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It is always a struggle for our parishes to encourage and start neighbourhood groups and small Christian communities. There is always the question of time, knowledge on how to do it and the resources to get one running. If only everyone got to experience just how wonderful an experience it is to journey together with and in the Lord, all the anxiety and challenges that one might perceive to face will be moot!

There is also a sad reality that there are some who had at one time belonged to a community of believers but have allowed the cares of the world to overshadow them. They give excuse after excuse till they decide that no excuse is necessary any longer for leaving behind their community behind. It is just the way it is, their priorities have changed. They will never admit that their lives become empty and shallow. They think they can grow in faith, love and spirituality on their own. The truth is that unless they practise a sort of monastic asceticism focused on Christ their growth is already stunted. We can only pray that they come back to the community who awaits them with open arms.

Here is something I put together to encourage everyone…..

**Importance of Belonging To A Small Christian Community**

Without going into depth, sharing my experience of the importance of being part of a Christian community as we are all called to do as believers in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1. Authentically we live out our faith as one Body In Christ.

2.Accountability, we become accountable to one another in striving for holiness.

3. We learn to be charitable and generous with one another and others outside our community.

4. We become aware of the importance of being present for one another and are willing to sacrifice to be there for one another.

5. Jesus blesses us with His presence in our homes and in the places we gather in His name; His mother our Blessed Mother Mary is always with us as well.

6. The word of God is alive and active in our lives because His Word reigns in our hearts.

7. Our other devotions like the rosary and divine mercy becomes more powerful and alive through His Word which stands above all.

8. We are affirmed and encouraged through the sharing of our testimonies of our Lord’s love in our lives.

9. We are witnesses to the transformations of one another that takes place through Christ our Lord.

10. We bear witness and affirm one another’s gifts of the Holy Spirit which we use collectively to build our Lord’s kingdom.

11. We bask in the love of our Lord through our fraternal bonds that grow stronger through our faith and love with and in Him.

12. With growth of His love within our community we become more inclusive, warm and inviting to others seeking our Lord.

13. Many within the community will be challenged to be more and do more. Always relying on His strength, grace and love.

14. We are witnesses to the effects of our own transformed lives which has a great positive impact on our families, friends and parish communities.

15. We grow in our zeal to share His love with all that we meet. We become bolder and more courageous in our endeavour.

16. We start living in the Spirit according to the Will of God.

17. We experience the peace and joy of Christ constantly in our lives.

18. As our community matures in faith we adore and praise God more and more as One Body In Him, as we come together to intercede more often for others.

19. We are there for one another in our joys as well as our sorrows. The experience of having your brothers and sisters in Christ with you in the these moments are out of this world and to be cherished.

20. As the community grows and matures further we are driven to Mission through Christ our Lord. Amen