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Notes about the group process Welcome to Draw Closer to Christ. The aim of this resource is to help us all grow in our intimacy and communion with Christ, and to see the signs of that in our daily lives. Those signs take the form of Forgiveness Generosity Love for the vulnerable and poor A heart for ministry to others A household of faith Awareness of sin and our need to grow in Christ Love of one s enemies and others Faith sharing. The way to such growth in faith is by sharing our journey with others, and opening our hearts to them as sisters and brothers. To help you do this, Draw Closer to Christ makes use of the Growing Faith series of booklets. The booklets in the Growing Faith series present the entire Catechism in plain, understandable English or Spanish. They carry an Imprimatur and help us both understand our faith while we also grow in our level of conversion. So, in addition to learning about content, this resource helps us bring our hearts into the process by way of the various faith sharing and storytelling opportunities presented in this resource. Music. Many groups begin and end with music. If no musician belongs to your group, use recorded music instead. It s always lovely to have sacred music playing as people arrive and depart. Food. Our notes suggest ending with a shared meal or snack. If that is not possible, you may wish to schedule at least one occasion for it during the 6 session period. Process. Here is an outline of the process we recommend you follow in each sessiofcn of Draw Closer to Christ. 2

More notes on the Group process. We strongly recommend that you adopt the Learn & Teach method for the most effective use of the Growing Faith resources. In this method: Work in small groups of whatever size divides your total group best. o In a Small Church Community, it might be two groups o In a larger group it might be as many as four small groups o Small groups can be as few as two people each for the purpose of this way of learning Assign a portion of the booklet to each small group. Invite them to Learn -- read and share insights based on the discussion questions and method we provide below. o They may wish to turn to the Catechism itself for more depth or to see the original text Then ask them to prepare to Teach in the large group, using a 3-step process. As they learn, ask them to o Name the 3 or 4 (or more) major points learned in this segment write them on a white or black board, or on flip chart paper, and prepare to present them to the large group with explanation. o Choose one or two of these major points (the ones that seem most central to faith) and create a question or exercise for discussion participants may wish to use some of the suggested questions or exercises in the booklet or this study guide. o Lead a conversation or exercise in the large group, using this discussion question and this method: Ask participants in the large group to work in pairs. Pose the question or exercise and invite the pairs to work together to respond. Invite each pair to present its outcome to the large group. Before going on, the leader may wish to make observations or summarize what happened in this segment. Enjoy. Finally, we hope you enjoy this process. Growing in faith is a lifelong journey, but these sacred moments, spent with each other in considering both the content and the spirituality of our faith, are rich. They will be remembered forever. 4

Draw Closer to Christ, session one This resource relates to Growing Faith booklet #1 The Inborn Hunger for God: What Does Your Heart Desire? How do I grow in my faith? Based on articles 26-49 of the Catechism. 1 Arrive and get settled. Check in with each other. [Be sure everyone feels welcome in this gathering. Help each other get settled comfortably. Let each person say his or her name. If there are guests or newcomers, be sure they re introduced. As a group enter into a brief check-in with each other using these questions to get started:] What happened in your life today? What really struck you in the recent news? 2 Brief opening prayer. [Let a different member of the group prepare a prayer for each meeting, based on those in Desires of the Heart. Use the music CD to enhance this opening moment and help people focus. Or use other prayers which you may have at hand.] 3 Focus as a group. [Let someone serve as leader and begin by offering a few short prepared introductory remarks about the theme of this meeting, drawn from the Growing Faith booklet in use. You may use these or similar words at this meeting.] The theme of this meeting includes the following points: The inborn hunger for God We are religious beings by nature. We are made to live in communion with God Being with God is the only way to find happiness. When we listen to the message of creation and to the voice of conscience, we can arrive at certainty about the existence of God. 4 First reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the first two pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly in the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? 5

Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. Why do you think we Humans have always sought to know God, even if we were following what we later came to see as a false god? How do you see God revealed in Creation? In particular, how do you see this revelation in us Humans? Try to recall a moment when you were either in nature or among people when you sensed the presence of God there. Share that among yourselves. 5 Second reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the second set of pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. How do God and the things of the world relate to each other? What do you think is the divine plan for us Humans regarding creation, possessions, natural resources, and money? What has been your own journey of faith since your infancy? o Try to name the highlights as well as the lowlights and share this with the group. [If time permits and the group so wishes, you may work through other sections of this booklet together. Members of the group may wish to do so privately or within their household.] In the final discussion of this group meeting, back up from all that has been said and ask, What was the BIG message that I take away from this? 6 Make connections. [Members of the group now work to connect the teachings found in this section of Growing Faith with their everyday lives. You may wish to insert this discussion into the readings and reflections above. Or members may wish to pause at this point for this purpose.] What is the connection of this material To your daily life? To what s happening in the world? To the big questions before us as a society? If there is no connection, what do you think that means for you? 6

7 Take it to God. What would you say to God about this? What do you think God is saying to you or to us about it? Here spend some quiet time composing a prayer that expresses what you wish to say to God about this material. If you wish to write it, do so. If you wish simply to compose it mentally, do that. Be ready to share this prayer if appropriate, in the close of this gathering. 8 Take it home. What would you like to explore further? What one action or decision or change do you want to make? What else comes to mind for you before we quit? 9 Brief closing prayer. [If members of the group wish to do so, close by sharing parts of each one s colloquy. You may also return to the opening prayer and repeat part of the prayer or song used there. And let there be a warm embrace of Christian love and peace all around. Be sure to set the time and place for the next gathering. Let each member know which Growing Faith booklet will be used.] 10 Refreshments or a shared meal 7

Draw Closer to Christ, session two This resource relates to Growing Faith booklet 11 You Are the Messiah! Who Do People Say that I Am? What is my own relationship to Christ like? Based on articles 422-483 of the Catechism 1 Arrive and get settled. Check in with each other. [Be sure everyone feels welcome in this gathering. Help each other get settled comfortably. Let each person say his or her name. If there are guests or newcomers, be sure they re introduced. As a group enter into a brief check-in with each other using these questions to get started:] What happened in your life today? What really struck you in the recent news? 2 Brief opening prayer. [Let a different member of the group prepare a prayer for each meeting, based on those in Desires of the Heart. Use the music CD to enhance this opening moment and help people focus. Or use other prayers which you may have at hand.] 3 Focus as a group. [Let someone serve as leader and begin by offering a few short prepared introductory remarks about the theme of this meeting, drawn from the Growing Faith booklet in use. You may use these or similar words at this meeting.] The theme of this meeting includes the following points: The name Jesus means "God saves." The title "Christ" means "Anointed One" or Messiah. Jesus Christ is true God and true man, in the unity of his divine person, God incarnate. The Incarnation is the mystery of the wonderful union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. 4 First reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the first two pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. How have you met Christ in your own life? How do you experience your own daily walk with Christ? 8

What does it mean to be with Christ in terms of how you live his teachings? 5 Second reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the second set of pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. In your own words, if you were telling a person who had never met him, Who is Christ? What are the key teachings of Jesus that are most important for us to believe and put into practice? What does the title Lord mean to you? How do you grow closer to Christ? [If time permits and the group so wishes, you may work through other sections of this booklet together. Members of the group may wish to do so privately or within their household.] 6 Make connections. [Members of the group now work to connect the teachings found in this section of Growing Faith with their everyday lives. You may wish to insert this discussion into the readings and reflections above. Or members may wish to pause at this point for this purpose.] What is the connection of this material To your daily life? To what s happening in the world? To the big questions before us as a society? If there is no connection, what do you think that means for you? 7 Take it to God. What would you say to God about this? What do you think God is saying to you or to us about it? Here spend some quiet time composing a prayer that expresses what you wish to say to God about this material. If you wish to write it, do so. If you wish simply to compose it mentally, do that. Be ready to share this prayer if appropriate, in the close of this gathering. 8 Take it home. What would you like to explore further? What one action or decision or change do you want to make? What else comes to mind for you before we quit? 9

