-
New Oppo
rtunity for Sunday Adult Education: Beginning Sunday Sept 26 through Sunday Nov 7 from 9:15 to 10:15 am in the Parish Life Center, there will be a 7-week small group book study on “Living the Mass.” We will also have two Wednesday group meetings, one at a home and one on Zoom, for those who cannot make the Sunday group. Facilitators will lead the sharing for all the groups. This is a perfect opportunity to grow in faith and community!
The book we are using is very economical, simple, and down-to-earth, explaining the parts of the Mass and the meaning behind them. The authors are Fr. Dominic Grassi and Joe Paprocki. Email Sr. Madeline at SrMadeline@stmarkrc.org with your name and cell phone number to register for Sunday or weekday group by Sept 12 so that enough books may be ordered. Thank You!
New Locations for small groups:
Sunday, 9:15-10:15 am in Parish Life Center, Facilitators: James and Ann Martin
Wednesday, 10-11:15 am at the home of David and Eleanora Castagnetta
Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 pm Zoom Sharing, Facilitator: Kate Seifert
Fr. Dominic Grassi is a well-known and well-loved pastor in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is the author of the Bumping into God . . . series.
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is national consultant for faith formation at Loyola Press. He is a popular speaker and the author of many best-selling books, including The Catechist's Toolbox. He spoke at St. Mark a few years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Groups 2021
What are small faith-sharing groups? Small faith-sharing groups, composed of 6-12 people, are parishioners who make a strong commitment to come together weekly at one another’s homes, online, or at the Parish Hall to share their thoughts and experiences, by utilizing written materials related to our Catholic faith.
When will the groups begin? The start for the groups Lent 2021 is February 14, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, with meetings continuing 6 times to finish before Holy Week.
How long will the meetings last? Meetings will last from 11/2 to 2 hours, giving time for prayer, sharing, announcements, and fellowship.
Why have groups in the parish? To make it easier to connect with fellow parishioners; to reach out and invite Catholics who may no longer come to church; to welcome new people into the parish by inviting them to the small group; to experience the warmth of a small group in learning about our faith.
How do I decide which group to participate in? We are striving to make these groups available on different days of the week and at different times, so that parishioners can choose a convenient time. This year we are also offering online groups as well as in-person groups.
What materials will be used? The groups will be utilizing materials from Little Rock Bible Study, themed on “Eucharist in the Scriptures” in conjunction with the Diocesan Year of Eucharist and the Parish. You will find the materials simple and user-friendly. The book has an easy-to-follow structure and the down-to-earth approach. The cost for the book is $10, with payment at the first meeting.
What might be the benefits ? The small groups have great potential for building stronger community bonds within our parish, and they have proven value in deepening the spiritual growth of those who participate.
How do I sign up?
1) Use the sign-up sheets in back of church,
2) Use the sheet in the bulletin and place it in offertory basket, or
3) Access the sign up on the parish website.
More Information? Contact Sister Madeline, 980-1810, ext. 3 or at SrMadeline@stmarkrc.org.