship is about prayer, seeking God’s guidance, sharing time with Christian friends, sharing our thoughts and talents, and being involved in a ministry to become part of our parish family,” she says.
In turn, the group is a great way to engage in valuable fellowship. After all, it’s not always easy to get to know new people. So, this offers a unique opportunity to meet others and connect on a deeper spiritual level.
“The groups bond by trusting one another enough to be able to open up with their thoughts and feelings regarding the struggles, losses, and successes that they have had in their lives and how God has been a part of that or not,” Barbara says.
For Sharon, the experience has had a positive impact on her faith journey. She has had the chance to share in fellowship with the other participants in her small 11-member group. She appreciates that she can share openly without feeling judged.
“We have just really built a friendship, a community,” Sharon says. “It helps with your own faith when you can share with another person. You can share your own struggles and get feedback and ideas. You know you aren’t alone in your struggles.”
What better way to make new friends who share your faith than through a ministry based on spirituality and openness?
“The groups bond in friendship and trust and, by seeking God’s guidance and sharing their faith and lives, they support one another through their challenges, successes, and hopes for the future,” Barbara says.
“It’s big to have a group that shares your same values and morals,” Sharon says. “You can share the joys and pains of life itself.”
Ultimately, the groups provide a way to grow deeper in faith this Lent. Each week, you will walk away with something you can carry with you. As one participant said to Barbara, “At every meeting, I hear just what I needed to hear.”
