Contact:
Joyce Donahue, Catechetical Associate
Phone: (815) 727-6411 x258
E-mail: jdonahue@dioceseofjoliet.org

Small Group Resource for Lent:

Disciples on the Journey

Small Group Resource on Reconciliation:

Reconciliation: The Unfolding Mystery of God's Mercy and Love

Small Church Communities are known by many names: Small Christian Communities, Small Faith Communities, Ecclesial Communities, etc.  However, whatever the name, there are constants or pillars of Small Communities. These constants are: (1) Prayer, (2) Support and Care for one another, (3) Continued Learning through Scripture, Tradition, and one another, (4) Faith-Sharing, and (5) Mission or Outreach.

Since the original RENEW and RENEW 2000, Small Church Communities are a recognized structure in the Diocese of Joliet.  Before RENEW 2000 began in 1998, there were approximately 4000 members of Small Church Communities.  During RENEW 2000, there were 15,000 members of RENEW 2000 Small Groups.  Many have continued and parishes presently are attempting to re-establish or begin Small Church Communities.

Helpful Resources

2007 Shared Resource Documents, Manuals from other US dioceses

http://www.buenavista.org/   Small Christian Community Connection

Journey of the Sacred.  There are four booklets published thus far:  "John of the Cross", "Teresa of Avila", "St. Francis of Assisi", and "St. Clare". The uniqueness of these Small Community booklets is that they connect holy people of our tradition with the experience of people in today’s world – US!  The booklets incorporate ritual as a part of each session and music is provided by a CD which accompanies each of the sessions.  The booklets are available from GIA Publications, Inc., 1-800-GIA-1358, www.giamusic.com.

They can also be ordered from Wheaton Religious Gifts in Wheaton, IL.