The Jumuiyas/Small Christian Communities:
Small Christian Communities are unions of Catholic families that pray together, encourage one another, solve their family issues together, get involved in charity work in the society and strengthen each other in faith and contributions towards development of the Parish and the society at large.
At St. Jude Parish, we have 16 of these, and our outstation has 12 small christian communities that meet during the week at a member’s home or at the parish to share the word of God, and every so often, get involved in the weekly mass celebrations.
The jumuiyas engage in activities such as cleaning the church and mass facilitation.
Small Christian Community Meetings
Weekly meeting venues during the week and times are announced during mass and the information may also be available at the parish office or through the jumuiya leaders.
All parishioners are encouraged to be part of a Jumuiya for the spiritual nourishment.
Jumuiya Mass Schedule
A schedule of home masses for each Small Christian Community, both at the parish and outstation is always available on Sundays in order to facilitate preparation for the mass that may be scheduled for a jumuiya or any church group.
Benefits of joining the Group
- One has an opportunity to witness to what the Holy Spirit has done in their life.
- Come to a better understanding on one’s baptismal call.
- Deepening of relationships with God and other Christians.
- Faith development – through the use of prepared materials, and reflection on Scripture and Church teachings, members gain a better knowledge of the richness of their Faith and how Church teachings and the Scriptures relate to their lives.
- Support in living as disciples of Jesus Christ and working to transform the society.
- Challenged to grow spiritually as an individual.
- Deepening one’s commitment to family, work and community.
- Mutual support – as community, members support one another in and through the events of life.
- St. Francis of Assisi S.C.C
Small Christian Community Activities
- Animating mass
- Participate in Acts of Mercy e.g. visit charitable homes, talk and pray with the inmates.
St. Bakhita S.C.C. Charity event at St. Marian Children’s center
- Organizing Recollections and Retreats.
- Organize Spiritual talks given by the Priests and other invited guests as well as talks on various topics tackling problems faced by the members.
- Organize members social functions i.e. get-together parties, buying gifts for members on various occasions, visiting members in their homes during sickness, when one has a new born baby or death in the family.
God’s Word reminds us that we are put in relationships in order to encourage one another in our pursuit of God and His Kingdom. Small Christian Communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support and the shared experience of Christian living and service to church and society.