Small Christian Communities

Saint Bernard Church
Small Christian Communities

Small Christian Communities are small groups who gather for faith sharing and community on a regular basis. There are many different groups that meet the diverse needs of small groups in the parish. Please call the rectory at 860-875-0753 or send an email to learn more about being a part of a small Christian community.

Small Group Faith Sharing Process

Small Groups may want to meet and share on a regular basis. One way to focus this faith sharing time is to use the Lectionary cycle of readings for Sundays to guide your reflection. One process for using small group faith sharing is included here for your use.
Click here for the Small Group Faith Sharing Process

Click here for Small Group Faith Sharing Materials

Faith Sharing: A Primer

Christ calls us to experience His presence in the everyday and ordinary. It is in our lived experience of faith that the Gospel is made visible to those we encounter in our lives. Faith Sharing is a practice of listening to the story of God's presence in our lives and our experiences.

Here are some simple ways to start:

Faith Sharing Alone:
    1. Read the daily gospel.
    2. Pause for a minute of silence.
    3. Read it again slowly.
    4. What word or phrase "jumps out" at me?
    5. Talk to the Lord about it briefly
    6. Thank God for the insight.

Faith Sharing with a friend(s): (Use to open all meetings)
    1. Read the daily gospel.
    2. Pause for a minute of silence.
    3. Read it again slowly.
    4. What word or phrase "jumps out" at me?
    5. Share the word or phrase. (No explanation).
    6. Share a sentence or two about why this touched you.
    7. Thank your friend (s).
    8. Thank God for the opportunity to share faith (brief prayer).

Faith Sharing Principles:

Each person is led by God on his/her personal spiritual journey.
Faith sharing refers to shared reflections on the action of God in one's experience as related to Scripture and faith. Faith sharing is not discussion, problem solving or scripture study. The purpose is an encounter between a person in the concrete circumstances of life and the word of God which leads to a conversion of heart.
Faith sharing is meant to serve our relationship with Christ and the Church and thereby with one another. With the help of God's Spirit we contribute vitality to the whole Church. As we are nurtured in the sacramental life, we are also supported with a community of believers for our mission in the world.
The entire faith sharing process is seen as prayer, i.e. listening to the word of God as as revealed in each other's experience.

Faith Sharing Practices

Constant attention to respect, honesty and openness for each person.
Each person shares at the time and on the level where he/she feels comfortable.
Silence is a vital part of the total process of faith sharing. Participants are given time to reflect before any sharing begins, and a period of comfortable silence might occur between individuals sharing.
Confidentiality is essential, allowing each person to share honestly.