Guide book
As disciples, we pray daily and attend Mass regularly. We continue learning our faith, and we engage in ministry. One way we grow is by engaging in fellowship as Catholic Christians. Your Root Group is a place to do just that, to be known, to be transformed, and to grow as a disciple by journeying with one another.
You're in a Root Group, now what?
Set up your first meeting using the contact info in your email to meet your group members. You can meet at someone’s home, a local coffee shop, or Holy Family. If you want to meet on campus, contact the parish office to reserve a room and borrow a key.
At your first meeting, learn a little about each other, share your hopes and expectations for your group, and decide when and where to meet regularly at least once a month.
What can we expect?
Food – All great gatherings include food, whether it’s a three-course meal or baked goods! Do what works for your group, whether the host prepares the meal or you do a potluck. Breaking bread together is a great way to connect and get to know each other. How often did Jesus share a meal with his disciples and those he encountered?
Faith – Root Groups come together to share and grow in our Catholic faith, whether you are just now digging deeper or have been a disciple for a long time, your new small community is here to journey and grow with you, through study and discussion.
Prayer – We hold each other up in prayer, both with praise for the good times and in petition during the tough times. Your Root Group is here for you, not just as friends but as faith companions. We pray with each other when we gather together and in between.
Support – Small group communities go from being strangers to fellow disciples, supporting one another in their daily lives. Being part of a small group helps us connect deeply and grow in our relationship with Jesus and with our fellow parishioners.
What do we do when our Root Group meets?
This suggested outline provides a framework for your gatherings. Adapt as best fits your group’s needs and timeframe:
Prayer – Begin your gathering by inviting Jesus to be present and bless the food!
Food – While sharing in your meal, share in each other’s lives, checking in.
Content – Use a resource to help you grow, running 30 minutes or less.
Discussion – Share what struck you and how you’re called to action.
Prayer – End your time together specifically praying for each other’s intentions.
Where do we find Content?
Today there is lots of great Catholic content available online, often for free such as on YouTube. We also have a curated list of trusted Catholic resources sorted by topic on our Content Page.
Some of these are found on Formed. Sign up for Formed at formed.org/signup by searching for Holy Family New Albany. Create an account with your email address. You can also access Formed through the Android and Apple apps. Formed can be searched by topic for videos, audio, and books.
How do we guide our Discussion?
Some resources come with ready-to-use discussion guides, whereas others do not. When that’s the case, start with the guiding questions below for your group’s discussion.
- What struck you in the video?
- What is something new that you learned?
- How have you seen this aspect of Catholic life put into practice?
- How does this teaching help you grow as a disciple of Jesus?
- What action is God calling you to implement in your life?
- How can this group help you with this on your discipleship journey?
Do you have Questions?
Kristina Seipel
Director of Discipleship & Catechesis