***SFCs Meet THIS Week***
Click below for updated schedule
of meeting times and locations
Listen: Can you hear
his Voice
This Week -
page 3 of Bulletin
updated 4/20/2008
St.
Richard Small Faith Communities (SFCs)
"Connecting
Faith to Everyday Living"
Benefits of Belongings to a SFC
Small Faith Communities (SFCs) are small gatherings of five to fifteen people who meet on a regular basis (usually monthly) in homes with the common purpose of growing together in their faith. Through prayer, Scripture, short teaching video, sharing of faith experiences, members support one another to live out Christian values and connect faith to everyday life. Over 300 St. Richard parishioners meet in these small groups helping each other to build this much needed bridge between our spiritual everyday lives.
St. Richard Parish outreach ministries flow naturally from Small Faith Communities. Members from perspective Small Faith groups volunteer to reach out to minister to both parishioners and others in need in the surrounding areas.
If you join a group, you will have the opportunity to really get to know other parishioners (more than familiar faces at Mass), you will grow in your faith through prayer and learning to apply Scripture and church teachings to your life, and you will experience the rewards give to everyone that reaches out to serve others.
Are SFCs unique to Saint Richard?
No. The development of Small Faith Communities within parishes is a worldwide movement in the Catholic Church. If you should move to another parish, it is very likely that SFCs would be part of your new parish as well.
How do "Zones" differ from "Small Faith Communities"?
Zones simply refer to where you live. St. Richard Parish serves a large geographical area, so it is divided into 17 zones, each designated by a letter of the alphabet. This distinction was devised some 12 years ago to insure that each parishioner was better served. Each zone has a zone leader who is responsible for different ministries within that area. SFCs are but one of those ministries within any given zone. There may be several SFCs within a given zone.
What are "special interest" Small Faith Communities (SFCs)?
Some Small Faith Communities have developed out of a common bond... singles, young couples, stay at home moms, etc... You are welcome to go to any of these, as all SFCs at St. Richard are open to anyone that would like to join.
No. Our SFCs usually meet once a month, except for a special series held in the Fall and during Lent. some groups also try to meet monthly for a social event. Even though you are not required to go each time, regular participation is important in order to reap the optimum benefit not only of the material presented but of getting to know your fellow parishioners as well. You will not regret going!
It's simple.
First, simply check the list of homes that will be hosting this week's
sessions. Second, choose a group either by zone (geographical
location) you live in, by any convenient time, location or "special
interest". Third, attend a meeting. You are not required to
attend in the zone you live in, but if you have questions concerning
which zone you are in or about many of the SFC meetings listed, feel free
to call the
St. Richard office at 366-2335.
It all sounds great, but I can't afford a sitter.
We've got you covered. St. Richard provides free baby-sitting for SFCs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening. just drop off the kids, go to your meeting, and come back by to pick them up. They will have a great time and so will you.
Benefits of Belonging to a SFC
You start learning more about your faith. Small Faith Communities are a wonderful resource to learn more about what we believe as Catholics. The scriptures start becoming more alive in your life. Truly, one of the great benefits of gathering in the Small Faith Communities is a new appreciation for Scripture. Through the prayer service that opens each meeting, one begins to get more comfortable with the Bible and it opens up in a new way, becoming a "living" word. You get to hear how other Catholics live their faith in their daily lives. So many times, we Catholics in the South do not get a chance to talk about our faith with other Catholics. Small Faith Communities provide a unique opportunity to share how God is working in our lives and to hear what others have to say. St. Richard parishioners get to know other St. Richard parishioners. Our parish is so large that it is easy to get lost in the crowd. At the end of each meeting there is a social that takes place to help everyone get to know each other in a Christian setting. You get an opportunity to help others. There is also a service aspect to Small Faith Communities. Each group ministers to those in need in their zones and also volunteers for different services in the wider parish and community.
"My Small Faith Community experience made me realize there is much more to religion than just attending Mass on Sunday. I learned the impact just sharing your struggles with others can have on you. That simple sharing makes us think and grow in faith and realize we aren't different from each other, and we aren't alone."
Roger Vincent, Father/Husband, Retired from IRS