Lenten faith sharing resources available
By Renee Webb, Globe diocesan news editor
Posted January 31, 2002

As the Lenten season approaches, parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City are encouraged to promote adult faith sharing groups. The diocese recently distributed Lenten faith sharing resources to all parishes.

Kay Morrissey, director of the Office of Faith Formation, pointed out that Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo wanted to incorporate a spiritual and educational component directed at adults in the centennial celebration of the diocese.

With that in mind, the diocese commissioned Dr. Stephan Davis, a theology profession at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, to write a six-part series on the Nicene Creed, based on the beliefs of the church. The series contains: session one that provides an overview of the Creed, session two that focuses on God the Father, two sessions that center on Jesus, the fifth session which focuses on the Holy Spirit and the final session that is based on the church as it relates to the Creed.

Morrissey said that Davis did an excellent job. He utilized information from the Catechesis and a variety of sources in creating the series.

While the Creed is a part of Mass and people recite it on a weekly basis, Morrissey said she hoped people would become more conscious of the beliefs of the church as a result of information presented and shared within the groups.

"For people who were part of the Renew process in the 1980s, they will find some similarities," she explained. "It is to be set up around a small-group format." Years later, many people continue to comment that they appreciated the opportunity that Renew provided in strengthening their parish community.

She recommended that the groups be limited to six to eight persons, so all can easily take part in the sharing. Groups can meet in the parish hall or in people's homes. Since the resource begins with personal reflection and moves to group sharing, it could be used as a prayer aid for individuals such as those who are homebound.

"Hopefully it will enhance their learning and understanding. It will give them an opportunity to listen to others - building on the wisdom of the community," said Morrissey. "This should affirm actions or challenge them to consider new actions."

Deanery level meetings were held in November to alert the centennial contact persons that the resource was to be available. The meetings were also used as an opportunity to help select small group facilitators.

A master copy was sent to all parishes last week and from there copies can be made for groups, families or individuals. Persons interested in participating in or facilitating a small group should contact their pastor.

For more information, call the Office of Faith Formation at 712-233-7530.

"This is an opportunity for people to reflect on what they believe individually and to listen to other perspectives," said Morrissey.

While this is set up as a Lenten faith sharing opportunity, she added, that it can be used at any time of the year.