Gather

Anyone who feels called to lead a small group regardless of qualifications, is encouraged to step forward and take the initiative.  Are you willing to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and gain the skills necessary to lead a small group?  Do you have a genuine desire to grow in your relationship with Christ and holiness and encourage others to grow in their own personal holiness? Are you committed to facilitating, investing and connecting with women interested in the group? then, you are on the right path to being a Gather Leader. 

It's suggested that new converts to the church wait for at least 2 years before leading a small group.  We understand the zeal and excitement towards leading others in faith, but we also know that there is a lot to learn about the Catholic faith that was not necessarily covered in RCIA.  Rest in the womb of the church and let her mother and nurture you into the role.  Go ahead and start forming those authentic relationships with other women and utilizing the Daily 5 to grow in holiness.  So that when the time comes you are ready to form a community to grow in faith together. 

There are a lot of Catholic resources available to study.  Check the "Resources" tab to find great suggestions to get started.  It's suggested that you get a pulse for the group before you dive head first into an intense study.  Maybe meet a couple times for coffee, or grab one of our "BOOK CLUB" picks to get started. 

Each group is different in how they relate to each other and the material covered may change as season of life change.  Stay receptive to the needs of the group and the direction of the Holy Spirit, knowing that in order to grow spiritually you are going to go outside of your comfort zone at times.  

It is strongly suggested that you stick to Catholic studies.  There is a lot of material available with more coming out all the time.  Check the "RESOURCES" tab.  

The Catholic culture that will come from doing a Catholic study will greatly influence the discussion within the group to help you grow more authentically in your Catholic faith. 

In order for a Gather group to grow in faith and community they need to be meeting regularly.  we understand that not everyone can commit to a weekly meeting.  Maybe the pulse of the group and the season of life prompts less frequent meetings like once a month.  It's suggested that a group meet at the minimum, once a month. 

Keep it scheduled and consistent so others can plan on it and invite others to join. 

No, feel free to meet wherever our group feels most comfortable.  You can meet in each other's homes, parks for playdates, coffee shops or restaurants.  Stay attentive to the pulse of the group and what is the best fit for everyone.  

If it's a MOMs groups that brings kids, then pick a place where the kids will be entertained and safe so the moms have more freedom to chat. 

If it's a group meeting in the evenings, maybe a coffee shop or restaurant would be better for conversation. Churches are often cold and dark or occupied with meetings. 

Yes! You can still say it's a Women at the Well Gather group if you only meet during Advent and Lent.  Maybe there are others who are wanting to join you.  Stay attentive to the needs of the group.  If they are wanting to meet outside of these seasons then find a leader or establish a facilitator schedule to continue.  

Gather groups are best formed by personal invitation and word of mouth. Women feel more comfortable meeting with those they already know and enjoy talking to.  It's best not to expect too many responses to a bulletin announcement.  But, an announcement does plan the seed and peak curiosity so when the opportunity to invite comes then they are already ready to provide a response.  Be sure to put details in the bulletin announcement so that the parish community can see the variety of groups offered so they know that everyone is warmly welcomed. 

Yes! Gather groups are meant to spread and multiply .  A parish can have as many Gather groups needed so everyone can feel welcome and included. 

Book clubs, MOMS group, playdates, bible studies, rosary groups. These are all great opportunities to come together to grow in faith & community.