As part of implementing the Archdiocesan Synod, Archbishop Bernard Hebda has called upon parishes to facilitate the formation of small groups, which are intended to create community and strengthen the faith of parishioners.
Andrea Krautkramer, the small group coordinator at St. Hubert in Chanhassen, urged “Practicing Catholic” listeners to join a small group, if they have not already done so, as she spoke with the show’s producer, Patrick Conley.
“Just come and see. Try it. What’s the worst-case scenario? I promise that you won’t feel worse when you leave (than when you came),” she said. “It’s like a mini retreat or pick-me-up.”
At St. Hubert, where Krautkramer works, about 400 people are involved in 42 groups, which Krautkramer described as a “true gift from God.” The 42 groups are each geared to a specific demographic, and participants can choose a group that appeals to their needs. Among the groups are those for all men, all women, singles, widows, fathers, working mothers and non-working mothers.
Krautkramer said the groups are designed to have no pre-reading or long-term commitment.
“There’s no prep, there’s no frills. It’s just focus. It’s about an hour and a half experience,” she said.
The meetings usually have times of praise, teaching and discussion. To ensure that everyone gets enough time to speak, the groups use a two-minute sand timer.
Krautkramer hopes that the small groups multiply.
“If … each one of those leaders started their small group. I mean, imagine … what our communities would look like, not only at St. Huberts, but across the archdiocese. We would essentially implement the archbishop’s dream of everyone in a small group,” she said.
To hear more about Archbishop Hebda’s vision of small group implementation in the archdiocese and to learn how to become involved, tune into “Practicing Catholic” when it airs at 9 p.m. March 22 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, or when it repeats at 1 p.m. March 23 and 2 p.m. March 24.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes a discussion with Father Boniface Hicks and Peter Yurek about the Minneapolis-based Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office’s upcoming conference. Also, Msgr. James Shea talks about his childhood on a farm and how rural life prepared him for his vocation.
Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.
