Christian Communities
The small Christian communities that gather to pray and share the Gospel.
Living Cells of the Parish
What is a small Christian community?
Small Christian communities bring neighbours together to pray, read the Word of God and support one another as living cells of the parish.
- 12 families
- Each community is made of about twelve neighbouring families.
- Once a month
- The community meets every month.
- In the homes, in turn
- Each month the meeting is held at the home of one of the families.
- ጸበል
- The meeting ends with the agape: sharing food together.
- Pray togetherThe families pray together and for one another.
- Read the Word of GodThey read and share the Gospel of Sunday.
- Help one anotherThey care for the sick, the poor and the families in difficulty.
How a meeting goes
Tap each step to learn more.
Opening prayer
The family that welcomes the community leads the opening prayer and a song.
The Gospel of Sunday
One member reads the Gospel of the coming Sunday slowly, twice. Everyone listens in silence.
Sharing
Each one says a word or a sentence that touched them, and what it means for their life and family.
A small act of service
Together the community decides something concrete to do this month: visiting a sick member, helping a family in need.
Closing prayer
Prayers for the families, the parish and the needs of the community, and the Our Father.
ጸበል: sharing food
The meeting ends with the agape, ጸበል: the food the families bring is shared in joy and friendship.
For your next meeting
Share the Gospel of the coming Sunday. You will find the readings on the Divine Liturgy page.
Find a community
The small Christian communities of the parishes. To join one, speak with your parish priest.
Start a community, or lead one
Would you like to start a small Christian community with your neighbours, or are you its leader? Speak with your parish priest, and follow the lessons for community leaders.