Do you want to experience a more meaning-filled Lent? Join a small group to reflect, dialogue, and take action.

Groups are reflecting on Pope Francis’ book "The Holy Year of Mercy." It’s not too late to join in and we do have extra books available! To join a group or for more information, please contact Susie Osacho.

Groups meet at the following times:
Mondays at 9:00am (starting February 22)
Mondays at 6:30pm (starting February 22)
Thursdays at 1:30pm (starting February 18)
Saturdays at 9:30am (starting February 20, skipping February 27)

• It’s important to begin and end with prayer. Decide as a small group if you’d like to take turns leading prayer or would prefer that your small group leader leads your prayer. Consider using Pope Francis' Year of Mercy prayer found on pp 10-11 as either your Opening or Closing Prayer. Are there special Lent-themed prayers that you’d like to use? Consider the Psalm of the Day (www.usccb.org – look for the calendar on the right and click on the appropriate day of the week), or focus on the upcoming Sunday Gospel and allow time for reflection and discussion. Familiar prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary) or spontaneous prayers are also options.
• Come prepared to reflect and share your insights. Each session/chapter includes Understand! and Grow! sections in which you are encouraged to write down your responses in advance in your book since dialogue is typically more insightful when you come prepared to share. Although please don’t let that be an obstacle in your participation – esp. if you had a busy week. Your presence is what is most important! There are also Reflect! and Act! sections for each session/chapter. Since these sections do not have built in space for responses, I have journals or writing paper available, or you can provide your own. Journals can be an excellent way to track your spiritual growth and can also be a place to jot down questions that you’d like to pursue in more depth!
• Bring a Bible. Each session/chapter starts with a different gospel reading. For example, Session 1 focuses on Luke 7:36-50. Take the time to read the passage aloud. While the text is provided in the book, it is suggested that you bring your own Bible as other Scripture passages are referenced. Extra Bibles will be provided in the room.
• Length of Commitment. The book is divided into eight sessions/chapters, each focused on a particular insight into God’s mercy. Since the length of Lent is 6 weeks and there are 8 total sessions, your small group should decide on its own if you’d like to focus on one session/chapter per gathering (8 weeks total) or if you prefer to combine chapters to fit within the Lent timeframe. You are welcome to continue meeting during the Easter Season. The point is that you don’t have to finish before Easter Sunday.
• Additional Resources Included. Note that there is an Appendix section at the back of the book that includes:
  • Appendix 1 - Pope Francis' document called a Bull of Indiction about The Year of Mercy. The document is referenced throughout the sessions but the complete document is found between pages 110-139 to provide you context.
  • Appendix 2 (pp 140-141) explains the logo and motto for the Jubilee Year of Mercy
  • Appendix 3 (pp 142-146) provides practical pointers for managing expectations for faith sharing groups