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Resources for Faith Sharing Communities - Faith Sharing Resources
And Jesus said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scripture...
Luke 24: 25-27
The scripture quotation refers to Jesus' remarks after the resurrection when he joined the disciples on the road to Emmaus, shared the scriptures and left them with their hearts "burning." Our own scripture-based, faith-sharing has the same power to transform our lives and those with whom we share the journey in or out of our immediate community. Together with the Holy Spirit we can eagerly anticipate that our hearts will burn with the Word of God as we gather with others and respond to the call of the Holy Spirit to evangelize.
A. Selecting Resources
Selecting available regular faith-sharing material focused on the lectionary (the book from which the readings for Mass are taken) or social justice and other topical issues is relatively simple. An example of each is Lenten Longings, Cycle C and Dead Man Walking, both released as part of RENEW International's Impact series. The distinction and choice between scripture sharing or bible study is more difficult to define. See page 32 - Chapter V. "Scriptural Resources" in section "A" for details.
B. Lectionary-Based Publications
100. QUEST is among the most popular lectionary-based faith-sharing resources in the country. This resource is published three times a year with fall, spring and summer editions. The weekly elements of the reflection booklets are designed for ninety minutes of faith-sharing and follow the pattern of: gathering, scripture sharing and reflection, faith-sharing and integration, response-in-action and sending forth. There are suggested collateral readings and references to local social agencies, which are easily transposed to any diocese. Music Quest, a collection of songs fully integrated with the faith-sharing booklet, is available for the fall and spring editions. New is a perky, 13 minute introductory DVD - Making A Difference: In Each Others Lives and Faith for Parish and Small Church Communities. The Pastoral Department for Small Christian Communities can be reached at 860-243-9642 or on the web www.sccquest.org.
101. SUNDAY BY SUNDAY for both adults and teens is a four-page weekly with an
accompanying leader's guide that invites readers to the regular spiritual exercise of reflecting on
the Sunday scriptures together. The material is suitable for a SCC, RCIA or a scripture study
group and has four component elements: prayer, a pamphlet of commentary on the Sunday
scripture, community sharing, and concludes with a call to service and justice. For teens the
series offers the lectionary based The Spirit Program and Moving in the Spirit, a confirmation
program. The series can be purchased in annual, smaller units or simply in a seasonal package
(Advent and Lent). Call 800-232-5533 or through the website: www.goodgroundpress.com
102. Exploring the Sunday Readingsis a four-page monthly publication that includes scripture
reflections, faith-sharing questions and a call to make a faith response for the particular Sunday.
The approach is simple and direct with no frills. A pastor might consider this for a bulletin insert
to encourage reflection on the scriptures within the family circle and with the possibility of
planting seeds for a faith-sharing community or SCC. To order call Twenty-Third Publications at
800-321-0411 or visit their website at www.twentythirdpublications.com.
103. Meeting Christ in Prayer by John E. Sassani and Mary McLaughlin. Here is an eight-week
life-enriching experience based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. There is a guide for
both leader and participant. Loyola Press at 800-621-1008 or www.loyolapress.com
104. RENEW International publishes the IMPACT series for the growth of SCCs. Each
publication offers a faith-sharing time with a rich diversity of topics designed to raise
consciousness, deepen spirituality and instill action. Consider purchasing a sample packet to get
an overview of all their current resources.
You will find an excellent introduction to SCCs in a four-part video series called Parish Core
Communities: Renewing the Face of the Earth. Viewers explore the mission of SCCs through a
historical overview and examine the relevance of SCCs to the Church in the 21st Century. The
videos also highlight the major responsibilities of the parish core community and provide
guidance for developing structures, a planning process and support materials for the ongoing
pastoring of SCCs. A video guide provides brief summaries of the content of each video and
offers faith-sharing questions that enhance the usefulness of the series. Suggested readings from
the book Small Christian Communities: A Vision of Hope for the 21st Century are also
included in the video guide. For many more of their publications go on line to their bookstore. Web: www.renewintl.org or 908-769-5400.
105. Good Shepherd On Line posts faith-sharing questions for the Sundays of the year and is a virtual library of information on small Christian communities. See their faith sharing questions for the entire liturgical year among other treasures. www.goodshepherdonline.com. Questions are welcomed.
106. Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration and Catechesis for Sundays and Solemnities is a
treasure for faith-sharing in and of itself because it offers the entire text for the Sunday readings
along with a commentary on the scriptures and catechetical instruction. Living Liturgy provides a
practical and prayerful means to reflect on, celebrate and live the paschal mystery. Liturgical
ministers, committees and ministerial communities will be led to share their faith in a gentle and
enriching manner while developing a liturgical spirituality. For those with a hunger for the
integration of faith, scripture and liturgy, this one is hard to beat for its scholarship and cost.
Each liturgical cycle is completely redone annually. To order call the Liturgical Press at
800-585-5450 or visit their website at www.litpress.org.
107. The Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University offers a weekly in-depth experience to the Sunday liturgy under the topics of Praying Toward Sunday, Spirituality for Sunday, Get to Know the Readings, Music of Sunday's Mass, and Student Reflections for College/High School. The section of greatest relevance for SCCs and faith-sharing is Spirituality for Sunday which includes each of the three readings. Most impressive! Check it out on the web at www.liturgy.slu.edu.
108. At Home with the Word reproduces the Sunday texts of the liturgical year along with
scriptural commentary. The format offers short challenging articles on essential human virtues
(prudence, justice, etc.). To order or for more information contact Liturgy Training Publications
at 800-933-1800 or on the web at www.ltp.org.
109. The Word Among Us is an outstanding monthly Catholic devotional with daily reflections
on the readings from Mass as well as offering many inspirational articles. Although it is not
specifically formatted for SCCs, it can be easily structured for use in faith-sharing communities.
To order or for more information call 800-775-9673 or visit their excellent website at www.wau.org which is chuck full of other resources. The publication is available in Spanish..
110. Christmas Carol Festival: A New Way to Reach Inactive Catholics is designed to search out visitors to Christmas masses as well as inactive Catholics and invite them though announced sneak previews and other publicity outside of Mass to come home for Christmas and to experience new birth in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The goal is to help the unchurched, inactive and marginal Catholics connect with our Christian heritage, with the Church, and with God in the weeks before Christmas. The process involves three stages: Preparation (July to November), Proclamation (the Festival event) and Preservation (January). The process, lends itself beautifully and perfectly to faith sharing and drawing upon the scriptures from which many of the carols are drawn for nourishing faith. The website provides guidance on implementing the process. Web: www.christkey.com or email: tmfboucher@comcast.net
111. Resource Publications seeks to support liturgy-based communities, but their literature, especially Ministry and Liturgy, can enlighten and offer resources for faith sharing and enliven the activity of small Christian communities. www.ripinet.com or 888-273-7782
112. Take Five For Faith provides short, inspiring high-quality five-minute reflections for everyday in your Sunday bulletin. This bulletin insert provides six daily faith deepening and renewal opportunities between the Sunday liturgies. Website: www.takefiveforfaith.com or call 800-942-2811
113. Open Your Hearts: A Small Group Guide for an Active Lent, Cycle C (2010) - Donna L.
Ciangio, O.P. and Fr. Thomas Iwanowski. This Lenten lectionary based publication is built on
the gospel, rooted in the Church, and focused on mission. The presentation links Catholics more
deeply to the traditions of the Church and to their fellow parishioners. Contact Ave Maria Press
at www.avemariapress.com or 800-282-1865.
C. Topical Issues
With keyword identifiers
Catholic Faith
200. In His Light and Journeying In His Light (2009) by William A. Anderson. The two books
work together. The first offers the foundational content of Catholic teaching. The second
provides extensive spiritual and scriptural reflection on each topic In His Light. The faith
sharing book is structured for RCIA, but can be easily used in other settings. Contact: Houghton
Mifflin and Harcourt at www.harcourtreligion.com or 877-506-1459.
Catholic Social Teaching
201. Sharing the Tradition, Shaping the Future is a five-booklet series structured for faith-sharing on the basic themes of Catholic social teaching. Its purpose is to enable adults to enter into and grow in awareness of the social justice tradition of the Catholic Church. Topics include: Sharing Experience, Sharing the Tradition; Shaping the Future: Family, Community and Participation; Dignity of the Human Person; Preferential Option for the Poor; and Solidarity with the Poor. To order contact the USCCB Publishing Services at 800-235-8722 or visit their website at www.nccbuscc.org/cchd/index.htm.
Faith-Sharing Missalette
202. Living with Christ: Your Daily Scriptural Companion - The familiar pocket-sized monthly missalette format of daily readings is retained but is enriched to move readers more deeply into the eucharistic liturgy through faith-sharing questions, starter prayers, saints biographies, and more. Each monthly edition has two weeks of material for faith-sharing groups. To order call Bayard, Inc. at 800-572-0788 or email: lwc@bayard-inc.com.
