the importance of community"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 Growing up, I always thought it would be fun to have a sister. Someone to play with, talk with, and laugh with. In my adult life, I've found something that I think is equally as wonderful - Sisters in Christ. In this verse from Matthew, Jesus says when a few people gather together, He will be present. This doesn't mean that if you pray alone, He is not with you. Rather, it means that there is a special presence of the Holy Spirit when people gather together to grow in their faith as a community. Jesus was all about communal living- He gathered 12 of His best friends to learn and grow together. Look at what they accomplished after His ascension! Whether it is through family or friendship, community is powerful. Because I am a woman, I am focusing on sisterhood, but brotherhood for men is equally as important. Having a community of women brought together by faith is so different than simply having a group of friends. What I am talking about is a strong, intimate, and intentional community of a few people that challenge you to become your best self. For example, I have two wonderful women that have become sisters in Christ. We meet to have Bible studies, discuss our lives, and share our challenges in Faith. Having a group of two or three people gives you a second look at your own life. If allows you to journey with someone and challenge each other. It gives you the opportunity to discuss things like vocation, personal prayer, doubts, hopes, and desires. There is great joy in being surrounded by holy friendship! If you're feeling alone in your faith, or want to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, find one or two people who inspire you - peers who also want to grow in faith and virtue. Whether through blood or through friendship, they can become your sisters in Christ. Ask God to bring holy friendships into your life, and look to the apostles as a model for communal living. Embrace the joy of sisterhood - it will change you! - Emily Gignac, Director of Faith Formation
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