Small Christian Communities

POPE JOHN PAUL II:  "The parish is not principally a structure, a territory, a building. The parish is first of all a community of the faithful... that is the tack of the parish today; to be a community, to rediscover itself as community... Make yourselves builders of communities in which, after the example of the first community, the Word lives and acts.(Acts 6:7,12:24)"

• What Is A Small Christian Community?
  A Small Christian Community (SCC) is a group of six to twelve adults who gather in homes to discuss their lives in the light of the Gospel and to share their Christian faith through prayer, faith stories, friendship and service; i.e.
  • Community--a sincere involvement in one another's lives.
  • Reflection on Scripture and the teaching of the Church.
  • Prayer and anticipation in the liturgical life of the community and the parish.
  • Service both within and beyond the community.
• Are Small Christian Communities Bible Study?
  Scripture reading is a part of the SCC format, but SCC's are not Bible Study groups. SCC scripture readings correspond to the Sunday Mass readings, and are reflected upon (informally) by the group in the week prior to the readings, creating an opportunity to enrich the learning from the scriptures at Mass.
• What about kids?
  Children and youth do not attend regular SCC meetings. They are, however, a very important part of the Parish Community. Gatherings (such as Sacramental preparation, Sunday worship, social and service activities), provide children and youth with the opportunity to meet peers and to form friendships with adult members of the community. These experiences strengthen community and enrich family life.
• How often will they meet?
  Often during Advent and Lent small communities are formed who meet weekly. These initial experiences give participants the opportunity to have a short-term experience of Small Christian Community membership.  At the close of these seasonal experiences, groups are extended an invitation to continue.  There are different types of groups such as neighborhood groups, special interest groups, as well as, randomly formed groups. The days and times of an individual SCC are determined by the group.  Individuals usually discern the best day and time for themselves personally and join an SCC based on these criteria.  Our pastor is continually amazed at how God works to bring wonderful people together to form communities that thrive.

• Can I change groups or stop attending a group for a while and then rejoin?
  Small Christian Communities will become an ongoing part of St. John Vianney Parish; therefore, we expect that people may want to change groups from time to time, or may have periods in their lives where they cannot participate regularly.

• Interested and want to learn more?  Registration is always open for new Small Christian Communities; you can start your own group or be placed in one already existing and ready to take new members. Call the Parish Office, 480-948-8370, to leave a message for, SCC Ministry Lead, Shawn Dunsirn.  Shawn will call you back with more information. Our ancestors-in-faith gathered themselves into house-based small church communities long before the institutions of parish or diocese ever existed.  Today people of faith all over the world are again gathering in the same manner.  You are invited to be a part of this ministry.  

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