Synod Small Groups
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Small Group Leadership Training
Some of you may remember our Synod Consultation Process held over six Tuesday evenings in the fall of 2021. Our parishioners listened to formative material, shared prayer time, discussion, and had an opportunity to submit suggestions for the Archbishop’s Synod priorities. From our submissions, a resounding theme was the need for small group ministries. Archbishop Hebda observed this need not only in our parish, but in parishes throughout the archdiocese, and he has called for an initiative to reinvigorate small group ministries at every parish throughout the Archdiocese.
In order to do this, the Archbishop has asked each pastor to appoint 12 people from the parish to help plan and implement this need for small-group ministry. This team of 12, also called the Synod Evangelization Team (SET), attended a 7-week School of Discipleship alongside nearly 2000 other leaders from across the Archdiocese. They also participated in a seminar held at Williams Arena this past May. The next step in our implementation and reinvigoration of small groups at St. Odilia will be to form our leaders for small groups ministry.
We will have small group training once a week for seven weeknights. We are in need of many leaders to help jumpstart small group ministry at St. Odilia, so please consider if God may be calling you to this new initiative and ministry. This training is for anyone who would like to be a small group leader as well as those who are not sure if they would like to be a leader. The more the merrier!! We’d love to have you as part of the crew.
If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Lucas Lahlum, Coordinator of Adult Formation, at [email protected] or 651-415-3343.Weeknight Trainging: Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 30, and Nov 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Courtyard (Nov 7 will be in the Faith Formation 3510 Vivian Bldg)
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Synod FAQSmall Group Leader Formation FAQs
Q. Why should I participate?
-To learn more about the impact small group ministry can have on your faith life. Small group ministry is rooted in the earliest years of the Church.
-To utilize your gifts of leadership and help others grow in their faith.
-To better understand the direction in which our parish and the Archdiocese is headed.
Q. What exactly are the “Small Groups?”
In the fall of 2021, our Synod Consultation Process revealed a desire by parishioners for more small group ministries within St. Odilia’s. As a result, we will join Archbishop Hebda in his call to reinvigorate small group ministries throughout the Archdiocese. St. Odilia’s will kick off this initiative with a seven-week Small Group Leader Formation series this fall, beginning the week of September 26th, 2023.
Q. What will happen at this Small Group Leader Formation?
Each of the seven sessions will last two hours, and will include times of prayer, teaching, and interpersonal sharing. In addition to learning strategies for leading small groups, we will experience what a typical small group session might entail.
Q. I’m not entirely sure I want or am able to lead a group. Should I still attend?
Yes! The formation series is designed to help you discern whether or not this ministry is right for you. By attending, you are not committed to leading a small group. Rather, you are exploring the possibility. In the end, with the help of the pastor, you will learn if it is a good fit. You will also get assistance in determining what type of small group you might be comfortable leading. There will be other roles within the small group, such as prayer ministry, hospitality, etc., that may ultimately be a better fit for you. Or simply attend to learn more about this new and exciting ministry!
Q. When are the meetings?
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30pm, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 30 (Monday), & Nov. 7.
Q. What if I am unable to attend all the meetings?
The intent is to form leaders for our small group series. Small group sharing is critical to leader formation and development. Therefore, participants are encouraged to commit to attending most or all of the sessions. However, we understand things come up unexpectedly and missed sessions can be accessed virtually. If you are unable to commit to the entire series, we ask you sign up for a training series that may be offered in the future.
