A small faith community is a group of individuals who share a common religious faith and gather regularly to deepen their spiritual understanding, build relationships, and support one another.
One of the joys I have experienced in both diaconate formation and now as a deacon is being involved in, or witnessing, the formation of small faith communities in our parish. This concept is not new; in fact, it has always been present in our church.
In every parish, there are separations — which Mass one attends, age, or stage of life. We are collectively single individuals, widowed, divorced, young families, and empty nesters. We have varying interests, from deep Bible study to devotion to various prayer forms, such as the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We are also separated by our identities as so-called progressive Catholics or traditional Catholics. No parish, big or small, can fulfill the needs of all in one stroke. Small communities can help fill that gap.
Small faith communities come in many shapes and sizes. Many small communities meet to discuss and reflect upon the Gospel of the coming Sunday. Some use a Bible study approach, while others may join together under a social justice theme or work to improve hospitality in a parish, such as through coffee and donuts after Mass or other social gatherings. Some groups are exclusive to men, some to women, and some are open to all. The possible forms of these groups are endless.
The basic concept of a small faith group is to provide a venue where like-minded individuals have the opportunity to contribute, be heard, and share their faith experiences. They can also serve as an effective tool of evangelization for the unchurched and those who have fallen away from the Church. Instead of saying, “Come to Church,” one might say, “Come to my Bible study.” That sounds much more inviting and significantly less intimidating.
Each group should have a facilitator. The facilitator’s role is to encourage free discussion while keeping the group on topic and ensuring that each person has a chance to share. Many groups fail because the discussion becomes too social or turns into a gripe session. This is where the facilitator comes in, helping to keep the conversation on track.
To form a small faith group, if you do not have one already, it is important to let the pastor know and establish a groundwork purpose. Lasting friendships and encouragement are the fruits of a small faith community.
By Deacon Frank Hann