I had to post the ‘Arise’ principles and guidelines to be read before every session. I am so impressed, especially with my insistence upon a meaningful and effective social life. No more nonsense tolerated. I am in a mature, responsible, spiritually flowering position. I am no longer desperate, vulnerable to those unable to establish psychologically sound lives. Discernment, the silence of God, prayer, patience, all call forth an advanced level of living in the world, even if it is only a precursor to the consecrated life. I have been involved in various support groups, embracing the profoundness of the AA message, while understanding I will never attend another AA meeting. I recognize a maturity within the ‘Arise’ approach never experienced before. The following is taken directly from the ‘Arise’ booklet. I love the words used, simple ideas touching deeply.
FAITH-SHARING PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES
The following guidelines will keep your faith-sharing community focused, and help you to grow in faith, hope, and charity.
PRINCIPLES:
Faith is a gift from God. God leads each person on his or her spiritual journey. This happens in the context of the Christian community.
Christ, the Word made flesh, is the root and foundation of Christian faith. It is because of Christ, and in and through Him that we come together to share our faith.
‘Faith sharing’ refers to the shared reflections on the action of God in one’s life experience as related to Scripture and the faith of the Church.
Faith sharing is not discussion, problem solving, nor Scripture study. It is an opportunity for an encounter between a person in the concrete circumstances of his or her own life and a loving God leading to a conversion of heart.
The entire faith-sharing process is an expression of prayerful reflection.
GUIDELINES:
Constant attention to respect, honesty, and openness for each person will assist the community’s growth.
Each person shares on the level where he or she feels comfortable.
Silence is a vital part of the total process. Participants are given time to reflect before any sharing begins, and a period of comfortable silence might occur between sharing by individual participants.
Before sharing a second time, participants are encouraged to wait until all others who wish to do so have contributed.
The entire community is responsible for participating and faith sharing.
Confidentiality, allowing each person to share honestly, is essential.
The natural culmination of the sharing should be the action commitment, the key to the spiritual growth of both individuals and community.
