Small Christian Communities (SCCs)
Resources for SCCs
For faith sharing guidelines, meeting format and suggested faith sharing materials, visit the Library/Resources page.
"Where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them." Matthew 18:20
Development of small Christian communities is part of the overall pastoral direction set by the Pastoral Council and the Pastoral Staff. This direction envisions Good Shepherd parish as a "community of small communities" centered in the Eucharist and committed to ministry.
Why Small Christian Communities?
Small Christian Communities are a way of being church to each other -- not just on Sunday but every day. This is not a new concept -- early Christians met in small groups in each other's homes to share faith and break bread. Many small groups already exist at Good Shepherd.
What makes a Small Christian Community different from just a small group?
Small Christian communities share several elements:
- prayer
- faith sharing
- mutual support
- learning
- mission
For a complete description of these elements, click here.
Types of Small Christian Communities
- Seasonal Groups - groups of 8-12 people who meet to seasonally. The schedule is six weeks and new groups are formed prior to Lent (early spring) and prior to Advent (early fall).
- Ministerial Communities - groups of 5-12 people who meet to share faith and support each other in their chosen ministry, e.g. Pastoral Council, Worship Core Community etc. These communities typically stay together for 2-3 years, depending on ministry commitment.
- Small Church Communities - groups of 8-12 people who meet to share faith and support each other in living out the gospel values in every aspect of their lives. Each group incorporates the elements of prayer, faith sharing, mutual support and mission. These may last indefinitely, though the group may spin off subgroups as it grows. Groups usually meet twice a month in each other's homes, but groups can also meet more frequently and in other locations.
History
In the late 1980s, the number of families at Good Shepherd Parish dramatically increased. From a small church community, where most families seemed to know each other, the parish grew to over 1,200 families and now exceeds 2,600. A group of parishioners, along with Father Michael Foley, began to study how other parishes were meeting the challenge of creating a truly supportive community of service with such a large church membership.
Following a Parish Vision Retreat, and many months of meetings with parishioners, the first groups were formed.
Coordination
The Pastoral Council, Pastoral Staff and Coordinating Community for Small Christian Communities are responsible for implementation and coordination. The Coordinating Community plans and coordinates the implementation of the parish vision through small community experiences.
Contact: Gloria Smith 545-3567,
Ginger Riscigno 422-2195
Meetings and Minutes
The Small Christian Community Core Community meets monthly, usually on the second Tuesday of the month.
How you can get involved
Parishioners interested in participating in the Small Christian Community experience may call the Parish Office for the name of the parish contact. You can join as a single person, couple, or group (neighbors, former CRHP team, etc.). Most of the groups meet in members' homes in the evening. A daytime group can be started if there is enough interest.
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