What are Small Christian Communities?
We are small groups of Catholics that meet regularly in homes in the parish to read and reflect on the Gospel. We have two groups at St Joseph’s: one in Aberdeen and one in Dyce. Both groups meet once a fortnight, the Dyce group on a Wednesday evening and the Aberdeen group on either Wednesday or Thursday.
What do we do at our meetings?
We pray together, we read the gospel for the next Sunday, and then we think about and discuss what the gospel is asking us to do. The meeting is informal and led by a lay member of the parish. Everyone in the group can share their thoughts and prayers. This usually takes about an hour and then we finish with tea / coffee and biscuits.
Background
Small Christian Communities (SCCs) have existed in the Church from the earliest days of Christianity. In recent years they have again been recognised as a source of growth for the Church in many parts of the world. The SCCs make up a community of communities in the parish, with the Eucharist and the Word of God at the centre.
The Word of God challenges us. It is important to take time to read the Gospel and listen to what the Lord is asking of us.
- How does God want us to live as Christians?
- How does God want us to put our faith into practice in the coming week?
- How successful were our efforts to respond to last week’s gospel?
The next step
If you would like to join a group please contact the Parish Priest, who will put you in touch with one of the group leaders.
“I have complete confidence in the Gospel; it is God’s power to save all who believe. For the Gospel reveals how God puts his people right with himself; it is through faith from the beginning to end. As scripture says, “The person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” (Romans 1: 16-17)