For each small group you plan to launch, collect pertinent information and work with the facilitator, before advertising the group, to agree on the vision and details. Here is a sample Planning Guide with notes. Print a blank Small Group Planning Guide.
Sample Guide
Facilitator Name & Contact Info
Name Sandy Schwartz
Address 123 Fourth Dorm, Madison, WI 55555
Phone 123-4567
E-mail sandy@evangelicalcatholic.org
Host Name & Contact Info
Name Melissa Black
Address 234 Fifth Dorm, Madison, WI 55555
Meeting Location: Same as above ? Other Second Floor Commons, Fifth Dorm
Phone 234-5678
E-mail mel@evangelicalcatholic.org
Target
Freshmen
(Your groups might form around such things as age, stage in life, occupation, or location. Ask your facilitators what type of group they would like to have. Most groups that set too broad of an age range, fail. Young people especially do not feel comfortable in groups beyond their stage in life. Pick an age cut-off and stick to it.)
Considerations
No cars, but will be in dorms, so OK. Need to end before finals.
(Different groups have different needs. Students have finals. Young families have children. Seniors may not want to drive far or after dark. If you are targeting young families, give thought to how you will address children. Think about how you will accommodate these needs. For small groups targeting young families, work with the host ahead of time to find a neighborhood babysitter the group can hire to watch the children either in one of the participant’s homes or somewhere in the host’s house. Make this part of the advertisement of the group.)
Purpose of the Group
To evangelize freshmen in the dorms, establish them in the habit of reading Scripture regularly, and equip them to share the importance of Scripture with other Catholics.
Day of the Week
Monday
Starting & Stopping Times
7:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
Facilitator’s Commitment to Honor People’s time:
I realize that I have the responsibility of stewardship over people’s time. I will be a good steward of their time by starting and ending precisely on time, even if I want to keep going.
Signed: Sandy Schwartz
Duration of the Group
Meet weekly for fall semester. End week of December 8, before finals. Resume second semester & invite new participants.
Format and Content
Evangelical Catholic Life: An Introductory Study
Plan to Help Spread the Word
~ I can write the bulletin announcement & design the poster announcement, I will Invite friends with whom I have been sharing the Gospel and a few people I know who are Catholic in my dorm. I can do a testimony/invitation at Mass if you can’t find anyone else.
Small Group Facilitator Training
Saturday, April 16, 9 – 2
I will provide an alternate training day for those who cannot make it. Contact me if you have scheduling conflicts.