Inspiring Faith Communities

The great value of this book is that it helps people to explore together how they can live life more fully and with authentic freedom.

Part one outlines three convictions that guide its direction and the programme it describes. Firstly, God desires what is best for all people and invites each one personally to know him. Secondly, every baptised Christian is called to reach out beyond themselves in a way that proclaims and expresses the goodness of God, through action and words and thus enriches those whom they meet. Thirdly, the parish is an important entity in the renewal of God's people as a dwelling place of God among them.

Part two provides a practical outline for people to plan, launch and direct the programme in a way that helps participants come to know God's providence and love, and to live their relationships in a spirit of joyful service and with love towards all whom they meet, and in a way that enhances renewal and community connections within their parish. Each week presents an important facet of Christian living in a style that is easy to follow, while at the same time inspirational. It all means that hosting this programme is within the capacity of anyone who knows a genuine encounter with God, and a desire to share his love with others.

Part three consists of a scripture passage and a brief reflection for each day for the duration of the programme. It supports the theme of each week. It seeks to help people to pray with the help of the scriptures; to inspire a new or more personal relationship with Christ; and to yield to the mystery of God's loving. Then what may have proved to be elusive in the past becomes part of one's own personal story.