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January 12, 2019Forming Small Groups at Guardian Angels
For many people, small groups are the life and blood of a parish and we are hoping to bring them to Guardian Angels. If you’ve never been part of a church small group, or have found them to be unsuccessful, give us a chance to show you how great they can truly be.- In a small group, you are noticed -- Although most churches try to ensure that every member feels valued, this isn’t always possible when people interact once a week. Small groups make you part of a tighter community of friends – who will who will greet you as friends and notice when you are not around or you are in need.
- In a small group, you are a leader -- Because the purpose of a small group is to grow big enough to multiply, virtually everyone can become a leader.
- Small groups give you an extended family -- Being part of a small group that meets regularly to eat, talk, and fellowship gives you the same loyalty and support that you would receive from family. And family is priceless.
- Small groups allow you to search and ask questions -- A small group gives you the ability to ask hard questions in a safe environment – and come up with answers together. Being in a group is one of the best ways to grow your spiritual life.
- Small groups provide advice and support -- Small groups don’t only help with spiritual questions, they can also provide support on a plethora of life matters. Ask for advice regarding your career, relationships, and other life decisions. When we seek out the knowledge and wisdom of others before making a difficult life choice, the final outcome is almost always better.
- Small groups improve your communication skills and critical thinking abilities -- One of the best ways to expand your own decision making and analytical abilities is to critically evaluate and discuss challenging issues. This can also improve your ability to think about other difficult ideas at work or school.
- Small groups improve your attitude -- When you have people that get to know you, text you periodically, and truly care about your life, it’s hard not to walk around with a smile on your face. When other people care about the challenges in your life, they suddenly don’t matter as much to you – and you can spend your time on life’s more positive aspects. Having a positive friend in a group will inevitably make your life more positive and fulfilled.
And ultimately, small groups help the church grow.
What would be the focus of small groups? It would be determined by YOUR interests! If being in a small group would be of interest to you, you would let us know what your interests are. Potential topics for a small group depends on the type of group you would enjoy, based on being centered on Spirituality, being a Social group, or a group that provides Service.
Spiritual- Scripture Encounter - A bible centered group, perhaps led by Fr. Carlito or Fr. Garry
- Praying or saying the Rosary
- Bread for the World (Universal group that says special prayers for those who struggle with hunger. They also arrange sermons devoted to hunger and write letters to congressional leaders in support of the hungry.)
Social- Book Club – your group would determine the book(s) to read, discuss, frequency of meeting,
- Guardian Angels Entertainers– Musicians and singers, perhaps with a goal to put on a concert or a talent night for parishioners
- Guardian Angels Sports group: Bowling, Walking, Bike riding – your group decides the activity or perhaps they want to bowl one month and ride bikes the next weekend; it’s your group, so you all should decide.
- Film Club – watch and discuss a movie once a month (does NOT have to be religious)
- Card or Game Night
- Dinner for Eight
- Knitting or crocheting
- Weight loss group or a “get in shape” group
- Widows/Widowers
Service – It will be up to the group to determine where they wish to provide assistance.- Gabriel Group-Participants visit mothers & newborns in hospital; provide support in diverse ways. (Find out number of interested persons & partner with St. Agnes and/or several other nearby parishes vs. reinventing the wheel, so-to-speak.) Angela Walsh, of St Agnes, is the contact. The name of this group at St Agnes, is Mothers of Young Children. Her email: [email protected]
- Stephen Ministry- Group of lay people that do one-to-one caring ministry, which provides high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Training provided. For more details: https://www.stephenministries.org/stephenministry/default.cfm/917 This group exists at nearby St. Agnes. Participants would join them, after training completion. Coordinator at St Agnes is Teresa Elder. Her email: [email protected].
- Volunteer as a group at Veronica’s Voice – This group works to end sex trafficking and prostitution in the Kansas City area.
- Volunteer at Morning Glory (Diocesan kitchen)
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