We are being called to awareness that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and that Christ came so that we might have life and have it abundantly (Jn 10:10). Christ is present where two or more persons gather in his name (Matthew 18:20).
Each person has inherent dignity since we are each created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27). Therefore, every person is to be respected, accepted, and appreciated for who they are, brothers and sisters of Christ and children of God, and regardless of their social status, or where they are along on their particular faith journey. We are called to seek to see Christ’s presence in every participant.
We are called to follow the “Golden Rule” and to treat one another as you would want them to treat you (See Mt. 7:12; Lk 6:31).
Trust and security are basic human needs. People must experience that these needs are being met. Therefore, we promote, empower, honor, and expect confidentiality within the Small Faith–Sharing Community, which is motivated by our deep respect for the inherent dignity and sacredness of people, their stories, and their experiences.
As Jesus Christ said, “In my Father’s house there are many mansions” (Jn 14:2). We are called to welcome the diversity of our life experiences, personalities, frames of reference, and worldviews that each person brings to the Small Faith–Sharing Community. We acknowledge that no person has complete knowledge of all truth, and that there are many paths by which the Spirit may lead a person to God. Do not judge, preach, condemn, give advice, make decisions for people, or seek to solve their problems. We journey with them, accompany them, actively listen to them without judgment when they share, and we offer our support with love and compassion as they seek to discern the presence of the Spirit in their lives. We are called to be open to the Spirit changing and transforming our hearts, minds, and our lives.
The Spirit grants and empowers each person with certain gifts that we are called to help identify, acknowledge, honor, share, and celebrate with one another for the common good and being agents in helping to bring the reign of God's love, peace, justice, compassion, forgiveness, healing, and salvation to our spheres of influence. Therefore, the presence of each person and their individual gifts and talents are to be greatly valued, honored, respected and celebrated, and they are necessary for the successful formation, development, growth, and transformation of the Small Faith–Sharing Community and its members.
As a valued member of the Small Faith–Sharing Community, we commit ourselves to pray daily, read and reflect on the resources provided, and to attend each scheduled gathering unless unforeseen circumstances prevent us from doing this. If that occurs, we will try to notify the facilitator as soon as possible of our anticipated absence. You are also encouraged to maintain a journal to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences from your day, your prayer, or your reflections.
Everyone is invited, but no one is compelled, to share or contribute during the session. We all have responsibility to allow everyone sufficient time to share if they so choose. No person should seek to dominate the sharing time of the group but, instead, provide time and encouragement for others to also share. Be courteous to one another. Allow others to speak without interrupting them.
This is a faith sharing community to help one another grow in loving and fulfilling relationships with God, with one another, with ourselves, and with all of creation. This is not a time for mundane concerns, politics, gossip, or judging others. Rather, this is a time where we actively listen to one another with love, respect, and compassion.
All members of the group assume responsibility for these guidelines. We patiently, gently, and lovingly remind and encourage one another if anyone forgets.