Faith Sharing Resources
Connecting our personal experience in everyday life with the church experience in Scripture is the essential core and common focus of our small church communities. This requires active reflection on the Sunday gospel and discussion of questions that probe our thinking about how God's Word can become action in our everyday lives.
In addition, small church communities typically select supplementary resources that promote ongoing learning. Some available resources are listed below.
The following are available from Mary Reichley at the Parish SCC Office:
IMPORTANT! When using these resource you will need to allow time in the session for the reading & reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel.
Audio/Video
- Conversion: The Heart of the Matter (VHS 25 minutes) - Msgr. Thomas Kleisser
This video proclaims that Christ needs to be at the center of each of our lives and of our small church communities. Affirms that the renewal of our Church and of our world requires much more than a superficial restructuring; it requires a transformation of our hearts. - Generative Discipleship: The Deeper Invitation of Jesus -Fr. Ronald Rolheiser
Two-part DVD (each part 52 min.) Jesus invites us to more. What are these invitations from Jesus to give our lives more deeply; and how can we recognize them. Discover what Generative Discipleship means in a Biblical perspective and how it will bring a deeper meaning to your life.
The following may be ordered from Mary Reichley at the Parish SCC Office:
Written Materials
Scripture - Lectionary Based
- Camille, Alice, God's Word is Alive. Skokie, IL, ACTA Publications, 2007. Written by an award winning biblical commentator, this book is arranged into four parts: one for each of the lectionary cycles as well as a section for feast days and solemnities. Brief commentary for each of the three Sunday readings is combined with questions to encourage readers to make the connection with everyday life.
- Cody, Henry, et.al. Quest: A Reflection Booklet for Small Christian Communities. Bloomfield, CN: Archdiocese of Hartford, 2008. Seasonal editions (Fall/Winter, Spring, Summer) contain commentaries for the Gospel readings by Lectionary Cycle. Each scripture sharing and reflection is introduced by a focus question that prepares us to hear and reflect on the readings of the week.
- Houdek, Diane M., Bringing Home the Word. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Press, 2008. FREE Copies may be made for each member of the Small Church Community.
Two page leaflets containing reflection, prayer, and application on the Sunday readings. Each month a new set of leaflets for that month will be made available in the SCC resource rack outside the Marian Gift Shop.
RENEW International, PrayerTime. Cycle A & B & C ed., Newark: RENEW International, 2000. Reflective commentaries and faith sharing questions are included for each of the 52 Sunday gospels of Cycle A or Cycle B or Cycle C. Each lesson contains a specific "invitation to act" on how the Word renews and challenges us. Suggestions are given for individuals and / or groups to follow God's Word.
Scripture and Topics
Specific topics are explored through the lens of scripture passages that relate to that particular topic.
IMPORTANT! When using these resource you will need to allow time in the session for the reading & reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel.
- Binz, Stephen J., Eucharist, Mystic, CN: Twenty-Third Publications, 2005. Thirty lessons that can easily be divided into five or fifteen sessions; each session includes scripture, reflection, and questions.
- Binz, Stephen J., People of the Passion, New London, CN: Twenty-Third Publications, 2006. Thirty lessons that can easily be divided into five or fifteen sessions; each session includes scripture, reflection, and questions.
- Binz, Stephen J., The Tragic and Triumphant Cross, New London, CN: Twenty-Third Publications, 2006. Thirty lessons that can easily be divided into five or fifteen sessions; each session includes scripture, reflection, and questions.
- Binz, Stephen J., Mysteries of the Rosary, Mystic, CN: Twenty-Third Publications, 2005. Thirty lessons that can easily be divided into five or fifteen sessions; each session includes scripture, reflection, and questions.
Other topics in the above series include: The Resurrection and the Life, The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts, The Lamb and the Beasts, The Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jerusalem The Holy City, Stewardship of the Earth, Angels of God, The Feasts of Judaism, Advent Light, The Names of Jesus, Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Jesus.
- Perotta, Kevin, Living for a Just Society, Chicago: Loyola Press, 2005. Six sessions based in Scripture to reflect on God's vision for justice in society and our role in God's plan.
- Phalen, John, and James Posluszny. At Prayer with Mary. Plainfield: RENEW International, 2004. Seven sessions. Each session reveals part of Mary's life in the gospel narratives; includes scripture, reflection, faith-sharing questions, and call to action.
New Testament Scripture
- Gallagher, Maureen and Hiesberger, Jean Marie, The Gospel According to Mark and Luke, New Berlin, WI: Liturgical Publications, Inc., 2008. Part I and Part II Each booklet explores the Gospel with a commentary.
