1 - Is it OK if I have to miss some meetings?
2 - Should I bring anything to the meeting?
3 - Do I have to be a Catholic to join a Small Christian Community?
4 - Can I bring a friend or guest?
5 - Do I have to belong to St. Martin's to join a Small Christian Community?
6 - Can I join after the SCC meetings have started?
7 - Do the groups meet continuously?
8 - If I join a group and find it doesn't meet my needs, can I switch groups?
9 - Do I need to be well versed in the bible?
10 - Will childcare be provided?
11 - Is there a cost to participate?
12 - Years ago our parish participated in RENEW and Disciples-in-Mission. Is this different?
13 - What are the SCC Seasons in 2010? Is there a Calendar?
*********************************************************************************************
1 - Is it OK if I have to miss some meetings?
A - We encourage you to attend all of the meetings since this will enhance your experience and add to the group's faith journey. However, if you need to miss a meeting, please let your Facilitator know ahead of time, so your group will not expect you.
2 - Should I bring anything to the meeting?
A - Since we will be using readings from the Bible, it may be helpful to bring your personal Bible, however, it is not required. Also, if the group decides that they would like to have food or snacks at meeting, you may be asked to take a turn.
3 - Do I have to be a Catholic to join a Small Christian Community?
A - No. You do not have to be Catholic to join a Small Christian Community. Anyone who attends a St. Martin's SCC should be aware of and accept that this is a Catholic group. All are welcome to share with us.
4 - Can I bring a friend or guest?
A - In most cases, yes you can bring a friend or guest. Bringing another person to a St. Martin's SCC is a wonderful way to spread God's love. We do ask that you contact your group Facilitator so that they know to expect another person. Some groups may have a maximum number of people due to the size of the meeting space.
5 - Do I have to belong to St. Martin's to join a Small Christian Community?
A - No, you do not need to be a parishioner to join.
6 - Can I join after the SCC meetings have started?
A - In most cases, yes you can join after the meetings have started as long as there are openings in one of the groups. We will do our best to accommodate late sign-ups. Please contact Mark Rhoades at 949-370-4511 or mrhoadesinkc@aol.com.
7 - Do the groups meet continuously?
A - In general, the groups will meet in "seasons" throughout the year. Each season will last about 13 weeks and will be followed by about a 3 week break before the next season begins. The break between seasons is a natural time for members to transition between groups if they would like to change. A 2010 Calendar showing the seasons can be viewed by clicking here: 2010 SCC CALENDAR
8 - If I join a group and find it doesn't meet my needs, can I switch groups?
A - Yes. The purpose of the group is to help support you in your spiritual journey and for you to do the same for others. If this is not occurring, then a change is best. We do encourage you to give your first group at least 3 meetings, before making any decisions. Please contact Mark Rhoades at 949-370-4511 or mrhoadesinkc@aol.com to discuss another placement.
9 - Do I need to be well versed in the bible?
A - No, you do not need to be well-versed in the Bible. Small Christian Communities are not Bible Study groups. The SCCs will be a learning experience for all of us. The focus is on reflecting on the upcoming Sunday readings as they apply to our daily lives.
10 - Will childcare be provided?
A - The SCC groups are intended for adults age 18 and over, unless specified otherwise. We are not able to provide childcare. There are a couple of groups geared toward families and those groups will work out how the children will be cared for during the SCC meeting.
11 - Is there a cost to participate?
A - There is no cost to participate.
12 - Years ago our parish participated in RENEW and Disciples-in-Mission. Is this different?
A-The RENEW and Disciples-in-Mission programs are forms of Small Christian Communities, so the meetings will be similar.
13 - What are the SCC Seasons in 2010? Is there a Calendar?
A - Yes. Click here: 2010 SCC CALENDAR