Catechism of the Catholic Church with Faith-Sharing
203. Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism offers a concrete approach to adult faith formation based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church employing the methods of adult learning theory. The faith-sharing approach will help deepen a participant's Catholic identity. To order contact RENEW International at 888-433-3221 or visit their website at www.renewintl.org.
Music for Small Christian Communities
204. Journey of the Sacred Series offers meditations on CD and an accompanying book on
several saints - John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi and Claire of Assisi. The
series integrates music and reflection to deepen our understanding of the life and journey of each
saint as a model for our own lives. To order call GIA at 800-442-1358 or visit their website at www.giamusic.com.
Faith-Sharing for Young Mothers
205. MOMS: Ministry of Mothers Sharing creates an awareness of the inner sacred self while
teaching new ways to inspire, encourage and affirm each other. Through the process of personal
and spiritual growth, women have the opportunity to clarify their values, claim their own
giftedness, and bring new strengths to their family relationships and to the Christian Community.
The experience triggers a growth in faith and engagement in the life of the Church. For more
information contact the national M.O.M.S office at 651-748-4089 or visit their website at
www.stpaulsmonastery.org/6-moms/introduction.html.
An Evangelical Resource for SCCs
206. Christianity Today is a Protestant evangelical organization in its composition and their offerings may need to be discerned as to their compatibility with our Roman Catholic understanding of scriptures and tradition. That being said, the array of resources for building small groups is outstanding. You will have to go far to better what they offer. A typical example is Michael C. Mack's article on 10 Ways to Be a Better Listener. They offer a free email newsletter. Website: www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/
Promoting Social Awareness
207. Pax Christi USA is the national Catholic peace movement and offers faith-sharing materials suitable for groups. Titles such as The Nonviolent Movement: Spirituality for the 21st Century and Gathered in Peace: Forming Pax Christi Communities reflect their ministry. Many resources are available in English and Spanish as well as publications and links to sites of other organizations they support. www.paxchristiusa.org or 814-452-4784
Growth in Discipleship
208. Immersed in Christ is a program for spiritual growth developed by Fr. David Knight of the Diocese of Memphis. It is a five-step journey of spiritual formation to help people recognize what is going on between themselves and God and to get involved in it more knowingly. It will launch and support a process of Adult Faith Formation that can continue under various forms as an abiding part of parish life and ministry.
Immersed in Christ can be used at any time of the year. There are one page leaflets (bulletin inserts) everyone in the parish can take home and read and discuss with family or friends. There are also small cards to carry around and read often during the week. There are small group meetings using the book and a workbook. Couples, families or individuals can use the book and workbook, or the book alone, on their own. This variety of materials makes it possible for everyone in the parish to get involved.
This plan is simple. It is deep and challenging. It incorporates a lot of basic doctrine. It teaches prayer and guides discussion. And it has been developed, tested and used in many parishes. It is fully available in Spanish. Web: www.immersedinchrsti.org or 901-354-9963
209. National Alliance of Parishes Restructuring into Communities Resources
Three identifiable phases to the process are taught using the following manuals: Phase I: Come As You Are a twelve-session program for beginning small group; Phase II: Praying As You Are an eleven-session prayer module for small communities, and Phase III: Faith-Sharing for Small Christian Communities which assists the group as they discern their long-term commitment to the process of building "Small Church Communities." To order contact the NAPRC at 937-256-3600 or email: naprcoffice@ameritech.net.
Intergenerational Faith Sharing
210. Family Faith Communities offers a process and place for families to form relationships with other families who share a common faith tradition, explore the presence of God in their daily lives, learn more about our Catholic faith in an intergenerational setting (all ages gathering together), and to have some fun. The book provides ten gatherings with accompanying activities to help begin a faith family community experience. These gatherings explore themes important to Catholic Christians. The outcome is relationships beyond the immediate family circle and a lot of fun. The child in you will grow! To order call Good Ground Press at 800-232-5533 or visit their website at www.goodgroundpress.com.
211. F.I.R.E (Family-centered Intergenerational Religious Education) by - Kathleen
O'Connell Chesto brings families together in a supportive atmosphere of faith sharing. Using
games, experiences, discussions and simulations, it presents easily adaptable material for today's
changing families and Christian communities. Rooted in the National Catechetical Directory the
approach encourages ownership of the Church. An alternative approach to religious education
that combines solid instruction with a catechetical approach that is exciting and fun! Material is
organized according to the liturgical seasons. www.liguori.org or 800-325-9521
D. Faith Sharing Websites and Links
250. www.buenavista.org
Small Christian Community Connection (Buena Vista was its earlier name) is a Catholic network
of people whose vision is a church made up of many diverse communities each reflecting the
ecclesial characteristics of community/mutuality, service/prayer/ritual and scripture-based
witness.
