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KOINONIA: THE CHURCH GROWS AS A COMMUNITY ~
The Greek word
Koinonia is used in the New Testament to describe the
community life of the early Christians. The Church in
apostolic times, like the Church today, was marked by
four dynamics: liturgy [prayer], catechesis [religious
education], ministry [service to others] and koinonia [fellowship
or communion as in the Communion of Saints].
Koinonia is a difficult word to
translate because it has to do with the subtleties of
people bonding together through trust, conversation,
hospitality and mutual respect. While the centerpiece of
koinonia is the assembly coming together to worship God
in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, there are numerous
other ways in every parish where a sense of koinonia is
fostered and deepened. We name but a few of the ways that
we explicitly try to foster this sense of koinonia at
Saint Malachy:
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Grief-to-Hope Seminar
This six-week program, held each year
in the Fall and again in the Spring, is intended for
those who suffer the loss of a loved one. It is separate
from, but leads into, the Bereavement Support Group (see
below). For info, contact Ken Meltz.
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Bereavement Support
This group meets on the third Monday of
every month for prayer and mutual support for those who
have undergone the death of a loved one. The usual format
involves sharing what has been going on since the last
gathering and scripture reading led by one of the members
of the group.
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Cursillo Group
Parishioners and friends who have
completed a Cursillo are invited to gather the last Sunday of each
month right after the 12 noon liturgy for refreshments,
prayer and fellowship. For more information contact Lee
Norris at 781-272-8225.
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 Friday
Prayer Group
Facilitated by longtime staff member,
Sister Irene Haché R.C.E., the Friday prayer group meets
twice a month on a Friday morning for prayer, discussion
and fellowship. New members are always welcome. Check the
bulletin for dates of upcoming meetings.
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Men's Group
Members of the Saint Malachy men's
group share faith and life experiences in order to foster
a Christian life-style and the growth of their spiritual
lives. The group meets early Saturday morning, four times
a year, for breakfast, prayer, a speaker and discussion.
For more information see the Men's Group News
Letter.
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Separated and Divorced Group
Meeting once a month this group extends
support to women and men who have experienced divorce or
who are contemplating this step. From time to time a
guest speaker is invited to share with the group some
area relevant to separation/divorce as, for example,
issues around child rearing, legal issues, etc.
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Small Faith Communities
Recognizing that the parish as a whole
is too large for many people to experience a sense of
community and belonging, Saint Malachy parishioners are
invited to belong to a small faith community. Basically,
this is a grouping of eight to ten parishioners who
gather monthly for prayer, the sharing of their life
experience and mutual support. Some groups gather in
early evening when participants can share a meal together.
If you are interested in joining or forming such a group
please contact Ken Meltz.
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Stained Glass Workshop
Under the direction of Alan and Lee
Norris the Saint Malachy Stained Glass Workshop provides
opportunities for junior and senior high school students
to come together for artistic expression, conversation
and spiritual sharing. Examples of their work may be seen
on the Stained
Glass Workshop page.
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Women's Group
Meeting as a Small Faith Community [see
above] the women's group gathers on average once a month
for prayer, mutual support and the sharing of life's
experience. The group shares responsibility for
leadership and incorporates women of all ages.
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Young Adults Group
If enough young adults show interest we
would try to gather a group at least once a month for
prayer, conversation and other planned activities. Please
contact Ken Meltz if you are interested in such a venture.
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Youth [Ministry] Group
The Youth Group meets once a month
during the school year on Sunday evening at 7:30 PM [check
bulletin for meeting dates]. Coordinated by Steve and
Cheryl Morecroft the youth group gathers high school age
parishioners for prayer, meals, social activities and
service projects. There are photos from a recent meeting
on the Youth [Ministry] page.
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