The purpose of Small Faith-Sharing Groups
The purpose of small faith sharing groups is to enable the participants to grow in holiness, to respond more fully to the grace of the Holy Spirit and to strengthen each other in their spiritual journeys. We have identified a desire for greater intimacy and fellowship among parishioners. Many people feel like outsiders, they feel that they don’t connect with others in the congregation in a meaningful way. Those who have encountered some renewal movement are aware that praying together in a small group and sharing in each others’ faith stories can be very powerful. Some would even say that it is essential for growth as Christians in a culture which can often cause erosion of fervor for living the gospel. We must honestly recognize that the event that unites us regularly – the Sunday Eucharist does not provide an effective avenue for personal sharing and the development of the kind of intimacy which we need as Christians.
History
The history of Small Faith Sharing Groups goes back to the beginning of the renewal at Holy Family Parish. All the Renewal movements; Cursillo, Cor, Charismatic renewal, Marriage Encounter, etc., have in common an initial conversion experience where people come to a real experience of the person of Jesus Christ. While this essential first step is a valid touch of the Holy Spirit resulting often in a burst of enthusiasm for prayer and desire to grow in faith, it is most often diminished over time, and can fail to bear fruit if it is not nurtured. Recognizing this, all the entities mentioned above advocate a form of follow up, where members’ initial encounter with Christ can be renewed periodically. The Pastoral Team at Holy Family Parish has recognized that this dynamic of meeting regularly to share prayer and testimony in an intimate small group is necessary for all who want to grow in faith.