Small Faith-Sharing Groups have been part of the fabric of our parish since the autumn of 2003 when the ‘At Your Word, Lord’ program of renewal started in the Diocese of Westminster. Twice yearly, in the autumn and during Lent – weekly, for a period of six weeks – groups meet in the parish to reflect on the scriptures and to share faith with one another using material specially prepared by the Agency for Evangelisation.
The small faith-sharing groups enable people to pray together to:
- Deepen their faith,
- Grow in knowledge and understanding,
- Find support and share fellowship with one another in an informal setting.
- Confidentiality is key to the success of the groups.
- Friendships are formed as people ‘connect’ with one another.
- By participating in small faith-sharing groups personal faith is deepened and confidence is gained so as to be able to share that faith with others and be the evangelists that we are called to be by virtue of baptism in Christ Jesus.
If you would like to lead a small group, host a small group meeting in your home or help in any way with small groups,
Please get in contact with Fr. Justin on 020 8980 1968.
For those who have not led small groups before, formation and training for this Ministry will be provided.
Useful Website links
http://rcdow.org.uk/faith/small-groups/
Testimonies
(1)“I have enjoyed (I enjoy) the small faith sharing groups because they helped me get to know other parishioners and make friends. Also it was good fun! It was interesting and enjoyable to talk and share about deep and meaningful things as well as having a good laugh and sharing tea and cake!”
(2)“Life in this world is only a journey and only if this journey is on the right path can we reach our destination to meet our maker. Small groups help us get a deeper meaning of this journey and often guides us if we are straying away from our path. I must say my experience has not only been rewarding but also helped me better understand my faith.”
(3)“I have been attending small faith sharing groups for over 10 years. They are an invaluable way of really getting to know my fellow parishioners and have helped me to develop lasting friendships. They teach me so much more about my faith through the sharing of Scripture and life experiences. As they are usually held in the Seasons of Lent and Advent they help me prepare more fully and more prayerfully for the great Celebrations of Easter and Christmas. The groups have become an integral part of my parish life and have enriched my faith in so many ways.”
(4)“I really enjoy being part of the small faith sharing groups. Not only have they helped me to grow in my faith, but they have also enabled me to get to know other parishioners whom I might only know ‘by sight’ otherwise. It is good to be able to set time aside to reflect on God’s Word in the company of others as we journey together along the path of faith.”