251. www.spiritofchrist.org
This website originates from Spirit of Christ, one of the earliest SCCs in the country and, which subsequently founded Buena Vista, the grass-roots organization for Small Christian Communities cited above. Buena Vista has changed its name to Small Christian Community Connection. See Item #700
252. www.saintfrancis.net/links.htm
This Catholic Website Directory offers a comprehensive listing of Catholic links with several of particular relevance to the needs of SCCs.
253. www.catholic-church.org/cid/
The Catholic Internet Directory (1999) is a broad-based listing of links to Catholic websites with some relevance to SCCs. A copy of the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia is available.
254. www.goodgroundpress.com
Good Ground Press is one of many publishers offering resources pertinent to the needs of SCCs.
256. www.google.com
Enter Christian Faith-Sharing or Small Groups or Small Christian Community at the search bar and you will bring up many websites. You will discover many more in the process.
257. www.renewintl.org
RENEW International is a leader in SCCs and offers publications, resources and training as well as links directly related to SCCs.
258. www.smallgroups.com
This is not a Catholic site, but abounds in information and issues about SCCs. A newsletter is also available. Much is available free-of-charge but membership is open to all and is inexpensive.
259. www.shc.edu/theolibrary/bible.htm
A bible website that offers under the title of Theology Library: Sacred Scripture, The Bible On-Line, The Bible, Hebrew Scriptures and Directories.
260. www.jesuit.ie/prayer/index.htm
Take a break at this inspirational website. Pray alone or adapt for a community and be led into a refreshing prayerful and faith sharing experience before God.
261. www.udayton.edu/~vlc/
This website is focused on the interests of religious educators but has some excellent resources of interest to SCCs.
262. www.liturgy.slu.edu/
The Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University offers a weekly in-depth experience to the Sunday liturgy under the topics of Praying Toward Sunday; Spirituality for Sunday; Get to Know the Readings; Music of Sunday/s Mass and Student Reflections for College/High School. The section of greatest relevance for SCCs and faith-sharing groups is Spirituality for Sunday which includes each of the three readings. Most impressive! Check it out!
263. www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Jun2001/Editorial.asp
An excellent article covering the nine most common reasons Catholics become inactive and some concrete ways that we can reach out to them.
264. www.usccb.org/evangelization/index.htm
A USCCB site with resources and publications on Catholic evangelization as well as a calendar of conferences and events and an on-line newsletter called Evangelization Express.
265. www.paulistpress.com
Here is an outstanding publisher of Catholic books with many resources for SCCs and faith-sharing groups.
266. www.litpress.org
Here is another noteworthy Catholic book publisher, the Liturgical Press.
267. www.wau.org
The website of The Word Among Us offers an excellent variety of resources for individuals and faith-sharing groups.
268. www.celebratingtheword.com
Celebrating the Word offers a user-friendly process to help people break open Sunday's liturgy as a faith-sharing experience.
269. www.zenit.org
ZENIT provides free daily dispatches and weekly news reports of events, documents and issues emanating from or concerning the Catholic Church.
270. www.liturgyhours.org
This website offers daily printouts of the Liturgy of the Hours Morning, Evening and Night Prayer in Adobe Acrobat format, plus Night Prayer in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. These prayers are sometimes referred to as the Divine Office, Breviary, Lauds, Vespers, and Compline. Here again the resource is adaptable for a group. Example: Make the second antiphon a question for faith sharing.
271. www.ewtn.org
Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) - explore the site. Many resources are available in their regular programming as well as through publications, DVD, VHR, and links. Among its many offerings is their bible search organized to take your directly to the chapter and verse in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) you are seeking.
272. www.goodshepherd.org
Good Shepherd On Line posts faith-sharing questions for the Sundays of the year and is a virtual library of information on small Christian communities.
E. Faith Sharing References
Starting Faith-Sharing Groups
300. Forming a Small Christian Community: A Personal Journey. Currier, Richard and Frances Gram. The authors invite the uninitiated to the transforming experience of journeying in a SCC. Available from Twenty-Third Publications at 800-232-5533 or visit their website at www.twentythirdpublications.com.