9 Brief closing prayer. [If members of the group wish to do so, close by sharing parts of each one s colloquy. You may also return to the opening prayer and repeat part of the prayer or song used there. And let there be a warm embrace of Christian love and peace all around. Be sure to set the time and place for the next gathering. Let each member know which Growing Faith booklet will be used.] 10 Refreshments or a shared meal 10

Draw Closer to Christ, session three This resource relates to Growing Faith booklet 14 The Passion of Christ Why did Jesus Suffer? How do I enter into the death of the Lord? Based on articles 557-560 & 595-623 of the Catechism 1 Arrive and get settled. Check in with each other. [Be sure everyone feels welcome in this gathering. Help each other get settled comfortably. Let each person say his or her name. If there are guests or newcomers, be sure they re introduced. As a group enter into a brief check-in with each other using these questions to get started:] What happened in your life today? What really struck you in the recent news? 2 Brief opening prayer. [Let a different member of the group prepare a prayer for each meeting, based on those in Desires of the Heart. Use the music CD to enhance this opening moment and help people focus. Or use other prayers which you may have at hand.] 3 Focus as a group. [Let someone serve as leader and begin by offering a few short prepared introductory remarks about the theme of this meeting, drawn from the Growing Faith booklet in use. You may use these or similar words at this meeting.] The theme of this meeting includes the following points: Jesus was a prophetic voice which threatened the church leaders of his day. The Jews are not responsible for the death of Christ. Jesus gave us a tremendous sign of his love for us at the Last Supper when he washed the feet of his disciples. Jesus freely offered himself for our salvation. 4 First reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the first two pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. Why do you think Jesus was killed by the authorities? 11

Why do we humans tend to blame others when things go badly for us? Why do you suppose public opinion on Christ was so sharply divided in his own day? 5 Second reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the second set of pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. Tell the story of Jesus life and death. What does the death and resurrection mean for us today? What are the false gods from which Jesus was trying to free us? How does the death of Jesus change your own life? [If time permits and the group so wishes, you may work through other sections of this booklet together. Members of the group may wish to do so privately or within their household.] 6 Make connections. [Members of the group now work to connect the teachings found in this section of Growing Faith with their everyday lives. You may wish to insert this discussion into the readings and reflections above. Or members may wish to pause at this point for this purpose.] What is the connection of this material To your daily life? To what s happening in the world? To the big questions before us as a society? If there is no connection, what do you think that means for you? 7 Take it to God. What would you say to God about this? What do you think God is saying to you or to us about it? Here spend some quiet time composing a prayer that expresses what you wish to say to God about this material. If you wish to write it, do so. If you wish simply to compose it mentally, do that. Be ready to share this prayer if appropriate, in the close of this gathering. 8 Take it home. What would you like to explore further? What one action or decision or change do you want to make? What else comes to mind for you before we quit? 12

Draw Closer to Christ, session four This resource relates to Growing Faith booklet 17 The Mystery of the Church With Whom do You Gather? Why is the Church so important to my faith? Based on articles 748-810 of the Catechism 1 Arrive and get settled. Check in with each other. [Be sure everyone feels welcome in this gathering. Help each other get settled comfortably. Let each person say his or her name. If there are guests or newcomers, be sure they re introduced. As a group enter into a brief check-in with each other using these questions to get started:] What happened in your life today? What really struck you in the recent news? 2 Brief opening prayer. [Let a different member of the group prepare a prayer for each meeting, based on those in Desires of the Heart. Use the music CD to enhance this opening moment and help people focus. Or use other prayers which you may have at hand.] 3 Focus as a group. [Let someone serve as leader and begin by offering a few short prepared introductory remarks about the theme of this meeting, drawn from the Growing Faith booklet in use. You may use these or similar words at this meeting.] The theme of this meeting includes the following points: The word "Church" designates the assembly of those whom God's Word "convokes," i.e., gathers together to form the People of God, and who themselves, nourished with the Body of Christ, become the Body of Christ. The Church in this world is the sacrament of salvation, the sign and the instrument of the communion of God and us. One enters into the People of God by faith and Baptism. The Church is the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. 4 First reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the first two pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? 14

Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. Which image of the church as described in the text most fits your own understanding and experience? How would you describe the church to someone who had never heard of it before? Why do we speak of the church as a mystery? How is the church connected to the Trinity? 5 Second reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the second set of pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. What do we mean when we describe ourselves as the people of God? Why do we need to be part of the church in order to grow in our faith? What gifts have you personally received from the Spirit that you can use to build up the Body of Christ? What are the greatest needs of the Church today? [If time permits and the group so wishes, you may work through other sections of this booklet together. Members of the group may wish to do so privately or within their household.] 6 Make connections. [Members of the group now work to connect the teachings found in this section of Growing Faith with their everyday lives. You may wish to insert this discussion into the readings and reflections above. Or members may wish to pause at this point for this purpose.] What is the connection of this material To your daily life? To what s happening in the world? To the big questions before us as a society? If there is no connection, what do you think that means for you? 7 Take it to God. What would you say to God about this? What do you think God is saying to you or to us about it? Here spend some quiet time composing a prayer that expresses what you wish to say to God about this material. If you wish to write it, do so. If you wish simply to compose it mentally, do that. Be ready to share this prayer if appropriate, in the close of this gathering. 15

8 Take it home. What would you like to explore further? What one action or decision or change do you want to make? What else comes to mind for you before we quit? 9 Brief closing prayer. [If members of the group wish to do so, close by sharing parts of each one s colloquy. You may also return to the opening prayer and repeat part of the prayer or song used there. And let there be a warm embrace of Christian love and peace all around. Be sure to set the time and place for the next gathering. Let each member know which Growing Faith booklet will be used.] 10 Refreshments or a shared meal 16

Draw Closer to Christ, session five This resource relates to Growing Faith booklet 44 Called to an Encounter with God What is Prayer? How do I speak to God in prayer? Based on articles 2258-2597 of the Catechism 1 Arrive and get settled. Check in with each other. [Be sure everyone feels welcome in this gathering. Help each other get settled comfortably. Let each person say his or her name. If there are guests or newcomers, be sure they re introduced. As a group enter into a brief check-in with each other using these questions to get started:] What happened in your life today? What really struck you in the recent news? 2 Brief opening prayer. [Let a different member of the group prepare a prayer for each meeting, based on those in Desires of the Heart. Use the music CD to enhance this opening moment and help people focus. Or use other prayers which you may have at hand.] 3 Focus as a group. [Let someone serve as leader and begin by offering a few short prepared introductory remarks about the theme of this meeting, drawn from the Growing Faith booklet in use. You may use these or similar words at this meeting.] The theme of this meeting includes the following points: In prayer, the Holy Spirit raises our mind and heart to God. Prayer is the privileged moment of intimacy with God where we discuss our lives, the needs of the world, and the ways our hearts move within us. God calls each person to this mysterious encounter with Godself. Prayer unfolds throughout the whole history of salvation as a reciprocal call between God and us. 4 First reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the first two pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] 17

What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. Have you ever experienced a surge of the heart toward God? Share about that with your fellow group members. What did Jesus mean when he said that he was living water and how do we get that water now, in our day and age? How does God stimulate us to pray? 5 Second reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the second set of pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. How does the voice of God make itself heard in your own experience of this? How does God speak to you in prayer? o How do you know it s God s voice and not that of some other force or your own willful self? [If time permits and the group so wishes, you may work through other sections of this booklet together. Members of the group may wish to do so privately or within their household.] Before ending, invite group members to each take a turn and share the main thing they are taking away from this session, responding to this question: o As you leave, what word or phrase, what idea or impulse, sticks with you from this discussion? 6 Make connections. [Members of the group now work to connect the teachings found in this section of Growing Faith with their everyday lives. You may wish to insert this discussion into the readings and reflections above. Or members may wish to pause at this point for this purpose.] What is the connection of this material To your daily life? To what s happening in the world? To the big questions before us as a society? If there is no connection, what do you think that means for you? 7 Take it to God. What would you say to God about this? What do you think God is saying to you or to us about it? 18

