Like most practicing Catholics, I’m a member of a parish near my home. Yet I’m also blessed to have another “home” parish due to my diaconate assignment that is a bit farther away. Most days I consider the situation a gift, giving me an opportunity to experience parish life activities from different venues and perspectives. Albeit a small, anecdotal sample size, I look for unity with the universal Church in prayer and practices amidst both unique and similar approaches of the parishes to which I submit — methods that develop and engage followers and leaders for Jesus.
Through my archdiocesan outreach duties (i.e., Catholic Watchmen) and assigned-parish responsibilities, I have watched several small groups emerge and advance, including the small group of men I am a part of that has existed for a number of years: one designed to help make Catholic men better Catholic men. We all want to be better spiritual fathers and brothers for Christ. Hence, the crux of the Watchmen movement — through prayer, Scripture, service, sacraments and worship — to sharpen each other to be better men for God, family, friend and neighbor.
Not new news if we have kept up with the multi-year Archdiocesan Synod implementation plan. Our group, and many like it, are in accord with Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s desire for all parish members across the archdiocese to get involved in a small group. Furthermore, the men’s group of which I’m a part has multiplied its efforts and divided into a couple of different group settings (that are competitively friendly!).
I have seen similar growth with other men’s and women’s small groups –– especially lately with Lenten reflection studies and gatherings. Small groups continue. Men, women, parents, couples, singles and others seem to be gathering more and more. The archbishop’s wish is concurrent with an emphasis on the Mass and the Eucharist via the year two Synod implementation plan.
Naturally, I’d like to see small groups in my own bailiwick grow a bit faster. I’m sure the bishops and priests I assist would like to see that as well. Yet the many faithful people I work with and the parishes we worship at, respectively, continue to press on, trying to make more disciples for Jesus in our various evangelical capacities. More small group leaders are always welcome and dearly needed. By the grace of God and our chief shepherd’s prayers and direction we go!
We are to be a unified flock following the guidance of its shepherd — whose model is the Good Shepherd. As I get out my Catholic Study Bible, it reminds me of the chapter-length prayer of John 17 that speaks to sacrifice, protection and Church unity. It is timely to read and meditate on this three-fold prayer. It is recorded in the Gospels as the “high priestly prayer of Jesus.” His sacrifice for us on the cross is approaching and Jesus offers this up to God in its first part: “Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you” (Jn 17:1). Then he prays for his inner circle in part two — his small group of disciples — for their protection from the devil and perseverance in keeping the faith: “Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth” (Jn 17:17). As it comes to fruition in its third and final part, our Lord prays for the unity of the universal Church “…so that they may all be one, as you Father, are in me and I in you, that they may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn 17:21).
Are we not doing this somewhat at our small group level? Whether you follow the PECS (i.e., Parish Evangelization Cells System) model to a T or customize it in a sensible matter for your small group — and I’ve seen both work — you are gathering in unity in perfect priority. First reaching out to God the Father in song (perhaps?) and prayer; secondly as disciples in your small group; and thirdly for all believers who love God and neighbor “so that they may be one…” (Jn 17:22). And if you’re unfamiliar with the PECS process and want to join a small group, ask your pastor, your deacon and/or lay leadership.
As leaders, protectors and providers of the faith, this includes all small group leaders and participants. We should not lose heart despite the attacks against our faith in God, our family and our brothers and sisters in Christ, including attacks against the dignity of life and the human person — or the attacks against our unity as Catholics. We should pray as Jesus prays and learn from his prayer of devotion that promotes unity throughout the world.
Deacon Bird ministers to St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville and assists with the archdiocesan Catholic Watchmen movement. See heroicmen.com for existing tools supported by the archdiocese to enrich parish apostolates for ministry to men. For Watchmen start-up materials or any other questions regarding ministry to men, contact him at gordonbird@rocketmail.com.
