Debra Van Keuren

The Welcoming Ministry is designed for new parishioners to the Parish, to enable them to more easily become part of the body of Christ which exists within our Parish. Members of the Welcoming Ministry enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet new parishioners. They contact their fellow parishioners and personally welcome them and invite them to attend one of the Welcoming Events, which are held throughout the year. These Welcoming opportunities introduce the parish Staff and explain their responsibilities. New parishioners are given the chance to introduce themselves and meet other parishioners. They are encouraged to take advantage of Parish services and participate in Parish Ministries. By this means, the new parishioners are helped on the Faith Journey in becoming participating members of the Parish community. By getting involved, each individual gains the feeling of connectedness with other members of the Parish.

Participants in faith-sharing groups have discovered some guiding principles that contribute to this unique purpose:

What are Small Church Communities? --- JUST THAT!!
Small church Communities are groups of 8-12 ordinary people who meet every other week to share their life and faith by sharing on the gospel for the upcoming Sunday. Each Small Church Community (SCC) has a Pastoral Facilitator who connects back to the parish through monthly meetings. These SCCs evolve to include formation, prayer, and services - the activities of the parish church in miniature.

Why do we need SCCs?
We as American Catholics move more often and therefore have less stable relationships. There are many more miles between family members than generations ago. We are sometimes isolated and alone. In a large parish it is very possible to be sitting amid strangers even when we come to mass regularly! One of the basic needs a parish fills is the need to experience faith and love. Although Our Lady of the Snows is a very friendly parish it is easy to fall between the cracks. In a small church community you have the opportunity to deepen your prayer life and your relationships with other catholic Christians. You have support in making the decisions that you know are right but are counter-cultural. You are affirmed because you are missed ! Read more about the value of small church communities in the article below.

“Ordinary People Connecting Life & Faith on a Regular Basis

Although they go by many names and have differing formats and strategies, small Christian communities (SCC's) are meeting in parishes throughout the Diocese and all over the world. For our purposes, a SCC is any group of Christians that meet regularly for prayer, conversation about their lives, and mutual support in the journey of faith. The key element is helping each other make the connection between everyday life and faith.

SCC's are not therapy groups or social clubs or floating parties or problem solving conferences. Although they may have elements of topical study or discussion, they are chiefly about sharing stories of faith.

Though each group is unique and must find its own style, here are some traits commonly found in SCC's:

SIZE: Ideally, 8 - 12; much bigger makes it hard for everyone to have a chance to talk; smaller means that inevitable absences are too keenly felt.

LENGTH OF MEETING: Between 1 ½ and 2 ½ hours, depending on the size of the group and MEETING: the format. At the start, it's better to have too little time and add, than to have too much and try to subtract

HOW OFTEN: When first starting, once a week for at least six weeks works well. It helps the group to bond and to establish the habit and skills of faith sharing. If every other week is preferable for the group, it might be wise to plan for a longer meeting time.

FORMAT: Typically groups follow a standard format for each meeting including the following: gathering time; opening prayer; input (scripture or other readings, video segment, etc.); reflection questions with quiet time; conversation about the questions; invitation to action (What difference will all this make in my life this week?); closing prayer.

From the earliest days of the church, disciples of Jesus have recognized that they need each other to follow Him faithfully. SCC's often lead people into deeper friendships, a commitment to service, and mutual support. They enrich not only the members, but also the parish and the whole Church.