301. Creating Small Christian Communities: Minimum Structure, Maximum Life. Darling, Barbara and Jack Ventura, SM. This book is for anyone who wants to begin faith-sharing communities - whether parish-based or not - or who seeks a refresher on the basics of SCCs. The authors combine a vision for SCCs, both local and global, with practical steps from the initial discernment to designing your own group or groups. One of the best current bibliographies you can find is included. Available from Good Ground Press at 800-232-5533 or visit their website at www.goodgroundpress.com.
302. Sowing Seeds: Essentials for Small Community Leaders. This book offers a
comprehensive collection of pastoral insights and practical suggestions to help small community
leaders guide their groups in a way that nourishes spiritual growth. Culled from RENEW
International's three decades of experience in pioneering and promoting small Christian
communities, this book overflows with simple but effective ideas and strategies that will enhance
the way these groups reflect on and respond to the gospel. Available from RENEW International
at www.renewintl.org.
Discernment of SCC Maturity
303. Getting a Grip on Your Group. Darling, Barbara. Drawing upon her many years of national leadership at Buena Vista and experience in SCCs around the world, Darling helps SCC members discern their growth and set priorities to become one in heart and mind and to covenant with one another. Available from Good Ground Press at 800-232-5533 or visit their website at www.goodgroundpress.com.
304. What Kind of a Small Community Are You? A Guide for Discernment and Evaluation. Ciangio, Donna, P .Contact at eciangio@gmail.com.
Deepening the Understanding of Faith-Sharing
305. Mission of Small Christian Communities. Lee, Bernard J. and Michael A. Cowan. The authors, rich in experience with SCCs, offer reflections on the importance and influence of these communities in the Church today. They propose a mode of doing theology within SCCs that is marked by conversation and active participation by all, a practical theology where people reflect on their whole lives, personal and social, in light of the Christian faith. Available from Paulist Press at 800-218-1903 or visit their website at www.paulistpress.com.
See also:
Lee & Cowan. Dangerous Memories. Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1966.
Lee & Cowan. Conversation, Risk and Conversion: The Inner and Public Life of Small Christian Communities. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1997.
Lee & Cowan. Gathered and Sent: The Mission of Small Church Communities Today. Mahway, NJ: Paulist Press, 2003.
Lee, SM, Bernard J. and William V. D'Antonio. The Catholic Experience of Small Christian Community. Mahway, NJ: Paulist Press, 2000.
Veiling, Terry, A. Small Christian Communities: Long Ago and Once Again - A Church Becoming. Loyola University Press, 2001 - (This pamphlet is primarily an abridgement of Bernard Lee and William D'Antonio's The Catholic Experience of Small Christian Community.
Veiling, Terry, A. Living in the Margins: Intentional Communities and the Art of Interpretation, Crossroad/Herder, 1996.
Handbooks on Facilitating
306. Facilitating for Growth: A Guide for Scripture Groups and Small Christian Communities. Fleischer, Barbara J. This handbook presents the theory of facilitating and then provides workshop outlines for formal presentations. Available from the Liturgical Press at 800-558-5450 or visit their website at www.litpress.org.
307. Facilitating a Small Group. Ciangio, Donna P. This approach is not as comprehensive as the handbook above. Available from the NPLC at 212-431-7825 or visit their website at www.nplc.org.
Music
Leadership
308. The Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus: Introducing S3- Servant, Steward, Shepherd
by Owen Phelps. "Its about doing what you do already do… better than ever." This
breakthrough small group study focuses and energizes parish influencers in a way that inspires
deeper personal relationships and stronger interpersonal connections. Contact: Our Sunday
Vision at: osvbooks@osv.com or 800-348-2440.
309. The Leadership Book. Keating, Charles J. This is the classic book on leadership addressing key issues with a rich religious and spiritual understanding. Available through Paulist Press at 800-218-1903 or visit their website www.paulistpress.com.
International Perspectives on SCCs
310. An Experience of World Church in Miniature: A Report on the International Consultation on Small Christian Communities. Moriarty, SM, Robert K. This report is available through the Pastoral Department for Small Christian Communities. Call 860-243-9642 or visit their website at www.sccquest.org.
Discipleship
311. A Presence that Disturbs: A Call to Radical Discipleship. Gittens, Anthony J. The author presents a challenging look at the choices essential to a revitalized discipleship and Church. Available from Liguori/Triumph at 800-325-9521 or visit their website at www.liguori.org.
