12
Growing into Christian Community with Why Catholic?
Starting this month, parishioners ter Veronica Mendez, R.C.D., the
throughout the Diocese of Norwich Pastoral Services representative to the
will experience Why Catholic?/¿Por diocese from RENEW International,
delivered a series of workshops for
By Deirdre Malacrea
volunteers from participating
qué ser católico? for the first time. This parishes who will lead the small com-
journey towards a deeper and richer munity experience.
Catholic faith takes place in the con- Workshop atten-
text of the “small Christian commu- dees lauded Sister
nity.” According to Small Christian Veronica for her ex-
Communities: A Vision of Hope cellent job preparing
from RENEW International, “The the leaders in their
small Christian community is a face- role as facilitators for
to-face gathering of six to twelve peo- the new groups.
ple who invest time with one another “Sister Veronica was
for the common purpose of applying fabulous. She under-
Gospel values to every aspect of their stood how to relate
lives.” From the earliest moments of to us and helped to
Christianity, small communities have allay any fears I had
been a means by which people have as a leader,” commented Mrs. Kathy
been called to deepen and grow in Bergeron, a Why Catholic? leader
their relationship with God. from St. Joseph Parish, New Lon-
In preparation for the upcoming don.
small community faith-sharing, Sis- According to Sister Veronica,
he beautiful Tamarack lawn is so
inviting that occasionally you’ll
encounter an uninvited guest. And the
lodge is so cozy, the fireplace so warm,
the dance floor so alive that nobody will want
to leave. If only all the problems in your life
could be so nice. Come to Tamarack. Have
your reception in the classic rustic lodge and
stroll around in the open air. Choose from our delicious menus and dine in
the intimate front area, or in the spacious back room.
Some day, if you look back carefully at your wedding album, you may
spot a wedding crasher or two, a fine reminder of what it was to celebrate at
Tamarack.
parishes which offer their members
this small Christian community
process, provide a meaningful way
for people to grow in faith, talk about
God, meet new people, and put faith
into action. Each person contributes
in some way to the development of a
healthy and positive
community dynamic.
Sister Veronica offered
a few tips to help
parishioners have the
most rewarding possi-
ble experience as part
of their small Chris-
tian community:
Prepare— A few
days before your small
group gathering, read
the coming week’s session, including
the Scripture passages. You may wish
to delve into a topic by consulting
the Catechism of the Catholic
Church, or the United States
Four County Catholic October 2010
“Why Catholic? Fits Parishioners to a ‘T’”. Two members of St. Mary’s
Parish, Coventry show off their enthusiasm for Why Catholic? the adult
faith formation process beginning throughout the diocese.
Catholic Catechism for Adults. Then comments, the key is to still treat
reflect on and observe how the ses- each person with respect.
sion’s topic relates to your daily life as Express Yourself—Your input and
you go through the week leading up sharing is important to the health of
to your meeting. the group, too. Have the confidence
Listen—During the meeting, lis- to offer your insights and experiences
tening is a key part of the experience. in a brief fashion.
Giving your total attentiveness to Relax—God is present and loves
others includes turning toward and each person. Trust in the goodness of
looking at the person speaking and the people around you. Smile often.
letting go of your own comments Christian community is meant to be
until the person finishes. a joyful sharing with one another.
Support—Thank others for new The diocesan coordinators for
insights that were shared. Encourage Why Catholic? encourage parish-
one another by expressing concern ioners to still consider participating
for needs, and taking a moment for in a small community, adding, “It is
prayer for that person. Ask a quieter never too late to join a group for
person to share during a one-on-one Why Catholic? or ¿Por qué ser
conversation. católico?” For more information,
Respect—Respect means to “look please contact Father Joseph Whittel
twice,” so concentrate on each indi- at (860) 443-1875, Marge Vanner at
vidual’s positive attributes. While you (860) 848-2237 x 312, or Sister
do not have to agree with everyone’s Mary Jude at (860) 456-3349.
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