Faith&Fellowship Small Groups
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Over the past several years, Faith & Fellowship small groups have been a source of community to over 160 people who have participated in them and a vital source of strength for the Reading Catholic Community. Small groups provide a setting for sharing, deepening bonds, and serving and supporting each other. As we learn from the Acts of the Apostles, the Christian faith is meant to be lived in community: come explore Faith & Fellowship Small Groups as a way to deepen your relationship with Jesus and with each other!
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Please join us for a Zoom Opening Celebration October 18th 6:30-7:30 PM
Join us for prayer, scripture, music and sharing
We welcome all past and current Faith and Fellowship participants as well as anyone who may be interested joining a group for the first time. Come and see what Faith and Fellowship is all about.
Zoom Link for Oct 18th 6:30 PM Opening Celebration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81865424853?pwd=Y0dLL3EwQmdxei8yV0V3ZG94NkVpUT09
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, no worries. It is very simple. Just click on the link above and it will open right up to the meeting. Follow the prompts and we look forward to seeing you. If you have not previously joined a Zoom meeting give yourself some extra time to log in so we can begin promptly at 6:30. If you would like assistance ahead of time please reach out to us by responding to Marie Lucey at malucey@commhospital.com
Feel free to share this with anyone else you know who may be interested in learning about Faith and Fellowship.
"For Where two or three are gathered there am I
in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:20In response to Jesus’ call to spread the Gospel, the Church continues to renew itself. As our Parish Mission Statement recognizes, we have been blessed with a vibrant Catholic community welcoming all - a beacon of faith, alive in Spirit and active in spreading the word of Christ. We are called to share Christ’s light.
"If we do not share what we have been given, then the gift was never truly received.
Every gift given is meant to be passed along.”
Carrie Gress Nudging ConversationsOne way we have done this is through the small group program Faith and Fellowship.These small groups are a place to grow spiritually, find support and encouragement, face challenges together, have fun, share a meal, and reach out through service projects.
Faith is a free and unconditional gift from God. However, it requires our response. Participation in a small group provides an opportunity to respond to God’s gift by exploring and sharing our faith with others in a way not possible in a larger setting such as at Mass. It is our hope that a small group will serve as a gateway to deeper faith and will provide a vibrant means for sharing the Gospel of Christ.
“Everything depends on how we love each other.”
Mother Teresa, Thirsting for God
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FAQs about Small Groups
What is a Small Group? Is it Bible Study?
- Small Groups are made up of about 8-12 people who meet to discuss faith, may explore the message of a particular program, currently our program is Faith & Fellowhip, and support one another in their relationship with Christ. While prayer is an important part of our Small Group environments, they are not Prayer Groups. Small Groups are not Bible Study or Adult Education classes. Small Groups are the place you connect with other growing disciples in a more personal environment.
What happens in a Small Group?- Groups meet in members’ homes and usually begin with casual conversation then prayer. (During COVID: will meet via Zoom, or if group agrees: in person with appropriate social distancing and mask) Group members discuss and apply God’s word to their own lives. Meetings end with group prayer.
Are Small Groups just discussion groups?
- Our Small Groups are more than just discussion groups. They are environments for growing discipleship in authentic and caring ways. Small Groups strive to be the place for Church members to find support, encouragement and care. Great friendships have developed out of our Small Groups. Group members face the challenges of life together, have fun together, share a meal, or reach out in service projects.
How do Small Groups get started?
- We have two sign-up events a year (one in the Fall and one in the Winter) where we either form new groups or find a place in an existing Small Group.
How long do Small Groups meet?
- The general meeting time is approximately an hour and a half (90 minutes). Often small groups augment this time with social time before and/or after the 90 minute meeting time.
How long is my commitment to Small Groups?
- We encourage each Small Group to grow together through a Season. There is a Fall Season from the beginning of October through mid-November, and a Lenten Season during the six weeks of Lent in the spring.
What kind of group can I join?
- Most groups are mixed adults (men, women and couples). A few are Men's groups or Women's groups. Many groups meet in the evening during the week with a number of groups meeting on the weekend or during the day. We can find a group time that works for you.
Do I need any kind of qualification, is there a fee?
- You don't have to be a member or a Catholic to join a Small Group at St. Agnes Parish. Everyone is welcome. We encourage all our Church members to join a group and invite their friends. The parish purchases the program materials and fees; group participants can help support the program by contributing to the cost of your book, about $15.
How do I learn more or sign up?
- Follow this link to sign up for a Small Group. Someone from our Small Group Team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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