Download Leader’s Guide: Going Deeper
Opening Prayer:
Loving God, send your Spirit to open our hearts to Jesus.
Guide us to a deeper conversion.
Grant us a greater appreciation of the beauty and truth of our Catholic faith.
Give us the courage and confidence to joyfully share our faith with others.
May your Church be a beacon of light for all who seek your loving presence.
Be with us now as we explore community.
Mary, faithful Mother of God, intercede for us.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever. Amen.
Scripture (Two Choices):
Acts 2:42-47
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to the breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
The Word of the Lord:
Thanks be to God.
OR
John 13:34-35
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Gospel of the Lord:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Suggested Opening Song:
How Beautiful is the Body of Christ by Twila Paris
Video #1: Communal Life at Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey
Video #2: Witness of Communal Life at New Melleray Abbey
Discussion Questions:
Video #3: The Faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Discussion Questions:
Video #4: The Faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Discussion Questions:
Conclusion:
What difference does community make in our lives?
Suggested Closing Song:
Many and One by Steve Angrisano
Prayer in Thanksgiving for the Gift of Community:
Loving God, you have called each of us to live in community.
Help us to witness to you through our love for one another.
Grant us a deep desire to care each other, especially the weakest in our communities.
Help us to be men and women of prayer, humility, love, and service.
Give us the strength and courage to live according to the values of true community.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
One God, forever and ever. Amen.