Focusing Our Faith
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Our Mission
Focusing Our Faith provides resources to the small groups of St. Jude which will help them grow their Faith by discussing appropriate topics in a safe setting. By sharing Faith in this way, we intend to become closer to Christ in Community.
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Our Vision
Our experience with the small group format in the Eucharistic Revival has revealed that small groups are hungry to continue and learn more about Jesus, Our Faith, and those concepts and ideas that engage the Holy Spirit in their lives. We wish to accommodate that desire and open the small group experience up to more Parishioners. Focusing Our Faith intends to provide appropriate content, a catalog of small groups, training for facilitators and a vehicle for parishioners to join the movement toward Christ and the Church.
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Sign-up for a Small Group
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Focusing Our Faith - Year 3We are inviting you as the unnamed disciple (Acts 1:1) to come on this journey with your fellow travelers as we explore the great gift of the Church. We will come to a deeper sense of belonging. Through Baptism we are welcomed into a family of faith that spans cultures, generations, and even time itself. In Acts, we see how the first disciples who were scattered, uncertain, and often persecuted. And how they found strength in the community Jesus gathered around them. Paul’s letters remind us that though we are many parts, we form one body in Christ. The Church gives us a home where no one stands alone.
VIDEO Homily - Focusing Our Faith Introduction - Gift of the Church
Connecting the Dots - Text of Deacon Paul's Homily
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Session 3 - Growing Pains and LeadershipThis session uses Acts Chapters 6 and 7 which exemplify servant leadership, conflict resolution, and martyrdom. Deacon Brian will focus on the role of deacons and laypeople, using Stephen’s speech and example, to illustrate "growth through challenge". Our questions of How can I serve more actively in our parish? and, What does Stephen’s witness teach us about courage and Scripture? will both help and inspire us to rely on God’s Spirit as we journey in this life.
Video - Growing Pains and Leadership
Script - Growing Pains and Leadership
Discussion Questions - Growing Pains and Leadership
St. Jude Ministries Directory 2026
Acts Chapter 6 Document USCCB Website
Acts Chapter 7 Document USCCB Website
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Session 2 - Signs, Wonders, and CommunityIn Session 2, Deacon Butch examines Chapters 3, 4, and 5 of the Acts of the Apostles, where we will witness miracles, community, and persecution. We will highlight healing and preaching in Jesus' name, radical generosity and integrity, and boldness in the face of opposition. We will consider, where is God calling us to be bold in our Faith? How does the Church of today reflect (or lack) the early Christians communal life? We will examine these questions, and whatever the Holy Spirit thinks we should take away from this session into our daily lives.
Video - Signs, Wonders, and Community
Script - Signs, Wonders and Community
Discussion Questions
Acts Chapter 3 (USCCB Website)
Acts Chapter 4 (USCCB Website)
Acts Chapter 5 (USCCB Website)
Bonus Videos
NCYC Digital Encounter - Question about the future of the Church
NCYC Digital Encounter - The entire Encounter
Optional Lectio Divina Passage: Acts 4:20 - "It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
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Session I - The Birth of the ChurchIn Session 1, Deacon Paul will examine the first two chapters of Acts. We will note the empowering role of the Holy Spirit - Unity in prayer and mission - The Early Church as a model of a Eucharistic community. We will ask ourselves:
- How do we experience the Holy Spirit in our lives?
- What can our small group learn from the unity and courage of these early Christians?
Video - The Birth of the Church
Birth of the Church - Acts Chapter 1 (USCCB Website)
Birth of the Church - Acts Chapter 2 (USCCB Website)
Birth of the Church - Discussion Questions
Birth of the Church - Script
Optional Lectio Divina Passage: Acts 1:11 - They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
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Facilitators Work Area
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