Leaders Guide May 2008

Use Take Out for Your Small Faith Sharing Groups

One easy way to use Take Out in your adult faith formation ministry is to offer a monthly series for parents to gather in small faith communities and discuss one article from each months’ issue. I know from experience that adults today are often searching for ways to connect with other people who share common values, are at the similar place in life, and, of course, share the same faith beliefs.

Reserve a room in your parish that is large enough to accommodate 25-50 people (or more!) Set up tables with 5-7 chairs at each. (Having people sit at tables is an easy way to divide them into small groups.) Several sets of the discussion questions should be in the middle of each table along with a few copies of that month’s Take Out magazine.

Refreshments are always welcome and need not be fancy or time-consuming to display. Decaf coffee and cookies are usually a welcome after-dinner treat.

Check this website each month for small-group discussion questions, tips and tools to help facilitate your Conversations that Matter series.

Small Faith-Sharing Group evening schedule:

7:00 p.m. Opening Prayer and Greeting (we use Sr. Janet’s prayer on p. 2 of
Take Out)

7:05 p.m. Brief overview of the article to be discussed

7:15 p.m. Refer participants to discussion questions on each table and begin small group discussion (Make sure participants understand that the questions are a beginning for their discussion – they can discuss one of them or all of them. Remember to make room for the movement of the Spirit in these discussions that may take a group in a new or unexpected direction.)

8:00 p.m. Break for refreshments

8:10 p.m. Come together as a large group and discuss article (write important thoughts and contributions on a white board or flip chart)

8:30 p.m. Close with prayer or Scripture reading

Conversations that Matter Focus Article

“What are you doing for Pentecost this year?” by Lorene Hanley Duquin, page 4.

Small Group Questions

1. When you were a child, what did you learn about the Holy Spirit? Has that teaching changed as you have grown or stayed the same?

2. The central teachings of our faith – about death and resurrection, new life in Christ and the birth of the early Church -- take place from Easter to Pentecost. How can we focus more on our faith at this time of year?

3. Do Lorene Duquin’s ideas for family celebrations of Pentecost make sense for your family? What are some other ways that you could celebrate this important day in the liturgical year?

4. How do you see the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in your life?

Child Care

Ideally, your parish will offer childcare for parents of young children on these evenings. If that is not possible, try coordinating these evenings with your Child Faith Formation staff person. While parents are engaged in small faith sharing groups, offer children a craft, activity or even a Christian movie at the same time.

For next month

Because Take Out magazine is often shipped early, you can plan ahead for each month’s discussion article. Check this website for monthly discussion questions, tips for successful family faith formation and new ways that Take Out can be a ministry resource.

Make sure to let participants know that they can bring a friend or another couple to next month’s discussion – numbers often grow as the series continues.

May’s Sunday’s Gospels

by Sister Janet Schaeffler, O.P.

May 6 — John 13:31-33a,34-35: Jesus gives a new commandment. How can we love like Jesus did? When is it the hardest to love this way? What is an extravagant gesture of love you have given?How can we strengthen/increase our ability to love others? Whose tears am I being asked to wipe away this week? What are some ways people glorify God today? Read “The Giving Tree,” by Shel Silverstein. What does it say about today’s Gospel?

May 13 — John 14:23-29: The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ gift to us. Why did Jesus say “Go in peace” when he helped or forgave someone? How has the Holy Spirit given you comfort and wisdom? On a scale of 1-10, how peaceful are you? What takes away your peace? How does the Holy Spirit help you in these times? Where do you see the Holy Spirit at work in the world? How can we be makers of peace? How can we, as a family, give peace away?

May 20 — John 17:20-26: Jesus prays for unity. What kinds of things separate us? Unite us? Who or what makes you more aware of God’s love? How united are we as a family? How united are the members of God’s family that we know? How/when can we be God-centered rather than putting ourselves at the center of our world?

May 27 — John 20:19-23: Jesus brings peace. Are there times when we “lock the doors?” How does God stay with us even then? Are there any places in your life or family where there is disharmony? The apostles were hiding in fear. What are we afraid of? How can we turn fear into joy? This week, how can we share our joy with each person we meet?

Web links and Scripture Quotes

www.kidsastronomy.com

www.usafns.com/email.shtml

Extra Scripture Quotes

“Who does not understand that behind all of life is God’s hand? God holds the soul of every living thing, and the life breath of all humankind.” Job 12:7-10

“They who hope in God will renew their strength, they will soar as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“All will be well. All will be well. All manner of things will be well.” Julian of Norwich

“A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter, a treasure.” Sirach 6:14

“I see your handiwork in the heavens, O God. How awesome is your name through all the earth.” Psalms 8

“I sing a new song to you and the earth sings too! God’s presence shines with glorious light.” Psalms 96

“At rest in green grasses and beside still waters – I am refreshed and restored.” Psalms 23

“Take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. How precious is God’s love!” Psalms 36

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