Decalogue for Faith Sharing
Decalogue Half Sheet Printable (pdf)
Meetings are led by the Holy Spirit through Mary.
The purpose of the meeting is:
to become aware of my weaknesses and the truth of being loved by God.
to respond to the desire to deepen my faith.
to be open to others, my brothers and sisters in the group.
to share different experiences of my faith and how God is present in my life.
When I go to the meeting, I will pray to God for others and myself.
The prayer of empty hands or that of the tax collector is recommended.
I will remember that I am God's child who has the right to trust and await miracles.
As a participant in our meeting I will:
serve others and not count my own merits.
create an atmosphere of calm, focus/concentration and openness.
not impose on others my ways of thinking, reacting and perceiving.
avoid giving advice or solving others' problems.
speak from my personal "I" rather than use such terms as "you, we, us, people, we should, others do this."
avoid discussion and criticism.
By keeping what is shared in the meeting confidential, I will preserve each participant's freedom to share openly and protect their dignity as a child of God.
I will not be afraid of moments of silence, since I or somebody else may need time to reflect. Moments of silence provide us with unique opportunities for prayer and entrustment to God.
I will remember to attentively listen to what my brother or sister is saying in order to help them in the process of sharing.
When I give a witness talk or share my faith, God's grace is not only given to me, but it is being multiplied and given to others.
Above all, God expects from me humility and openness. Even one person who is humble and open to God can create an appropriate climate during a given meeting that will spread to all participants. The most important and desirable goal is not the format of the meeting, but it is to be open to God's grace and presence.
Prayer after sharing: Thank you, God, for allowing me to see the truth about my weaknesses and how it calls upon the abyss of your merciful love.