We Are Today's Apostles

Laypeople do their best to adjust to the ever-evolving life of the parish, but the numerous changes in the Church have left many Catholics feeling spiritually shell-shocked and seeking comfort in their roots.

Amid the changes and accompanying challenges, many Catholics remain Christ-centered in small faith communities (SFCs) where they find a sense of peace and feel welcomed. SFCs are rooted in the life of the Church, as stated in the Book of Acts: “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Inspired by this model, today’s SFCs define themselves as established communities of Catholics who gather regularly for the purpose of linking faith and life using the word, sharing and actively living out their faith in involvement with the parish and the greater community. Group names vary. They are sometimes called small Christian communities (SCC) or home-based communities (HBC), but the core identity is community.

Groups are formed by invitation rather than the parish sign-up list. Members following the example of the early Church and of the apostles invite others to become involved by starting a group or joining an existing group. The invitation is not designed to corral others, simply to help out; it’s designed to ask them to become members of a community for their own spiritual benefit and growth.