"...groups of Christians who come together for prayer, Scripture reading, catechesis, and discussion on human and church problems, with a view to a common commitment..."

St. Clement has joined a rapidly growing phenomenon in the Church through its development of Small Christian Communities, which serve as a means of Christian formation and missionary outreach.  These communities are groups of Christians who come together for prayer, Scripture reading, catechesis, and discussion on human and church problems, with a view to a common commitment.

Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical letter "Redemptoris Mission", on the "Permanent Validity of the Church's Missionary Mandate", states the following on Small Church Communities:

"These communities are a sign of vitality within the Church, an instrument of formation and evangelization, and a solid starting point for a new society based on a 'civilization of love'. These communities decentralize and organize the parish community, to which they always remain united.  Within them, the individual Christian experiences community and therefore senses that he or she is playing an active role and is encouraged to share in the common task.  These communities become a means of evangelization and of the initial proclamation of the Gospel, and a source of new ministries.  Being imbued with Christ's love, they also show how divisions, tribalism and racism can be overcome.

The Synod of Bishops stated: 'Because the Church is communion, the new small communities, if they truly live in unity with the Church, are a true statement of communion and a means for the construction of a more profound communion.  They are thus cause for great hope for the life of the Church.' "

St. Clement has two Small Christian Communities functioning at this time.  One meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7:30--9:00PM in the Parish Center.  Another meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, from 10:00--11:30AM in the Parish Center.

 Everyone is invited to inquire and/or participate in one of these two communities.  For information on Small Church Communities, or to inquire, please call the Director of Religious Education at the Parish Center, 504-887-7821.