Theological Reflection
312. Theological Reflection: Connecting Faith and Life. Gros, Joye, OP. The skill of theological reflection is compared to the wonders of snorkeling and reveals the beauty found in the heritage of the Church. Ultimately, it is what happens when faith-sharing occurs and deepens. Available from Loyola Press at 800-621-1008 or visit their website at www.loyolapress.org.
Periodicals and Newsletters Offering Articles on Small Christian Communities
313. The publications and organization listed below offer informative materials and articles on a wide spectrum of issues related to SCCs. The frequency of such articles varies from monthly to annual dedicated issues.
Centering (Contemplative) Prayer
314. Contemplative Outreach, Ltd., International Office, P.O. Box 737 – 10 Park Place, Suite 2B, Butler, NJ 074055. Web: www.contemplativeoutreach.org or 973-838-3384. Here, you will find the headquarters and offerings for networking, resources (rentals and purchases) and workshops. Presenters are available.
315. Locally, Sr. Marcy Springer, SSJ, Director of Francis House of Prayer, Box 392, Rancocas, NJ 08073 regularly offers centering prayer opportunities. She is a Spiritual Director. She can
be reached at her email address: FHOP@verizon.net or 609-877-0509.
316. Open Mind, Open Heart. Keating, Thomas. Fr. Keating, one of the founders of the
contemporary centering prayer movement, initiates the reader into a deep, living relationship
with God. His book and many others are available through Contemplative Outreach.
Principles and Habits of Prayer
317. Paths of Prayer. Bishop Robert Morneau outlines the principles of prayer, habits of
prayerful people, a practical approach to prayer, and advice for overcoming obstacles to prayer.
Available through the St. Anthony Messenger Press at 800-488-0488 or visit their website at
www.americancatholic.org.
Core Teachings of Christ
318. Jesus' Plan for a New World: The Sermon on the Mount. Rohr, Richard with John
Bookser Feister. The authors prepare the reader to hear and respond to the challenges of the
Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Available from the St. Anthony
Messenger Press at 800-488-0488 or visit their website at www.americancatholic.org.
Vatican Council II
319. Vatican II in Plain English. Huebsch, Bill. This three-volume series summarizes the documents in an inviting style that opens our minds and hearts to their importance and the
atmosphere in which they were written. The set includes: The Constitutions, The Council, and
The Decrees and Declarations. It is available from Ave Maria Press at 800-282-1865 or visit
their website at www.avemariapress.com.
Catechesis
320. The General Directory for Catechesis in Plain English. Huebsch, Bill. A Summary and Commentary. The official version is rather dense, but Huebsch presents the material in an
attractive and inspiring manner that stirs our faith. The catechist is the primary user of this
material, but the richness of the General Directory is so foundational to our faith that reading
and sharing its contents using the Plain English edition will stir new depths of understanding and
possibilities for living and evangelizing in the Catholic tradition. A brief study-guide is included.
To order call Twenty-Third Publications at 800-232-5533 or visit their website at
www.twentythirdpublications.com.
321. National Directory for Catechesis is the companion to the General Directory (See #519-A.) and builds, serving as a reference point for forming catechists and developing resources, and provides practical goals for doing catechesis as well. Contacts: www.usccb.org or 800-235-8722..
322. Evangelizing Catechesis: New Vision – New Directions offers two sets of documents for a richer reflection and study of the General Directory for Catechesis. The first set begins with Evangelization and the Catechesis, which is probably sufficient for most people. This publication could be used independent of the General Directory but consider using the Plain English edition for the sheer joy of enriching one's faith. The package is available through the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. Call202-636-3826 or visit their website at
www.nccl.org.
Adult Faith Formation
323. Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us is the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation was designed primarily for parishes and dioceses but is adaptable for SCCs and small groups. The Leader's Guide includes the complete pastoral plan and offers a five-session process suitable for faith-sharing. You may want to explore with other parish members who have studied the document alternative ways of implementing the message of the plan into the life of the parish. The Leader's Guide (#5-342) is available through the USCCB. Group members need only purchase a copy of the pastoral plan. USCCB website is at www.usccb.org or 800-235-8722
National Alliance of Parishes Restructuring into Communities
324. Creating Small Church Communities: A Plan for Restructuring the Parish and
Renewing Catholic Life, 3rd Edition, 1996. Baranowski, Arthur R. This is the seminal book on Fr. Baranowski's approach. His language has evolved over the years. The process now works to form parishes into "Small Church Communities," recognizing that they are more than prayer, scripture-study, and support or mission groups. Other publications include: Come As You Are: A Small Group Program for Everyday Living; Praying as You Are and Faith-Sharing for Small Christian Communities. Several videos are also available including: 20/20 Vision for the Parish (an introductory video), Creating Small Faith Communities, and Faith-Sharing for Small Church Communities. Available at St. Athony Messenger Press at 800-488-0488 or at their website at www.americancatholic.org.
