Parish Resources Parish Booklet, A Guide to using the Small Group Sessions, Three Leaflets for Group Sessions rcdow.org.uk/faith/proclaim-westminster/

A GUIDE TO USING THE SMALL GROUP SESSIONS The three small group sessions provided aim to help local communities explore some of the themes and issues that will be raised through the Proclaim ’15 initiative. They are written in such a way that they are faithful to themes found within Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. The sessions are offered in an easy-to-follow (and printable) format, the key content emphasises the building of missionary parishes and formation of confident local evangelisers. The sessions are themed: Session One: Meeting Jesus – the only one who can save me Session Two: Learning to be a missionary disciple - sitting at the feet of Jesus Session Three: Jesus is alive - go and tell my brothers

Four ways to use the materials GIVE TO EVERY PARISHIONER for their personal reflection and prayer. Hand out with the weekly newsletter over a three week period. In this way the materials will reach the largest number of people. PARISH SMALL GROUPS can use the materials as a resource to gather people for three meetings. On the diocesan website we will post a PowerPoint version of the sessions designed to be used with groups as well as supplementary materials and suggestions as to how you could follow up any ideas that come from the small group meetings. THREE HOLY HOURS: The content could be adapted and potentially used as the basis for three holy hours. See www.catholicnews.org.uk/proclaim15 for some suggested hymns to use for each theme. FOR OUTREACH: They could be given to those who come for baptism preparation, for those who are seeking to learn something about the Catholic Church, to families preparing for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Each session begins with a story that is mirrored in a passage of Scripture. A reflection and some questions arising out of both of these, lead to the words of Pope Francis and some further discussion time. The sessions conclude with prayer and suggestions for action. Pastoral Cycle

Format Suggestions •Start with a prayer of your choice – 2 min or longer as preferred Story and Scripture text – suggested time for reading 4 min Reflection text - suggested time for reading 2 min Questions to ponder – suggested time 15 – 20 min (if meeting in a group).  ‘Joy of the Gospel’ text – suggested reading time 1 – 2 min  Some questions to talk about – suggested time 15 – 20 min (if meeting in a group)  Final prayer - 2 min or longer as preferred  The session should last 45 min – 1hr approximately if used in a group setting.  

The questions can be spread across the session, as preferred; for example one of the questions provided could be posed at the end of the Story or Scripture reading, to allow for additional moments of reflection and sharing. Please feel free to insert additional moments of silence and sharing as needed.   You are welcome to adapt or omit material as best suits your group. Timings can vary according to need. For additional information and resources please see: www.catholicnews.org.uk/proclaim15

Small Groups – 5-6 people

Danny’s Story In silence reflect on this story – it will form part of the discussion later. Invite participants immediate response to the story – with little or no discussion.

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12 The scripture passage will help us in our reflection on Danny’s story. The reflection which follows develops our understanding of how the gospel affects our life situations.

Reflection

Questions to ponder You might wish to adapt the wording of the questions for your own group – for instance: ‘What are the things people struggle with…’

From “The Joy of the Gospel” by Pope Francis

Some questions to talk about How did you feel when reflecting on Pope Francis’ invitation to have a personal encounter with Jesus every day? What is your response? What opportunities are there already in your community for learning to pray and for growing in prayer? What else would you like to see offered in your parish?

Be still and know that you are in the presence of God Take a moment to pray Be still and know that you are in the presence of God We ask God to bless the work of everyone who offers welcome and encouragement to those who come to our churches: those who come for a funeral, a wedding or a baptism, families involved in preparing for a First Holy Communion or Confirmation of a child, people who come back to Church after a long time away. We pray for everyone who is broken and hurting and needs the love and mercy of Jesus. Loving Lord Jesus, may we be open to meeting with you heart-to-heart each day. May these encounters transform us and lead us more deeply into the mystery of your presence. Through the power of your life-giving Holy Spirit, may we radiate your presence so that others may be drawn to the life of faith. Amen

For more information please contact   For more information please contact Agency for Evangelisation at 0207 931 6078 or livingfaith@rcdow.org.uk To download Parish Materials visit diocesan website rcdow.org.uk/faith/proclaim-westminster or national conference website catholicnews.org.uk/Home/Special-Events/Proclaim-15-Building-Missionary-Parishes