WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP?

A Small Group includes 8-10 individuals who gather regularly, usually at someone’s home to

• socialize & build community
• discuss what they’ve been reading/experiencing in their faith journey
• pray together
• encourage one another in faith and in life

WHY A SMALL GROUP?

While it’s great to explore faith on your own (in fact, it’s essential!), and large group gatherings (presentations, conferences, etc.) can be very inspirational,
Small Groups enable people to:

• gather in a relaxed environment
• develop more personal, family-like connections
• go deeper in conversation
• have a greater sense of support and accountability to grow in faith

HOW DO REDISCOVER JESUS SMALL GROUPS WORK?

• It’s ideal to meet once a week during Lent, beginning the week of February 14 through March 22.
• Gather with 8-10 adults at home (or in a meeting room at church, if necessary), for about 90 minutes.
• Share some light refreshments and socialize for a bit
• The facilitator begins the session with a short prayer, then leads the group through questions in the Book Discussion Guide., inviting people to share their thoughts. (Discussion guide link coming soon!)
• The session ends with a prayer, and confirmation of plans for the time/place to meet next time.

WHO CAN BE A FACILITATOR? IS THERE TRAINING?

• A facilitator is NOT a teacher, NOR a scholar. His/her task is to facilitate (“make easy”) the conversation, which is not difficult, but it does takes some finesse.
• Training for REDISCOVER JESUS Small Group Facilitators will take place Fri, Feb 5, 7:00pm, in Fr. Bennett Hall, after the Pasta Dinner. And Sun, Feb 7 at noon in the Hall. IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND, check out the Tips for Facilitators page here (coming soon).

HOW DO I FORM A SMALL GROUP?

• Pull together some friends and encourage them to try something new for Lent!
• Choose a facilitator and encourage him/her to attend the training session
• Decide when you will meet each week, and who will host
• Register your Small Group with Ann DiStefano, ames.distefano@gmail.com (860) 463-7495 (talk or text) to ensure you get all the program materials and updates.

I’M NEW HERE – IS THERE A SMALL GROUP I CAN JOIN FOR “REDISCOVER JESUS?”

• We’d love to get you connected! Contact Ann (above) and let her know what days/times are best for you to meet, and we’ll see if we can find a group for you!

WHAT’S THE SCHEDULE FOR REDISCOVER JESUS SMALL GROUPS?

So glad you asked! (Schedule is coming soon.)