John Paul II
Looking to grow faith and friendships after RCIA, Alpha, CRHP or Bible Studies? Consider Grow Groups.
“Encounter/Grow/Witness” is the threefold dimension of the Christian life. Once we encounter Jesus, we are then called to grow daily as His disciples. Grow Groups are one way Our Lady of Mercy is responding to our missionary identity where we are called to help parishioners grow continually in discipleship.
To follow Jesus is to commit to lifelong learning and growth. Like Jesus’ disciples, our walk with the Lord today is not one lived in isolation but rather one immersed in community and enriched by authentic friendship with others. In homes and in the company of friends, Grow Groups provide a place of deep transformation where people can be known, loved, and cared for as they strive to deepen their friendship with Jesus and one another.
For more information, connect with Zara Tan, Evangelization and Discipleship Coordinator at zara@olmercy.com or call 331-707-5381.
After encountering the person of Jesus, it is crucial that we enter a stage of maturation. That is to say, a time where we endeavor to better know the One we encountered. The more we come to know about Jesus, the more we fall in love with Him. The only safe place to do this is under the guidance of the Church community with other Christians seeking to know Him. We encourage you to take advantage of ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus and quench the thirst within us all.
Gather and Fellowship involving food of some sort. It is up to the individual groups what type of food is served. A full meal, pot-luck, dessert or snack are all possibilities.
The type of prayer is up to the group to decide. Suggestions include praise and worship, one of the hours of the office (like Vespers or Night Prayer) or another group prayer. Material is provided, such as lyrics and sources of music.
The teachings are designed to engage and inspire conversation. They also foster the spiritual disciplines of a Christ follower. They can be given as a live talk or played as a video. Members are given the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, discussing in their group. Discussion is guided by prepared questions from the curriculum. The session wraps up with five minutes of closing prayer and intentions.
Use your departure as a time to thank God and as a group pray for one another’s intentions. Follow up with one another at the next meeting to give updates to prayers answered.
Social gathering; from a field trip to one of the shrines nearby such as The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in New Franken, WI, a Marian Apparition Site in the U.S. or The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a Catholic shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belleville, IL, or The Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, IN just to suggest a few.
To movie nights, a group dinner out, picnic event, catch a concert, or simply gather in a person’s backyard or the church by the outdoor Stations of the Cross, all dependent on what the group would like to do. The possibilities are amazingly endless.
One of the most important relationships on this side of life, one can have is that with the Holy Spirit. It is so important, that Jesus says to us in John 16:7 “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7
The Wild Goose is a work of the Holy Spirit, which is awakening in the hearts of all those participating God’s love and transforming power. This is a love that has been revealed to us by Jesus Christ and that leads us to our heavenly Father. As you walk through this series, pray for the Spirit to breathe life into your heart.
As a teacher on deliverance, Neal Lozano knows that many believers struggle with the same sin areas time after time. Yet victory can be as simple as tapping into the potent power of the gospel. By focusing on Jesus and his work, rather than on the intimidating aspects of evil spirits, readers can reset their mindset about their spiritual struggles.
In Unbound, Lozano shows us how to do just this. He also shows us how to find and close any doors we may have opened to evil influence–and, consequently, Satan’s underhanded strategies. Balanced and full of hope, Unbound is a practical, thorough, and easy-to-follow guide to deliverance and freedom.
Who among us would receive a gift and put it aside without opening it?
St. Paul tells us we have all received a spiritual gift, a way that the Holy Spirit works through us in our daily lives and yet, most of us have never opened our gift to see what it is.
Taking time to uncover the spiritual gifts God has given you is essential in our growth in becoming a true missionary disciple of Jesus Christ where we can “GO” and make disciples of all nations. As a group, this book will show each of us how the Holy Spirit has empowered you to use your Spiritual Gifts as you go out “ON MISSION”
Your group will journey through Scripture, the Catechism, and the writings of Pope Francis to learn how the Holy Spirit pours out special gifts called charisms that help us grow spiritually and help us support those we love to grow spiritually.
You will be blessed
To learn how Jesus Himself used all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit throughout His public and private life.
You will be enlightened
When you take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory, score It, and discover your Spiritual Gifts and when you learn about and recognize your own gifts as well as those of others.
You will be energized
When you discover the impact you will have in proclaiming the Kingdom of God to your family members, your friends and neighbors, your co-workers and your fellow parishioners using your charisms.
Once you know your spiritual gifts, you will know what you are called to do with them as a missionary disciple to bring Jesus Christ into “your world” and bring “your world” to Christ!