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For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
– Matthew 18:20
SJTW strives to offer opportunities that invite us to encounter Jesus. Through these encounters, we deepen our relationship with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Michelle Bartley has been part of a discipleship Small Group for an impressive 27 years. Her group meets 10-12 times throughout the year, rotating between members’ homes, fostering a deep sense of community and spiritual growth. Over the years, they’ve completed Bible studies, learned to interpret Scripture, and, in more recent ones, focused on the Lectio Divina for gospel readings.
Michelle shares, “Being able to be involved with this group of families for Bible study and faith sharing has strengthened that faith in a number of ways and for a number of reasons. The familiarity with one another over such a long period of time allows us to be vulnerable to share our questions and doubts as well as our firm commitments to what we believe and profess as Catholics.”
Through her small group, Michelle has learned of the importance of community as the other members have all become good friends. “This has been an incredibly important on-going force in my life, and it has influenced our entire family, teaching us the meaning and benefits of community.”
For those interested in joining a discipleship small group, Michelle says, “Success in this type of group relationship comes from the commitments established within the group after its formation. It's not necessary for the group members to be friends, or even be at the same point in their faith journey. It takes a willingness to want to learn and grow together.”
Your generous support of Commitment to Parish Life (CPL) builds a community with many ministries designed to deepen our relationships with God and one another. To support CPL, you can give at https://www.sjtw.net/commitment-to-parish-life. For information to join a discipleship small group, contact Barry Shay in the office at bshay@sjtw.net.