St. Joseph Parish

Evangelization Through Small Group Ministry

Contact Person: Steve Robach

How can Steve be contacted?

Contact Steve at the parish office, 651-784-3015, or email at SteveR@saintjosephsparish.org.

This year’s parish theme is:
Journey of Hope

The following adult enrichment opportunities are being offered at St. Joseph’s. You can sign up by calling: 651-784-3015.

Evangelization Through Small Group Ministry

“Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Jesus
Mt. 18:20

One of the best ways to find a sense of belonging in any parish is to belong to a small faith sharing community. St. Josephs is committed to creating a network of small groups that allow our adults a safe and nurturing setting for exploring all issues of our faith tradition and spirituality.

Archbishop Flynn is asking that all adult parishioners be involved in this second year of the evangelization initiative in some way in order to create faith communities of spiritually alive adults. REGISTRATION for the Lenten Season begins the weekends of January 22 and 29.

Small Church Communities

These are groups of 8 to 10 adults who commit to gathering regularly for at least one year. They commit themselves to a shared life around: faith sharing, fellowship, prayer, and service.

What can you expect if you join one of these small groups?

One of the main things people are looking for today is a sense of belonging to a community. These small groups offer a safe place where people can deepen their faith, be energized and make new friends.

There are two options for participation:

Option One: Seasonal Communities

This is the ‘getting to know one another’ phase of building a community. A group of 8-12 parishioners commit to meeting at least 5 to 6 times in members homes. The content can center around any materials that promote reflection and sharing. This is done in an atmosphere where a sense of belonging and Christian community can develop. You can sign up for a 5-6 week Fall season or a 5-6 week Lenten season, or for both. You can sign up with a group of people you know, or you can be put on a list and randomly assigned to a group based on interests and/or nights available. Or you can may join a faith sharing community through: TEC, Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, MOMS group, Parenting group, Men’s Spirit group.

Option Two: Ongoing Communities, Small Church Communities

These communities make a commitment for at least one year. Each community sets its own schedule, leadership and focus for reflection.

Each group commits to living out the mission of the church by connecting the stories of our faith with the stories of our lives. These gatherings center around an exploration of beliefs, faith and scripture, doubts, and specific topics: e.g. newly married, , parenting young children and teens, mid-life and ageing challenges, etc. Materials for reflection can be based on books, videos, articles, scripture, etc.