What are Aquinas Home Groups? 
Aquinas Home Groups are formal, consistent, ongoing small groups within the Saint Thomas Aquinas parish where members can mentor one another and walk with one another through the challenges and joys of life. They are designed to help meet the social and spiritual needs of our community, and to supplement, not replace, the primary role the Sacraments play in our lives. Through these small home-based communities, we hope to build community, be a support for one another, challenge one another to grow in knowledge of the faith, and to grow in holiness. 
  
Who are small groups for? 
Everyone! Aquinas Home Groups are for all adult members regardless of their stage of life. Many people will choose to join groups with others in their own age group, life stage or geographic location, so some groups will be formed in this way. Others will choose to join groups with more diversity of life-stage based upon convenience of timing or some other criteria. The point is that Aquinas Home Groups are for everyone and are designed to meet the specific needs of everyone. Group demographics will vary, leading to truly unique small communities.

When do the groups meet?
Each Aquinas Home Group will meet at a time that works for the members.  Groups are free to meet during the day, evening, weekday or weekend. The needs and availability of the members is the driving force behind when each group meets. Each group will meet at a consistent day, time and frequency once established. This schedule will be published.  Anytime a group has openings, those wishing to join an established Aquinas Home Group will know what is available to them.  
The expectation is that home groups are a living entity that stay together over time. However, as an individual’s life dynamics change, parishioners are always welcome to transfer to a group that more closely meets their current needs. Parish staff are available to assist individuals in finding the right group for them. 
 
How often do Aquinas Home Groups meet? 
Some groups may choose to meet weekly, but most groups will likely choose to meet monthly or twice a month. The frequency of meetings will be determined by the group. For planning purposes, all groups are expected to meet on a consistent, recurring schedule. 
  
Where do Aquinas Home Groups meet? 
Aquinas Home Groups can meet wherever they are most comfortable. Most groups will meet in homes. Either one or two members may choose to host the meetings, or the group can choose to rotate the meetings between members’ homes. Other groups may choose to meet in a public place such as a restaurant, coffee house, or park.  Just remember that the goal is to foster open conversation, so everyone needs to be able to hear and be heard in the setting. It is also crucial to ensure privacy and confidentiality within the group.  Further, many of the resources will require technology to play a video prior to discussion. This will need to be taken into account. 
 
How are the groups formed? 
Groups of people who already know each other can independently form their own groups to be incorporated into the Aquinas Home Group network. In fact, some groups have already been organically formed and can join the network of Aquinas Home Groups. Saint Thomas staff will organize people together who have individually signed up to be part of a group, or an individual may choose to join a published existing group. 
 
Who leads an Aquinas Home Group? 
Leadership of Aquinas Home Groups will vary from group to group. In some groups there will be a consistent designated discussion leader. Other groups may have a few people who share this responsibility. Still other groups may equally share the facilitation of group discussions. This is a matter for each group to decide upon. Generally, it is beneficial for one or two people to be designated as discussion leaders. 
Discussion leaders are not necessarily the host of the meeting. Again, each group will individually decide who the group host will be. The social leader, or host, of the group may be the person who has opened their home to the group, or it could be a different member. This role may rotate among members or remain with one or two members.  
The Lord has gifted each of us with a variety of skills and gifts. Aquinas Home Groups are a forum for us to practice and develop our spiritual gifts or exercise those gifts that come naturally.  
Each group should have one designated person who communicates with the Director of Community and Evangelization at St. Thomas Aquinas. This will ensure they receive the support they need and have communicated their group decisions about when they meet, where they meet, whether they are incorporating food into the meeting, whether they have openings for new members, and what resource they are currently studying. 
 
What, specifically, do you do at an Aquinas Home Group meeting? 
Each meeting will be structured. All meetings must always begin and end with prayer since the Catechism (2565) reminds us that, “prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit.” 
The time between the opening and closing prayer will be structured and can vary depending on the current study being undertaken by the group. Some groups will choose to provide snacks or meals, while some will not.  The standard meeting will be organized as follows: 
Welcome/Greetings 
Opening Prayer 
Content Study 
Group Discussion 
Closing Prayer 
Fellowship 
 
How long will Aquinas Home Group meetings be? 
Generally, meetings will be 90 minutes. If a meal is provided the meeting may be extended to two hours. Beginning and ending times will be enforced to respect the schedules of each participant. 
 
Will all parish gatherings or activities be considered Aquinas Home Groups? 
Our parish is blessed with many prayer groups, service ministries, and social groups. This parish demonstrates vitality and compassion for others through these ministries and we wish to praise and encourage their continuation. 
Bible study groups will continue to meet as they always have. Prayer groups will continue to meet as they always have. Organized ministries such as Stephen Ministry or Grief Support groups will continue to operate for the benefit of our community outside of the formal organization of Aquinas Home Groups. All adult, youth and child formation will continue meeting without change. 
Generally, with potential exceptions, if the group meets at the church and/or it is operated by a staff member of the parish, it is not an Aquinas Home Group. 
Generally, with potential exceptions, if a group meets in the home and is supported by church staff, it is likely an Aquinas Home Group. Neither existing nor future groups will become Aquinas Home Groups by default. Aquinas Home Groups will be registered and supported by Saint Thomas Aquinas staff. 
  
What topics will the Aquinas Home Group study? 
Materials for groups to study will either be provided by the parish or will be suggested by the parish. The Austin Diocese has contracted with Franciscan University of Steubenville to provide an online resource called Franciscan at Home. This is a rich resource for the home groups to tap into and is perfectly suited for small group discussions. 
Each Aquinas Home Group will be unique in its make-up; therefore, the needs of the group will be unique as well. Groups are free to choose whichever programs or books or materials they wish to study, or they may wish to devote their time to prayer. Church staff will work with each group to help them find what they need and/or approve materials they have independently found and support them with resources.

I have had the opportunity to be in four different home groups for over 13 years. My husband and I only left groups because of out-of-town moves; we wouldn't have separated from each group otherwise. They were always much needed in our lives and a growing experience. I've learned more about my faith, benefited from praying together as a community of believers, and had opportunities to develop deep relationships with other Christians. There were times in mine and my husband's life that were especially difficult to walk through.  Thankfully we were able to walk with other believers during that time who prayed for us, held us up, and helped guide us closer to Jesus. In a world where social media and superficial relationships dominate, home groups have been a chance to grow closer to God while forming deep relationships with other believers. I'm excited to see the St. Thomas Aquinas community grow in this area.

We joined our first home group back in the D/FW area about 15 years ago. We found that a group that was in our same stage of life was the best fit for us.  We grew together, not only in friendship, but also grew in faith by studying together.  We also joined in other activities such as 40 Days for Life, going to Christian concerts and volunteering at the homeless shelter.  In the summer when we had a break from home groups, we even got together for fun!
We were there to experience joy as well as to support each other through difficulties.  These people became a safe harbor in life for us.
I hope you will try home groups. Remember lifelong bonds don’t happen overnight, it takes time and willingness to share life together.  God created us to be in community, to love, support and reach out to each other and this is a beautiful way to do that.

Click Here for a webpage with suggested resources

Erin Lynch, Adult Formation Coordinator, is at your service to help you find the right program or book that best meets your group's current needs. Please reach her at adultformation@stabcs.org for assistance.