Here spend some quiet time composing a prayer that expresses what you wish to say to God about this material. If you wish to write it, do so. If you wish simply to compose it mentally, do that. Be ready to share this prayer if appropriate, in the close of this gathering. 8 Take it home. What would you like to explore further? What one action or decision or change do you want to make? What else comes to mind for you before we quit? 9 Brief closing prayer. [If members of the group wish to do so, close by sharing parts of each one s colloquy. You may also return to the opening prayer and repeat part of the prayer or song used there. And let there be a warm embrace of Christian love and peace all around. Be sure to set the time and place for the next gathering. Let each member know which Growing Faith booklet will be used.] 10 Refreshments or a shared meal 19

Draw Closer to Christ, session six This resource relates to Growing Faith booklet 46 The Wellsprings of Prayer How Does God Speak to Us in Prayer? How do I learn to pray daily? Based on articles 2650-2696 of the Catechism 1 Arrive and get settled. Check in with each other. [Be sure everyone feels welcome in this gathering. Help each other get settled comfortably. Let each person say his or her name. If there are guests or newcomers, be sure they re introduced. As a group enter into a brief check-in with each other using these questions to get started:] What happened in your life today? What really struck you in the recent news? 2 Brief opening prayer. [Let a different member of the group prepare a prayer for each meeting, based on those in Desires of the Heart. Use the music CD to enhance this opening moment and help people focus. Or use other prayers which you may have at hand.] 3 Focus as a group. [Let someone serve as leader and begin by offering a few short prepared introductory remarks about the theme of this meeting, drawn from the Growing Faith booklet in use. You may use these or similar words at this meeting.] The theme of this meeting includes the following points: The Holy Spirit in the church teaches us to pray as the children of God. The Word of God, the liturgy of the Church, and the virtues of faith, hope, and charity are sources of prayer. (2662) The different schools of Christian spirituality share in the living tradition of prayer and are precious guides for the spiritual life. The Christian family is the first place for education in prayer. 4 First reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the first two pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? 20

Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. The first wellspring is Scripture: how does it help or hinder your prayer? Liturgy is the second wellspring. Share with you group how the liturgy either touches your heart with prayerfulness -- or does not do so for you. The third wellspring is daily life, where we live the virtues and learn to pray often. How does prayer draw everything into love for you? 5 Second reading from Growing Faith. [Let a volunteer now read from the chosen Growing Faith booklet, from the second set of pages, more or less. Let the rest of the group note (while listening) any questions, insights, or items each may find remarkable. Write notes directly into the space provided in the booklet. When the reading is complete, the group may enter into conversation:] What questions arise from this section? Turn now to the reflection/exercise on this page of the booklet. Make a short list of prayers you have memorized and say often. Which ones learned in your youth have you stopped using? Share about your own relationship to the Mother of the Lord, Mary. Do the exercise on the final spread, taking stock of your last week of prayer experiences. Share your findings. [If time permits and the group so wishes, you may work through other sections of this booklet together. Members of the group may wish to do so privately or within their household.] 6 Make connections. [Members of the group now work to connect the teachings found in this section of Growing Faith with their everyday lives. You may wish to insert this discussion into the readings and reflections above. Or members may wish to pause at this point for this purpose.] What is the connection of this material To your daily life? To what s happening in the world? To the big questions before us as a society? If there is no connection, what do you think that means for you? 7 Take it to God. What would you say to God about this? What do you think God is saying to you or to us about it? Here spend some quiet time composing a prayer that expresses what you wish to say to God about this material. If you wish to write it, do so. If you wish simply to compose it mentally, do that. Be ready to share this prayer if appropriate, in the close of this gathering. 21