April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
What's Renew 2000 all about?
Pope John Paul II directed all dioceses to mark the jubilee celebration of our 2,000th anniversary in a spiritual and substantive way. RENEW 2000 is responsive to the Pope's directive, and also fits well with the goals and priorities of our Diocese.
Q: How are small faith communities formed?
A: Everyone in the parish is invited to join a small faith community. People fill out a sign-up card indicating the times and days they would be able to gather. Small faith communities are formed based on schedule preferences.Beginning in early October, the small faith communities meet once a week for 90 minutes, continuing for six weeks. The setting is comfortable and informal, usually in someone's home. There is a trained leader who helps the group stay focused, and a booklet with Scripture readings, prayers and discussion questions.
Q: What happens in small faith community meetings?
A: The members pray together. Prayer is often tailored to the needs and wishes of the small faith community: Members ask for prayers for their intentions; through shared prayer, they get to know each other spiritually.In each session, members are invited to share their faith. Faith-sharing is initiated by Scripture and discussion questions, and guided by a trained leader. Members are invited to share the ways in which the Gospel is real in their lives.
Members support one another. They cheer each other on, share each other's burdens, celebrate each other's joys. They challenge each other to live the Gospel each day, by carrying out good works to help others in need.
Q: Are small faith communities Bible study groups?
A: Scripture passages are used to inspire the sharing, but small faith communities are not academic Bible study classes; rather, they are gatherings to understand what the Word of God means for us in our daily here-and-now.Q: Will I have to tell secrets?
A: No. Nobody is forced to disclose; nobody is put on the spot. Sharing is always respectful, always at a level of disclosure each member is comfortable with -- and always confidential.Q: What do I have to offer a small faith community?
A: In a small faith community, the contributions of each member are valued. You are like nobody else and nobody else can offer what you can. You have lived your life, thought your thoughts, and prayed your prayers. You have wisdom, experiences and insights to share that are yours alone.Q: I go to Mass every Sunday. What can a small faith community give me that I don't already get?
A: In our Eucharistic celebrations, we listen together to God's word; we pray together; we wish each other God's peace; we share the Body of Christ. These gatherings are the heart and soul of our parish, the time when we all come together to celebrate and thank God.Smaller gatherings are not a substitute for Mass; they complement it. They are a closer, more personal, more interactive way to be Church. Members develop bonds of trust and caring, and get to know each other at a deeper and more spiritual level than in large worship gatherings or in social gatherings.
Many people find that participation in a small faith community enriches their experience at Mass, because their faith is deepened through their experiences in their group.
Q: What about families with small children?
A: There is a special option for families and children together, called Intergenerational RENEW 2000.Q: I can't join a small faith community this fall. Will I be able to join at a later time?
A: RENEW 2000 continues for five seasons, concluding in the fall of 2000. People can join at any of these seasons.Q: What happens after the six weeks are over?
A: Some small faith communities may choose to continue meeting. Materials will be available. Others may wish to wait until Season 2 to start up again.(09-17-98) [[In-content Ad]]
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