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SMALL GROUPS

Want to join a small group?

Find, Join, or Start a Group Now

We live in a society that can be very isolating. Even though we are busy, surrounded by people, and incessantly connected by social technology, our culture still struggles with loneliness. Prince of Peace is a very large community. While it is a friendly, welcoming community, it can still be possible to slip in and out of Mass or other parish functions without developing true, human relationships.

When Jesus began the work of building the Church that would remain as His mystical body on Earth, He preached to thousands, had probably 120 or so people at the Ascension, sent out around 70 disciples to preach, but chose only 12 to be His close followers. And even among the twelve Apostles, Jesus often spent time with only 3 at a time.

There is a method evident within Jesus own earthly ministry, building connections and relationships that brought out the gifts, talents, thoughts, feelings, and experiences of His friends. Amid all the business of life, and in addition to the very fine and edifying programs that we offer at Prince of Peace, we believe there is a need to model our lives after Jesus, including the way we relate to one another. One way we can do this is in a small group.
Small groups take many forms, focus on many different activities or affinities, and can be made up of all kinds of people. But they all allow a context for us to get to know one another in a less superficial, more meaningful way. This knowing and being known by others has been an important part of the human religious experience since the Garden of Eden. A small group might study, pray, serve, support on another, or any combination of those things.  One of the most common themes of a church small group is the Bible Study, but they are not limited to that.

A small group typically consists of 6-10 people who speak with and relate to one another frequently. We would love to have everyone in the parish involved in some kind of small group! The parish office of Parish Life is available to support, train, brainstorm, and serve you in any way you need to find or start a small group.

Suggested Small Group Resources

LENT

The theme of the Jubilee year is Pilgrims of Hope. Much of our Lenten programming will focus on the theme of Hope. Hope is something we tend to associate with Advent, but the Lenten "metanoia" or transformation we hope to achieve through our Lenten disciplines really ought to bring to light in us a sense of hope in the Resurrection, when we "shall belike Him, and see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)

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  • In that light, one Resource you might consider is Pope St John Paul II's book "Crossing the Threshold of Hope." It is one of the late Pope's more digestible works, and speaks very powerfully to modern human experience. It is available in both paper and digital formats. Link

  • Another great book to consider is Sr. Josephine Garrett's Wilderness Within from Ave Maria Press. It is more of a devotional journal style, but has a small group leader and participant guide freely available to download for group use.

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There are a few great resources on the Parish's Formed.Org account as well.

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PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY

SERVICE & SOLIDARITY

Contact Sandy in the Pastoral Care Office for info on parish groups who actively do Works of Mercy and Justice.

SUPPORT

  • Catholics in Recovery - Online groups, or at Prince of Peace 9am Saturdays in the St Jude Room

Contact Dr. Dale Wisely in the Parish Health Office for info on other types of support groups.​

If you have questions:

  • about these or other resource ideas, including how to find, order, or implement them

  • about adding your favorite resources to this list

  • about starting or facilitating a group

 

Please contact ​:

Alex Kubik

Director of Parish Life

EMail

Phone: 205-822-9125 ext. 45

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