Life Groups

Two other people are all you need to start a group.

We have found the right size to be around 6-8 singles or 5-6 couples. Group sizes are generally 6 to 12 people. Small enough so everyone has the chance to contribute, big enough so that no one feels pressure to say more than they want to. If you have more than that, people may be unable to share freely, especially those more introverted.

Your Life Group can be friends you have that have decided you would like to deepen your relationship of faith and walk with Jesus together. If you have done Alpha or Connect at the parish this is a great place to start. Continuing the friendships that begin in Alpha or Connect is a powerful way to form true friendships that deepen in the context of a Life Group.

You can meet anywhere you are most comfortable. Most groups meet in the host's home or are rotated in the homes of the people in the group. It is a great way to foster belonging and deepen connection through simple hospitality and welcome. You can also meet online or in a coffee shop or library.

Groups meet every fortnight during school term. This equates to 20 gatherings a year. Two gatherings a month isn’t asking too much of people but is regular enough for people to get to know one another better and form community. Groups break during the school holidays (to give everyone a break). “Bite-sized commitments can produce long-term relationships. The secret is to string them together for the long haul”. Click here to see the gathering schedule.

Groups meet for an hour and thirty minutes to two hours. This includes time to catch up and check in over food and drink. Online groups meet for an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. You should always start and end at the actual meeting on time.

Life Groups create a space for people to connect in faith, deepen Christian friendships over food, and have guided discussions around the scripture/Sunday homily. It begins with catching up/checking in over food and drink, watching the recorded Sunday homily together. It then reflecting and sharing insights guided by discussion questions. All discussion questions are available via the parish app (click here to get the app).

It’s not a life sentence! We ask for a semester (six month) commitment of fortnightly Life Groups (i.e. 10 weeks of Life Groups plus two social gatherings). This gives people the opportunity to develop connections and get into the rhythm of Life Groups. At the end of the semester people can i) continue in the same group, ii) take a break from a
small group, or iii) try another group (it’s ok to try another group until you find one that fits). iv) start their own Life Group New members can attend three Life Group gatherings to decide if they want to opt-in for the rest of the semester. No questions asked if they opt out at that point.

Yes, you can. Leading is not about “entertaining”, it is about getting people together to connect with all the resources provided and creating an environment where the Holy Spirit can work. It is about seeing people and making them feel comfortable and welcome.

Life Group hosts are not teachers they are facilitators and encouragers. You can be a great facilitator regardless of your formation. Your warmth and openness to seeing people grow in their faith and friendship with others is what’s important.

Yes! Register by emailing lifegroups@stdeclansparish.org and we will connect you to additional resources and ongoing support.