"We're all in this together, helping each other become saints."

Small groups have been the talk in the Church for several years now. At first, they seemed to me a very ‘protestant’ thing to do. But when I moved from a relatively small parish in California to this large St. Joseph parish, I began to see the wisdom and purpose of small faith communities. Frustrated with just talking about it, I decided to start my own. I knew I wanted my husband involved, so I invited 4 couples that we knew over for dinner: the Augers, the Schultzes, the Brandons and the Beyers. 

As we were talking, I brought out a book that I thought looked interesting and asked everyone if they wanted to read the book and then get together and talk about it. Someone asked, “Like a book club?” And I responded, “More like a small group.” Everyone agreed and that is how our small group was born. 

We added Bob and Mary Alexander to join us at Advent when they were looking for something to do. Our schedules are busy, so we decided to meet once a month. We usually get together on a Friday night, have dinner and conversation, and then talk about whatever we happen to be studying. We have done Matthew Kelly books, Bishop Barron film series, Fr. Dave Pivonka film series, books on the Beatitudes and the Virtues, and we are getting ready to do something on social justice. We typically let the men choose a topic and then the next time the women get to pick. We also do fun things like the Trolley light tour at Christmas and pontoon boat rides on Lake Orion. We have served at the warming center. We have not only deepened our spiritual lives, but we have deepened our marriages and friendships as well.

Everyone agrees that joining our small group is one of the best things we have done. There was some hesitation by the men in ‘opening up’ to the group. But they soon realized this was safe space to share. As Tom says, “Our discussion material and our meetings have been thought-provoking and very engaging. Getting other people’s insights and being able to have an open discussion has really helped me learn and deepen my faith.” Mike finds that dialoguing with other men about our Faith “opens up the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to the struggles and concerns of my fellow man.” And Jim feels as we continue to meet, he can ‘share my thoughts openly and I’m not judged if my thoughts and answers are different than others.” Colleen and Ilissa didn’t know if they would have much to offer to the group, and both feel they have grown in faith, friendship and love with their spouses and the group. Sherry has been involved in small groups in the past and was excited to join with her husband. Julie and Mary both appreciate belonging to a group of friends with like values and faith. In short, everyone in our group would encourage anyone to join a small group. Julie puts it best when she says, “It is wonderful to know that we are all in this together, helping each other to become Saints.”