Dynamics of a Household Meeting

The household head prays for everyone in the household -- pray for wisdom, protection, and guidance from our Lord.

Before a household meeting

1. • The meeting is scheduled preferably to achieve complete attendance of household members.

   • The household head reflects on the topic for discussion -- either for Bible sharing (e.g., Gospel of the day) or teaching (e.g., based on topics from PFO Manila). The head may discern a different but more appropriate topic based on the needs of the household. This may even include CFC formation talks.

   • The worship leader discerns for the songs.

     • There are times when the head or the person who leads the music is the one who selects the songs.

     • The songs are typically aligned to the discussion topic. There are times when one or more songs are new. It could be an opportunity for the household to learn the new songs.

   • The host provides the address, directions, and even parking details to the household to ensure prompt arrival.

Household Meeting

Right before the meeting

• • Right before the household meeting starts (or while waiting for some members to arrive), the household may practice singing songs especially when the household needs to be familiar with a song.

  • Here are some sets of songs.

Opening Worship

• • Exhortation

    • The worship leader gives an exhortation.

      • Here are some tips / examples.

        • Less than 5 minutes.

        • Don't give a teaching.

        • Remind everyone of God's goodness and love.

        • Share an experience of God's blessings and how God works in your life.

        • Share a recent learning or reflection from scripture, teaching, or experience.

        • Uplift, remind, challenge, and encourage/motivate everyone so as to promote Spiritual growth and action.

      • Click here for more information about exhortation.

  • The worship leader invites everyone to stand up and make the sign of the cross.

  • The worship leader begins the worship following the Adoration-Thanksgiving-Supplication format.

    • • Note: There is no Contrition (like in A.C.T.S. format). You may exhort for an "examination of conscience" to inspire the assembly to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You do not need to say "Let's go to confession."

      • The household starts with Adoration (praising God) until the intro (instrumental) of the first song.

      • The household sings the first / fast song.

      • The household say praises to God between the 1st and 2nd songs (during the "instrumental" parts).

      • The household sings the 2nd / fast song.

      • The household say praises to God between the 2nd and 3rd songs (during the "instrumental" parts).

      • The household sings the 3rd / slow song

      • The household praises in tongues.

      • The worship leader leads the Thanksgiving prayers followed by each of the other household members.

        • • The household head or worship leader may pray in behalf of (or for) those who are absent.

          • After a member is done, the household acknowledges by saying (example), "We praise and thank You, Lord."

      • The worship leader leads the Supplication prayers followed by each of the other household members.

        • • After a member is done, the household supports by saying (example), "Lord, hear our prayers."

          • The individual prayer becomes a communal prayer. Each intercedes for one another.

  • The worship leader leads the household to pray the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

    • • The Lord's Prayer ("Our Father...")

        • • You may add "Let us pray the prayer that Jesus has taught us..."  This "intro" is not required.

          • There is no need to say "For Yours is the kingdom and the power...". These are words for our priest to say in our Holy Mass.

      • Hail Mary - You may add "We ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary as we pray...". This "intro" is not required.

      • Glory Be (or Doxology) - You may add "Let us give all glory back to the Lord as we pray...". This "intro" is not required.

      • You may ask for the intercession of Mother Mary and/or a saint.

        • • For example: St Joseph, pray for us.

          • This is not required.

  • The household sings "Let Your Glory" --- i.e., "Let Your glory fill this house..."

  • When a member is celebrating his/her birthday and/or when a couple is celebrating their wedding anniversary, the household may pray over them by singing "May the blessing of the Lord be upon you...".

Bible Reading / Teaching / Sharing

• The Household Head starts the Bible reading or teaching.

  • Bible Sharing

• Household meeting discussions

  • When sharing, use "I....", not "You...".

  • The household may honor or give words of encouragement to a brother/sister/couple based on the sharing.

  • The sharing and comments should center on the scripture reading and/or teaching. The intention is for the household to receive spiritual nourishment.

  • When everyone's done, the household head may give a summary or mention highlights of the sharing.

  • The household encourages one or more members to share in the Chapter Prayer Assembly. This may involve what they shared in the meeting.

  • Do not discuss any business dealings. Reminder on CFC Guidelines for Business Dealings.

    • • Please do not discuss business dealings in CFC events especially household meetings, 1-on-1 sessions, CLP sessions, and chapter prayer assemblies. The same principle applies in bigger CFC events. This is to avoid issues that result to members not attending the events anymore. If you have any questions, please consult your Unit Head or Chapter Head.

Fellowship

Fellowship (meal/snack) may be done before or after the household meeting depending on the agreement of the household.