Twelve sessions in two booklets, abundant content, excellent questions
BIBLE STUDY At least one copy of the Catholic Study Bible should be available to whoever is preparing to facilitate a particular week's session.
IMPORTANT! When using these resource you will need to allow time in the session for the reading & reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel.
- Hahn, Scott and Mitch, Curtis, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: The Gospel of Luke, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2000.
Twenty-eight chapters, includes scripture text and commentary, references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), and faith-sharing questions for each chapter.
- Hahn, Scott and Mitch, Curtis, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: The Letters of St. Paul to the Romans, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2003.
Sixteen chapters, includes scripture text and commentary references to the CCC, and faith-sharing questions for each chapter.
- Hahn, Scott and Mitch, Curtis, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: The Letters of St. Paul to the Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2005.
Nine chapters, includes scripture text and commentary references to the CCC, and faith-sharing questions for each chapter.
- Reid, Barbara and Little Rock Scripture Study Staff, The Gospel According to Mark, New Collegeville Bible Commentary – The Gospel According to Luke, Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2005.
Nine sessions, includes scripture text and commentary with questions. This series suggests daily scripture reading and study.
- Perrotta, Kevin, Acts, The Good News of the Holy Spirit, Chicago: Loyola Press, 2005.
Six sessions, covers selected parts of Acts, includes reflections on the scriptures and content and reflection questions.
- Perrotta, Kevin, Mark, Getting to Know Jesus
Six sessions, covers selected parts of Luke, includes reflections on the scriptures and content and reflection questions.
- Perrotta, Kevin, Romans – Amazing Grace, Chicago: Loyola Press, 2005.
Six sessions, covers selected parts of Romans, includes reflections on the scriptures and content and reflection questions.
- Perrotta, Kevin, Luke: The Good News of God's Mercy, Chicago: Loyola Press, 2005.
Six sessions, covers selected parts of Luke's Gospel, includes reflections on the Scriptures and reflection questions.
Other topics in this series include: Genesis -God Makes a Start; Job-Why; Revelation-God's Gift of Hope; Psalms-An Invitation to Pray
McBride, Alfred, Meditation and Commentary on the Gospel of Mark: To Love and Be Loved by Jesus, Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 1992.
Sixteen chapters, meditations, commentaries, and faith-sharing questions. Fr. McBride makes use of everyday events in the lives of ordinary people to enflesh the Gospel message.
Topical Series (each booklet is sold separately)
IMPORTANT! When using these resource you will need to allow time in the session for the reading & reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel.
- Doten, Margo, Gathered in His Name Series, Cincinnati, St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2006.
The Sacraments
Making Connections
Lent and Easter
Great 20th Century Catholics
The Gospel of Mark
The Old Testament
Each book contains six sessions that include reflection on the topic, questions for reflection and time to reflect on the Sunday gospel.
- Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism, Plainfield, NJ: Renew International Publications.
Each book has 12 sessions; each session has scripture reading, references to the CCC and questions.
One copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the US Catholic Catechism for Adults should be available for reference.- Celebration of the Christian Mystery – Sacraments, 2005
- Christian Prayer – Deepening My Experience of God, 2002
- Life in Christ – Walking with God, 2005
- The Profession of Faith – What We Believe, 2007
Spiritual Growth
IMPORTANT! When using these resource you will need to allow time in the session for
the reading & reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel.
- Introduction to Spiritual Formation, Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2007
Each book has 6 sessions; each session includes several reflection pieces and good faith-sharing questions; some references to scripture and CCC.- To Live in Christ – Prayer
- To Live in Christ – Discipleship
- To Live in Christ – Jesus
- To Live in Christ – Baptism
- To Live in Christ – Eucharist
- Longing for the Holy Spirituality for Everyday Life. RENEW International. Based on selected insights of Ronald Rolheiser O.M.I. "A very good guide for faith-sharing meetings. Fr. Rolheiser's insights puts the concepts of traditional Catholic spirituality in contemporary terms." Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.
12 sessions require personal reflection before meeting.
Books
IMPORTANT! When using these resource you will need to allow time in the session
for the reading & reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel
- Damico, Rod, The Joy of Worshiping Together - Giving and Getting the Most from Mass, Totowa, NJ: Catholic Book Publishing/Resurrection Press, 2004
Five chapters; questions at the end of each chapter.
- Pierce, Gregory, The Mass is Never Ended, Notre Dame, IN, Ave Maria Press, 2007.
Rediscovering our mission to transform the world, Fifteen chapters, brief but challenging questions. "When you begin to realize that you are called to mission and that you are being sent forth in the dismissal at Mass, your outlook on life will be changed.