As mentioned in Fr. Ron’s 11/23/25 Bulletin article, St. Isidore is embarking on a Small Group initiative. Small Groups have been around for a long time in one form or another, certainly dating back to Jesus’ time, if not before. (Jesus started his own small group of 12.) The idea of Small Groups is to:
- Review portions of the Bible – with a focus on the upcoming Sunday’s readings and Connecting Point
- Share what you learned, how the readings impacted you
- Grow in your faith and in your community
- Keep the same group of people in attendance and meet weekly, if possible
Studies have shown Small Groups have a great impact on a parish:
- 81% of participants in parish small groups report that their personal relationship with God grew stronger through their group experience.
- Data shows that Catholics active in small groups are 2.5 times more likely to volunteer in other parish ministries and nearly twice as likely to attend Mass weekly compared to those not in groups.
- The USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) recognizes small groups as “a primary means by which evangelization and community are fostered within the parish.
73% of small-group participants in parish studies said their group “improved relationships within my family” and helped them “live faith at home.” - St. Charles Borromeo Parish (4,000 families) runs 80+ small groups. Pastors report “more joy, better retention, and stronger sense of home.”
Certainly St. Isidore already has many small groups that do amazing and beautiful things for our parish and beyond. Please note, this initiative does not impact any of the Bible study or other groups that are in place today. Rather the intent of this initiative is to personally, and as a community, grow in our relationship with God and have a greater understanding of his Word through new small groups.
We do ask one small favor, for your prayers for a successful initiative. Prayers can move mountains. If you have a prayer in mind, that’s wonderful! If not, here’s one to help you get jump started:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We approach this new beginning of Small Groups at St. Isidore with a heart open to the abundance of opportunities and blessings you have in store for us. We thank you for the promise of new ways to grow closer to you, both individually and as a community, and the potential it holds. Please shower us with your blessings and align our path with opportunities that will lead to growth and fulfillment. Let this new initiative be a testament to your love and grace, and may we recognize and seize the blessings that come our way.
St. Isidore—Pray for us
St. Francis Xavier—Pray for us
Amen
Thank you for your prayers! If you would like to learn more and perhaps be a part of this initiative, feel free to contact Beth Beebe at 586.286.1700 or beth@stisidore.church.
