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"Small Christian Communities provide good centers for Christian formation and missionary outreach. These groups come together for prayer, scripture reading, catechesis and discussion on human and ecclesial problems with a view to a common commitment...these communities become a means of evangelization and of the initial proclamation of the Gospel, and a source of new ministries" (Pope John Paul II, Mission of the Redeemer, 51).
A Small Christian Community (SCC) is ideally a group of eight to twelve people who gather in homes to discuss their lives in the light of the Gospel and to share their faith through prayer, friendship and service. The group shares the common purpose of applying Gospel values to every aspect of their lives. They become church for one another by involving one another in reflecting on the Gospel, helping one another, praying together, and serving the needs of one another and the wider community. Click here for an example of how a group meeting might be conducted. Each community chooses a member to be the group's pastoral facilitator for 2 to 3 years.
AND YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN!!!!
Click Here For An Invitation From Father John
Originally the early Church lived the faith within small home-based communities. Gathered around their chosen leader, the community was small enough to allow a deep sharing of life and faith. When the community became larger, the Church soon appreciated its need to divide into small groups – parishes. Now the parish community is in the same situation in which the earlier larger community historically found itself. So at St. Vincent's we have formed SCCs where quality sharing of faith and life can take place in a small group of adults.
Although each SCC is unique in its membership and style of gathering, all
Small Christian Communities are based on the
Four
Essentials of Church:
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Community
Life is
our sincere
involvement in each other’s lives including sharing and mutual support.
It gives us a direct connection to the parish especially through the
pastor. READ
MORE ABOUT FAITH SHARING HERE. Word means growth in our relationship with God through reflection on Scripture and other sacred readings. Worship is participation in each other's prayer life and so, greater preparation for public worship in our parish. Service is the giving of our time and talent both within and beyond our community. |
Our ancestors-in-faith gathered themselves into house-based small church communities long before the institutions of parish or diocese ever existed. Today people of faith all over the world are again gathering in the same manner. You are invited to be a part of this exciting and ancient model of the Church.
Call the Church Office and ask for the Pastoral Associate for SCC
Home Fr.
John's Letter How To Join Why
Join
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
1502 East Wallen Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(260) 489-3537