Anyone in ministry knows that you have to live with one foot in the present and one in the future, since planning and preparation are so key to our success. While the liturgical season of Christmas is just now ending, planning for the Lenten season should already be in full swing by now. Ash Wednesday is just over seven weeks away (March 1, 2017).
Having said that, however, it is not too late if you are interested in forming small faith groups to gather for the Lenten season to reflect on the Sunday Gospel readings. A couple of years ago, I shared a basic timeline for preparing to host small faith groups for Lent. While you may be behind the schedule according to that timeline, with some hard work, perseverance, and prayer, you can still pull this off.
- How to Host Parish Small Faith Groups, Part 2 (4–6 Months Out)
- How to Host Parish Small Faith Groups, Part 3 (2–3 Months Out)
- How to Host Parish Small Faith Groups, Part 4 (1–2 Months Out)
- How to Host Parish Small Faith Groups, Part 5 (Sample Promotional Materials)
- How to Host Parish Small Faith Groups, Part 6 (Sustaining the Small Groups)
Materials for reflecting on the Sunday Gospel readings during Lent (Year A) in small faith groups are now ready.
P.S. You’ll notice no link to Part 1 of the series here. That post outlined what to expect in the series, so you can jump right in to Part 2 to get started.
Gosh – yes… thinking of Lent but this reminds of those articles that will be starting soon warning us of how many Fridays until Christmas!!
With our insurance restrictions in our Archdiocese, we aren’t really allowed to host small groups in homes. Our parish isn’t set up for small groups on any large scale (one or two would find a home in a few small meeting rooms). Does anyone have suggestions on other ways small groups could meet? We have some community rooms in various businesses that are free for use when available. But, looking for some additional thoughts on what might be a great work around for us to comply with the restrictions set forth to us. Thanks in advance!