Principles of Faith Sharing

God is always with us. Talking about our experience of God helps us to know God better.

Faith sharing is talking about our faith with others.

Faith sharing is a process whereby we relate our personal encounter with God as this encounter relates to the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.

Faith sharing is not doctrinal, moral, or ethical pronouncements or even arguing over what is right and wrong concerning an issue or action. Small groups are neither classrooms nor debate halls.

Caring and compassion are always present during faith sharing, but small groups are not therapy sessions. Profound issues of loss and pain must be carefully referred to other settings.

Clarifying questions are appropriate. Yet, while a person is faith-sharing, others are to listen.

Faith sharing is a way to grow in the Lord and support one another in living out our faith day-to-day.

Every person in the small group deserves respect and openness.

Each person shares at the level that he or she is most comfortable with.

Individuals who have shared once are encouraged to let others speak before they share again.

The entire group is responsible for participating and faith sharing.

Confidentiality is essential. This allows each person the space to share honestly.

Silence is OKAY!