Throughout the month of December Old St. Mary’s Lifelong Faith Formation office offered Advent Small Faith Sharing groups. The goal was simple, to take time out to prepare ourselves to meet Christ at Christmas. We had over 30 participants—men, women, single, engaged, married, young adult and young at heart! The groups met at 3 different times to accommodate the equally diverse schedules of those participating. The time not only allowed participants to grow spiritually but in community; to recognize the importance and value in having companions on our faith journey and our parish family better. How often do you sit beside someone you don’t know at Sunday or Mass?
The weeks of Advent provided us with not only a chance to learn from peers, but to call each other to holiness, evangelize, and witness. It has allowed us to accompany one another and share our stories; who we are individually and more. We are a big parish and this format helped to make a larger parish feel smaller and more personal.
The small faith sharing groups on Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening both plan on continuing. We hope you will participate; below are a few good reasons to participate and how.
- To increase your own sense of belonging and a part of the larger parish family, to get to know people more intimately.
- To support, encourage and gently urge one another; our brothers and sisters to get to know Jesus and to better follow the Lord.
- To reflect on scripture and pray together.
How do I participate?
Show up! Join us for our first gatherings on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm or Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am. If you have questions, contact Maryellen at [email protected] or call 312-922-3444 ext 26.