• Be clear about your purpose.
• Choose a study program that suits your purpose.
• Agree on norms for discussion.
• Agree on the commitment to the group study.
• Settle housekeeping matters.
• Agree on leadership.
• Put God at the center.

• Welcoming (5-10 mins.) – This is a time for the leader and group members to do some visiting. You could also extend this time to share a meal together and enjoy fellowship.
• Opening Prayer (5 mins.) – This is a time to get focused and invite our Lord to guide the group and the discussion.  The “Our Father” or another prayer may be said during this time.
• Discussion Time(30-40 minutes) – This is the time to discuss the study questions for the weekly lesson or chapter. Participants may be expected to have read the lesson material and answered the study questions prior to each group meeting. Another option could be reading the material and answering the questions together during this time. At the end of the discussion time, the leader may want to see if there are any specific goals that the members would like to work on between now and the next meeting. Make sure to follow-up on the goals at the beginning of the discussion time at the next meeting.
• Closing Prayer (5 mins.) – This is a time to bring closure to the discussion, pray about what has been talked about, and allow time for any other special intentions from group members.  The “Hail Mary” or another prayer may be said during this time.
• Socializing Time (5-10 mins.) – The leader and/or group members may decide that this is a time they would like to have a snack and beverages (tea, coffee, etc.) available.

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