Small Group Leader Sign-Up Weekend Homily

Homily Series

Letter from the July 8/9th Bulletin

We are excited to launch the Archdiocesan Synod “You Will Be My Witnesses” year one implementation plan for Mary, Mother of the Church.  

Synod Evangelization Team

The Archbishop has called upon each Pastor to select twelve from among the parish to lead this effort.  This Synod Evangelization Team (SET) has been formed and throughout Lent and the spring they have been in formation.  As the first disciples gathered in the upper room to pray, prior to Jesus sending them, we have been praying for all of you.  

Small Groups - Mission and Apostolate

The first year of synod implementation focuses on Small Groups asking us to create or grow, “a small group ministry that fosters personal relationships, builds community, and provides formation to help parishioners grow as joyful missionary disciples of Christ.” (You will be my Witnesses, Year 1 Archdiocesan Synod Implementation Plan, page 2).

Thus our year one mission is formed.  

Live Jesus…in small groups

• Foster personal relationships
• Build community
• Form Disciples

2023 Action Plan

The infographic which complements this letter illustrates our 2023 action plan to implement and expand a vibrant and welcoming small groups ministry in MMOTC.  Many of you already participate in small groups!  We, MMOTC, are blessed with an active community of people who seek to share their gifts with others.  Our efforts in year one are to align our parish groups to the vision and to boldly step out in faith to grow new small groups serving our faith community.  

Beginning the weekend of July 15-16th, Fr. Jim will share a four part homily series focusing on our mission to Live Jesus…in small groups.  Throughout this time we will share other resources and information to invite and empower you to participate in this important mission.  

A Collaborative Effort

The parish staff, parish pastoral council (PPC), and SET all play a role in forming and guiding our parish through the synod implementation.  The SET role is to take action on the Archbishop’s direction in his Pastoral Letter “You Will Be My Witnesses” and the Synod Implementation Plans over the coming months and years.  The PPC advises the pastor on matters of worship, faith formation, and pastoral care, each of which plays a central role in the life of the church.  And the parish staff bring to life the ongoing actions within our worship, faith formation, pastoral care and other things such as communications, ensuring the building is stewarded, managing our parish finances, and more!  

The three groups together share the responsibility to move our community toward the Archbishops vision in the context of our parish mission, “Live Jesus.”

Sincerely,  Your Synod Implementation Team, Parish Pastoral Council, and the Parish Staff

Our Small Group Initiative is in response to Archishop Hebda's pastoral letter and an important piece of the Archdiocesan Synod process.  You can read the Pastoral letter at the below link. 

Saturday, Nov 19th, Archbishop Hebda released his pastoral letter.  This letter outlines his vision and Synod priorities for our local church, informed through feedback from the Synod process.  Info at https://www.archspm.org/synod/