RENEW International
325. Small Christian Communities: A Vision of Hope for the 21st Century. Kleissler, Thomas A., Sr. Mary C. McGuinness, and Margo A. LeBert. Revised and Updated Version. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1997. Msgr. Kleissler is the founder with Fr. Tom Ivory, and Director of RENEW International. The book is foundational to the RENEW process and serves as a tutorial for establishing and moving faith-sharing groups to becoming Small Christian Communities. The notes and bibliography are replete with relevant resources. Every parish and Core Community Coordinator should have a copy of this book. This revised edition was prepared for the RENEW 2000 process. See also a more recent RENEW publication: Sowing Seeds: Essentials for Small Community Leaders which culls and distills thirty years of experience in the SCC movement. For more information or copies call 908-769-5400 or visit their website at www.renewintl.org.
Catholic Social Teaching
326. A Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching. McKenna, Kevin F. In this book Fr. McKenna summarizes the seven major social teachings of the Church and offers practical suggestions on implementation. The book includes questions for reflection, a homily guide, penance service, and an excellent bibliography. Available from Ave Maria Press at 800-282-1865 or visit their website at www.avemariapress.com.
Lay Ecclesial Ministry
327. Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry presents pastoral and theological reflections on the reality of lay ecclesial ministry, affirmation of those who serve in this way, and a synthesis of best thinking and practice. It is a resource for diocesan bishops and for all others who are responsible for guiding the development of lay ecclesial ministry in the United States. For ordering: www.usccb.org or 800-235-8722
United States Council of Catholic Bishops
328. Many pertinent publications are available from the United States Council of Catholic Bishops in Washington, DC. The website is: www.usccb.org.
-Called and Gifted: The American Catholic Laity, 1980
-The Parish: A People, A Mission, A Structure, 1981
-Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan & Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the Unites States, 1993
-Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium, 1995
-The Church in America, 1999
-Communion and Mission, 1995
-Everyday Christianity: To Hunger and Thirst for Justice, 1998
-The Word of God in the Mission and Life of the Church (2007)
Proclaiming the Word of God
329a. Preaching Better: Practical Suggestion for Homilists by Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw. New York: Paulist Press, 1999. The book is experience driven, based on insights of people who preach well and those who know a good sermon when they hear it. The book is useful to the novice and the experienced preacher. The late Bishop Untener covers all the concerns that a good homilist needs to address in preparing and preaching the homily. The Bishop's abiding perception throughout the book is: "The liturgy is the Lord's meal, all the way around: the menu, the cooking and the serving. We are helpers." He closes with a "Homily for Homilists" cautioning all homilists to avoid this
lingering temptation: "I act more like a chef than a waiter."
329b. Why Preach: Encountering Christ in God's Word by Peter John Cameron, O.P. The objective of the book is to help preaches to think about their role in a new, dynamic way. It aims to provide a fresh vision of preaching geared to deepening a preacher's appreciation of what preaching is and of the great spiritual impact that good preaching can have on its audience, so as to increase his desire and ability to preach well. This is a treasure and highly recommended. Contact Ignatius Press: www.ignatius.com or 800-651-1531
F. INTRODUCTION TO LECTIO DIVINA
Rationale
First and foremost, the findings of the October 2008 Synod of Bishops' The Word of God in the
Life and Mission of the Church increasingly lean to and favor a return to the ancient monastic
practice of lectio divina as a rich experience and nourishment for the faithful. There is an expectation that this practice will be reinforced when the Holy Father provides his own reflections on the Synod and offers his own guidance. Further, the supplement is in keeping with the SCCM diocesan initiative, knows as Welcome the Word: God Would Like a Word with YOU!, which seeks to have our Catholic people become more and aware and engaged in the scriptures as a gateway to a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.
The method and moments of lectio divina are welcoming to the newcomer and the simplicity of the approach is easily learned and practiced with fruitfulness.
The words - Lectio and lectio divina - are used commonly because of tradition and its frequent use in documents related to the 2008 Synod of Bishops. Other words expressive of lectio are "sacred reading" and "Conversing with God…" (See Item #337 below.)
