Small Christian Community
What is a typical evening at a gathering?
A typical evening consists of the group gathering at a member's home. The gathering usually begins with prayer followed by prayerful reading of the Sunday Scriptures. This is followed by quiet reflection and then sharing of what the reading means to members of the group. The sharing is based upon life experiences, past or present, that relate to the reading. It is through this sharing that we grow in appreciation for the wonders God is accomplishing in our lives. All or a portion of the Sunday readings are covered during the meeting. The gathering closes with prayer. Most groups include time to socialize following the meeting to build community within the group.
When do SCC's meet?
St. Bernadette has many SCC's that meet on different days and times of the week. Some groups meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly. St. Bernadette also offers seasonal SCC's during Advent and Lent.
What is the difference between faith sharing and bible study?
Bible study is when group members gather to study the scripture at an educational level. This may include information about the author, the community the book was written to, when the book was written, etc. Faith sharing does involve some of the above, but it includes questioning what the Scripture is telling us individually as we travel our faith journey. We may question what it means in our current life and if it is challenging us to increase our faith.
What is my time commitment to a SCC?
The gatherings are usually 1-2 hours in duration. Depending on the frequency of the meeting, your time commitment can be as small or large as you wish to make it.
Are all SCC's the same?
All SCC's are similar for members of the St. Bernadette parish who gather to read and share the Scriptures. Each SCC is different in demographics. St. Bernadette has some SCC's with young families that gather all the families together, including the children. Other SCC's may consist of exclusively women or men, while another might consist of many different demographics.
How do I join a SCC?
You can contact Mary Permoda at the parish office or via email. She will assist you in finding a SCC that fits your preferences.