Why is a Faith Sharing Groups
Jesus gathered a few friends and formed a community. Filled with the Spirit at Pentecost, they became unstoppable. And when we are unstoppable for Jesus, we discover true joy and lasting peace!
The Faith Sharing Ministry was created to inspire and energize our parish community through small group gatherings centered on faith. These gatherings offer a space to discover how God is present in our lives, in the world around us, and in one another—as we grow together in understanding and living out our Catholic faith.
Groups of 8 to 12 people typically meet weekly (some monthly) to pray, reflect on the Sunday Gospel or a spiritual reading, and open their hearts, minds, and souls to deeper insight. Through honest conversation and shared experience, we support one another in expressing and living our faith in daily life.
Our ministry is rooted in the spirit of friendship and community that defined the early Christian gatherings in Jerusalem, Antioch, and Rome. Back then, believers met in homes—sometimes in secret—to strengthen their faith, encourage one another, and share the moral and spiritual support needed to follow Christ.
We carry that tradition forward today. Join us—faith comes alive when we grow together.
Are you in?
New groups start throughout the year—contact Dawn to find out which ones are currently meeting
Purpose
We live in a time when division seems to be everywhere—in our communities, our nation, and even within the Church. It can feel as though opposing sides are in constant conflict, each convinced of their own perspective. But at our core, we are more alike than we are different. We all seek meaning, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Some may feel called not only to join a group but to facilitate one. If that’s you, know that you don’t have to do it alone—there are many resources available to guide you and make the experience meaningful.
Resources for Faith Sharing
Nothing quite compares to the profound impact of a personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. In that sacred moment, Jesus touches us in ways we cannot anticipate, bringing healing, peace, and clarity to our lives. Through his example, we learn how to relate to others and gain insight into navigating life’s challenges.
In the Eucharist, we commune with the same Jesus who performed miracles, forgave sins, and triumphed over death. Are you prepared to witness how he can revolutionize your life as well?
Beautiful Eucharist is a captivating compilation of reflections that delve into the profound reality of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist and his active involvement in our lives. In a world yearning for healing and hope, Jesus offers solace and renewal. He eagerly awaits in the Eucharist to transform families, churches, communities, and society at large. And it all commences with your own life-altering encounter with him today.
Consider Beautiful Eucharist an invitation—an invitation to encounter the life-giving presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, empowering you to radiate that life-giving presence in the world.
Click here for resources for this book.
Cherished Belonging is a reflective book that explores themes of identity, faith, and community through personal storytelling and spiritual insight. It delves into the deep human longing for belonging—both with others and with God—offering a heartfelt journey of discovery, healing, and connection.
We believe this is an excellent choice for a faith-sharing group because it encourages meaningful discussion about personal faith journeys, the importance of community, and the ways God invites us into deeper relationships. Its reflective nature allows one to share their own experiences of belonging, making it a powerful tool for fostering connection and spiritual growth
The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom, by Henri Nouwen is a deeply personal journal chronicling the author’s spiritual and emotional struggles during a period of profound inner crisis. Written in short, reflective entries, it captures his dialogue with God as he seeks healing, clarity, and hope. The book offers intimate insights into the pain of abandonment, self-doubt, and the longing for love, while gently guiding readers toward trust in God’s presence. Ultimately, it is a quiet, powerful testament to the resilience of the soul and the grace found in surrender.
Rediscovering Jesus by Matthew Kelly is a spiritual exploration designed to deepen readers’ relationship with Jesus by presenting Him in fresh, personal, and accessible ways. The book is structured around 40 short chapters, each inviting reflection on a different aspect of Jesus—His identity, teachings, and what it means to follow Him today. Kelly’s approachable writing style combines Scripture, personal anecdotes, and questions for self-examination, encouraging readers to move beyond routine faith and encounter Jesus as a real, transformative presence in their daily lives.
Kelly emphasizes that many people know about Jesus but do not truly know Him. Through consistent themes of invitation and encounter, he challenges readers to reflect on their assumptions, renew their commitment, and let Jesus influence every aspect of their lives. The book ultimately serves as both a spiritual wake-up call and a practical guide, aiming to help individuals rediscover not just facts about Jesus, but a dynamic relationship with Him that leads to lasting joy and purpose.
Click here for resources for this book.
You possess untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. Deep down, you’ve sensed it stirring within you for some time now. This profound truth has quietly resonated within your soul, yet you’ve been uncertain about how to embrace it. But that is all about to change.
Certain ideas hold immense power; merely recognizing them can alter the course of our lives forever. Holy Moments is one such idea. It’s elegantly simple, remarkably practical, and once you grasp its essence, your life will unfold with clarity and purpose. The time has come to let Holy Moments reveal the boundless possibilities that await you. It’s time to embark on a journey into the depths of your soul and explore your fullest potential.
Click here for resources for this book.
The Amen Effect by Rabbi Sharon Brous is an excellent choice for a faith-sharing group because it offers a powerful, compassionate vision of how spiritual communities can bring healing and connection in a divided and hurting world. Through personal stories and deep moral insight, Brous invites readers to “show up” for one another with empathy, courage, and presence—values that resonate deeply with Christian and interfaith traditions. Her reflections on grief, justice, and communal belonging encourage honest sharing and meaningful dialogue, making the book a rich resource for group discussion and spiritual growth.
The Practice of the Presence of God is a spiritual classic that gathers the teachings of Brother Lawrence (born Nicolas Herman), a 17th-century Carmelite friar. Compiled by Father Joseph de Beaufort, the book includes Brother Lawrence’s letters and notes from conversations recorded by those who knew him. At its heart, the book explores the simple yet profound discipline of cultivating continual awareness of God’s presence in everyday life.
Opportunities
- Be a facilitator or host a faith-sharing group
Contact
Dawn Ponnet
Director of Adult Faith Formation
dponnet@holyfamily.org
626 403-6128