330. Dysinger, OSB, Luke. Accepting The Embrace of God: The Ancient Art of Lectio
Divina. www.valyermo.com/ld-art.html. Last update: 2005.
Here is a thorough presentation of lectio divina, offering an understanding of its origins and the
steps to follow for the full experience for groups and individuals and integration into life.
Reproduction of the document is permitted.
331. The Taize Community. Listening with the Heart: Silence and sharing around the Word
of God. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1992.
Two pages are devoted to each of 14 experiences in what is called the "Johanine Hours" with
questions to prompt group sharing.
332. Hall, Thelma. Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist
Press, 1988. The book has two parts. The first sets forth the principles. The second offers 500 scriptures with which to practice lectio. The approach is ideal for beginners.
333. Pennington, M. Basil. Lectio Divina: Renewing the Ancient Practice of Praying the
Scriptures. New York, NY: Crossword Publishing Company, 1998. This book is regarded as a
classic. He also has an audio presentation of this material.
334. Keating, Thomas. The Classical Monastic Practice of Lectio Divina. Contemplative Outreach News, Volume 12, Number 2 – Winter, 1998. Father Keating known best for his work in centering prayer here presents in two pages (1-2), the essence of lectio and contrasts two methods: scholastic and monastic and points the way to contemplation.
335. The Carmelite Website offers a summation of lectio principles and then identifies verses
for lectio for each day of three liturgical years. www.ocarm.org/lectio/lectengw.htm.
336. Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia – carries a four-page article on lectio divina in which it
presents the history, method, moments, fundamentalist criticism and ends with external links.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectio_Divina
337. Conversing with God in Scripture: A Contemporary Approach to Lectio Divina by
Stephen J. Binz. Ijamsville, MD: The Word Among Us, 2008
Binz's book is simple and comprehensive in its presentation. He adds operatio and collatio to
the traditional four aspects of Lectio - lectio, oratio, meditatio and contemplatio. Here is a
helpful reminder that our faith must have works. Further, Binz is the author of The Threshold
Bible Study, which follows the lectio approach and offers many thematic bible studies.
www.wau.org/resources/article/the_practice_of_lectio_divina/
338. Painter, Christine and Lucy Wynkoop. Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and
Awareness. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2008.
The publication provides a thorough grounding in the moments of lectio and guides the reader in
ways of applying this mode of praying to scripture study, prayer and living. Many noted writers
have added their praise of this handbook.
339. His Face Shone Like the Sun: Encountering the Transfigured Christ in Scripture. Wild,
Robert. Alba House, 1986. (Madonna House at 800-703-7110). Fr. Wild offers an extended
reflection on the Word of God while simultaneously teaching the traditional principles of lectio
divina. Drawing upon the biblical account of the Transfiguration of Christ, Fr. Wild leads us into
a face-to-face encounter with Christ and transformation through His Word. The book could be
used as a faith-sharing guide if the facilitator developed appropriate questions.
340. www.ocarm.org/pls/ocarm/consultazione.mostra_pagina?rifi=&rifp=&id_pagina=208
explains lectio and offers process for all three liturgical cycles.
341. Karl A. Schultz's Becoming Community: Biblical Meditations and Applications to
Modern Life, New City Press, 2007. Web: www.newcitypress.com or 212-431-7825. Schultz
offers a thorough exploration of the nature of community and interpersonal relationships as
revealed in the Scripture… He helps readers become more competent, comfortable, and confident in their ability to pray with, interpret the Bible. Ronald Witherup comments: "Anyone
seeking an introduction to a prayerful way to meditate on the scripture (the ancient practice of
lectio divina) need look no further."
342. Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day by Macrina
Wiederkehr. Notre Dame: Sorin Books, 2008
The author refreshes our daily reading of the Liturgy of the Hours to overcome those times when
our reading of the hours is wearisome and uninspiring. While Wiederkehr writes primarily to
encourage the novice's engagement in the Liturgy of the Hours, her presentation awakens and
touches the heart and returns us to the Sacred Hours with new eyes, expectations, enthusiasm and
joy in the reading of the Psalmody.
343. The Catholic Prayer Bible: Lectio Divina Editio. The New Revised Standard Version is
redesigned with accompanying starters for praying individually or in groups in a lectio mode.
Available through Paulist Press at www.paulistpress.com or 800-218-1903
Contact Us:
Office of Catechesis
Small Christian Community Ministry
Coordinator: Bob Bursley
609-406-7400 ext. 5623
Fax: 609-406-7415
rbursl@dioceseoftrenton.org
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