Lenten Reflection Groups
Lent - Time for Renewal, Repentance, New Beginnings
What a beautiful time to connect the Mystery of God with the mystery of our lives and discover “what it all means” to our lived reality. This year the Faith Community of St. Mary will form Lenten Reflection Groups to encourage us along our Lenten journey.
Pope John Paul II had this to say about ecclesial basic communities: “These are groups of Christians who… come together for prayer, scripture reading, catechesis, and discussion… These Communities are a sign of vitality within the Church, an instrument of formation and evangelization, and a solid starting point for a new society based on ‘a civilization of love’” (Redemptoris Missio, December, 1990).
Our own Father Greg Sakowicz has this to say: “This is an opportunity to slow down, to enrich our faith life and to nourish one another. Make the time in this Lenten journey because you will make a difference to the group, and the group may make a difference for you.” And, as he has said on other occasions, we are called to “love this world back into life”. |
Small Faith Communities, Small Christian Communities, Small Church Communities, Base Communities, Small Ecclesial Communities, Intentional Communities are ways to describe the same experience: the experience of people gathering together to form smaller communities that strengthen and nourish both the parish and the universal Church. The stronger we are, the more likely we are to make a difference in the world.
Information Night?
Consider coming to church on Monday, January 31 at 7 pm in the Gathering Space, for the Information Night for the Lenten Reflection Groups. These groups can make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those who gather and in the life of the parish as well.
How can you participate?
Host a small group; it’s easy!
Call a few friends or family members and pick a time and a place to gather. It may be wine and cheese in the living room, “coffee and …” around the kitchen table, or snacks at a local café or your favorite restaurant. Maybe members would like to rotate hosting. The goal is to form groups of 8-12. If you have room in your circle of friends to invite a few more, consider opening your group to other parishioners. This is a great opportunity to reach out to people who feel estranged from the Church and people who are members of other denominations and faiths.
Don’t worry about being the discussion leader if you are the host. You don’t necessarily need to do both. When you register your group (by calling Karie Ferrell at the Parish Office before February 18), you will be asked who will be the group’s host and who will be the group’s leader. Both will be invited to the leaders’ meeting on February 21.
Facilitate a small group; we’ll train you!
February 21 at 7 pm
Gathering Space of the church
You will receive the reflection materials, learn tips for facilitating group conversation, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Join a small group; it’ll be fun!
Registration Weekend on February 26th and 27th and March 5th and 6th
Gathering Space of the church
Stop in before or after all the masses on this weekend to find a group with open spots and see who’s hosting, where the groups meet, the times, etc., so you can pick a group that suits your needs.
Why should you participate? Why join a Lenten Reflection Group?
Make time for yourself and others. Enrich your faith life. Nourish one another. Join a Lenten Reflection Group!
These groups of eight to 12 people will gather weekly throughout the parish community during Lent - in homes, at coffee houses and at locations on the Saint Mary campus. We’ll read the gospel, reflect on what touches our hearts and discuss ways to live out the gospel message in our daily lives. If you’re not the outgoing type, don’t worry - listening is just as important as talking.
Lenten Reflection Groups will be happening all throughout the week - morning, noon and night. There’s sure to be one that fits your schedule.
Lent starts Wednesday, so come to join a group or call the Parish Office at 847-864-0333 for more information.
Contact?
Contact Karie Ferrell, Director of Evangelization & Catechesis at 847-864-0333 ext. 18 or religed@stmaryparish-evanston.org.
Feel free to call with questions or concerns!
Parish Office
847-864-0333
fax: 847-864-0354
stmary1012@stmaryparish-evanston.org
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