The best way to get plugged into the rich life of your Catholic community is to become involved in a small group. It is here where the larger Church is lived out in intentional community. It is here where you as an individual will be most known and cared for.
If you are interested in being in a small group, please fill out the following form and we will contact you to determine which group best fits your interests and schedule.
Or to get started show up at Open Tea from 5:15-6:15 pm at St. Ed's, hosted by Ellen Kuchera. This usually happens on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month and is an ongoing yet very laid back offering for those interested in growing in faith together with a small community. Enjoy some tea while reflecting on the upcoming Sunday readings. If participants have something they would like to discuss (a question in their mind, a particular Scripture passage, an article they read, a life issue, etc.), that can be brought to the table any given week as well. Anyone can walk in and out as they please. Once new groups start up, participants would be most welcome to join a different group with a little more structure and commitment if they so desire. The flexibility allows for one-on-one conversations or larger group discussions. This is a time to relax, take a breath from the week, and pray together using Scripture. Contact Ellen Kuchera at 513-316-1122 (text/call) or dbqwcya@dbqarch.org for more information or if interested!
We have both small groups that meet regularly AND short-term groups designed for those who want to experience what a small group is like without making a long-term commitment. Groups that meet regularly will meet anywhere from 2-4 times a month and short-term groups will meet anywhere from 5-10 times. Group sessions last 1-2 hours.
Every group is structured differently but generally groups of 6-10 people gather for prayer, reflection, discussion, and fellowship in homes and locations throughout the Cedar Valley. Group leaders and facilitators are supported by pastoral staff.
Each of these small communities is a reflection of the Body of Christ, a body in which "if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy" (1 Corinthians 12: 26). In these communities, group members build supportive relationships and seek to encourage each other to live out the Gospel more faithfully. Our hope is that everyone who attends weekend liturgies in our Catholic parishes will be involved in a small group.
We have groups that you are welcome to join at any time of the year. Please fill out the form above to get connected to a group.
Yes, we want you to find the group that fits what you are looking for. We do recommend that you visit a group more than once before making a decision.
Can I be a regular group member of more than one group at a time?
Yes, you are welcome to be a member of more than one group, but we have found that it is often difficult to invest fully in the life of more than one group at a time. If you feel you are able to participate fully, you are welcome to be in more than one group.
How can I start my own group?
If you are already a member of a small group, talk to your group leader about your interest in co-leading your group or in starting a new group. If you are interested in starting a new group, please contact Ellen Kuchera at dbqwcya@dbqarch.org or 513-316-1122.
If I haven’t heard back from a group that I contacted, what should I do?
Please contact Ellen Kuchera at dbqwcya@dbqarch.org or 513-316-1122. While our leaders do their best to contact you in a timely manner, things happen. If you have not heard back after a week, please let us know.