Small Christian Communities

The small Christian community is the Church in motion. To form a community, to build a community is essential to the Church. Jesus began his work like this: He gathered a small group of people whom he called: “Apostles.” There was, in that case 12, a small group. All knew each other and knew each other’s names “These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Patriot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.” Matthew 10:2-4

He lived with them for three years since the beginning, baptism by John until His Ascension, the day he was taken up to heaven. “’So then, someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the whole time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us, beginning from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven.’ So they proposed tow men: Joseph, who was called Barsabbas (also known as Justus), and Matthias. Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone, so show us which of these two you have chosen to serve as an apostle in the place of Judas, who left to go to the place where he belongs.’ Then they drew lots to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias, who was added to the group of eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:21-26) And that was how the successor of Judas came to be.

The “apostles” learned from Jesus that his work begins from a small group, from a small community of people who know each other, from a group of friends. They continued with this after Jesus went to heaven and after the coming of the Holy Spirit. They went throughout the world filling it of His Church, salt and light and transforming ferment; to fill the earth of Small Christian Communities.

Have you wished to belong to a group of people where you grow spiritually as well as a family? The Small Christian Communities are a marvelous opportunity.

Start now your small Christian community. Many of us were catechists in our parishes, towns or camps and we already know how to do it or maybe we know someone who does. Let us invite them to our house and let us begin.

If you want more information on how to obtain the readings and possible reflections for your small Christian community, you can contact your pastor or call the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Kalamazoo at 269-349-8714 ext. 240. It will be a great pleasure to help you form your Small Christian Community.