Small faith communities are relational groups that gather regularly to pray, learn, and share faith. The number of participants is each group is limited to facilitate relationship building. These models are designed to provide options for pastors and parish leaders in establishing a Small Faith Communities ministry. This is a beginning list. Add new models or use a combination of those listed below.

Liturgical Model

• Focus: Liturgical- Sunday Readings
• Frequency: weekly
• Description: Groups gather to pray, discuss, reflect, and faith share as related to the Sunday Gospel.

Seasonal Model

• Focus: Liturgical Season
• Frequency: weekly during the designated season
• Examples: Groups gather during specific liturgical seasons to pray, reflect and faith share. This is a great model to introduce a Small Faith Communities ministry.

Ministry Model

• Focus: Liturgical – Sunday Readings
• Frequency: during Ministry gatherings
• Description: Small ministry groups gather for regular meetings such as the choir rehearsal but include prayer, reflection, and brief faith sharing.

Book Club Model

• Focus: Printed Material
• Frequency: Monthly
• Examples: Groups gather to pray, discuss, reflect, and faith share as related to spiritual material.

Population Specific Model

• Focus: Groups share a common life situation such as young mothers, men, senior citizens, teens, couples.
• Frequency: weekly
• Description: Group gathers to pray, discuss and faith-share about scripture, church teaching, or life event through the lens of their particular situation.

Service Based Model

• Focus: a Common Ministry such as Habitat for Humanity, Respect Life, Core Team Leaders
• Frequency: Group determines frequency as needed to organize, plan and provide service.
• Description: Small ministry groups gather for regular meetings but include prayer, reflection,and brief faith sharing.

Scriptural Model

• Focus: Bible Study
• Frequency: weekly
• Description: Group gathers to pray, study, discuss and consider life application of books of the Bible.

Learning Model

• Focus: Church teachings
• Frequency: weekly
• Description: Group gathers to pray, study, discuss and consider life application of Church teachings.

Frequency of meetings may be adjusted for each option depending on parish needs and goals.

The Office of Formation and Discipleship offers consultation and resource suggestions to the parish interested in developing a Small Faith Communities ministry.

Regarding content, there are many varied resources. The Office of Formation and Discipleship can assist you with suggestions to fit your parish goal. Contact the Pastoral Plan Support Center.