Archbishop Bernard Hebda knows that being in small groups can help our faith come more fully to life and help us draw closer to Jesus. In the earliest days of the Church, small groups spread the good news of Jesus – and they can do it again today.
The Archbishop's dream for parishes is Small Groups. Since January, the SET team, consisting of 12 of your fellow parishioners, has been meeting regularly to help make Archbishop’s dream of Catholics in small groups a reality: growing a small group ministry here at our parish. It’s time for the next step.
You are asked to prayerfully discern participating in Small Group Leader Formation, a free 7-week series held Sunday and Tuesday evenings Sept. 17/19 – Nov. 5/7 right here at our parish, facilitated virtually by Bishop Joseph Williams. This formation is intended for those who are open to the possibility of playing a leadership role in a small group. Each session will last less than two hours, and will include times of prayer, teaching, and small group sharing.
Participation in the series does not commit you to lead a small group. Upon the formation’s conclusion, you'll discern whether you will lead a small group starting in February 2024 and what type of small group you might feel comfortable leading.
Different types of small groups will emerge. Examples include small groups among family, friends and neighbors (i.e Connect Groups), as well as parish/pastoral groups among youth, marriage prep, RCIA, young adults, widows, etc.).
If you have any questions about Small Group Leader Formation, contact Jena Kolles at jena.kolles@churchofsaintpaul.com or (763) 777-8602.
After three years of listening, preparation and engagement with laity, consecrated women and men, and clergy across the archdiocese, Archbishop Hebda released his pastoral letter in November 2022. This pastoral letter outlines his vision and Synod Priorities for our local church, informed through feedback from the Synod process. Read the letter at archspm.org/synodletter.
The Synod Evangelization Team (SET) will serve at our parish to act on the priorities of the Synod and implement synod goals specific to the Church of Saint Paul which will be defined in the months ahead.