How to Start a Love & Responsibility Study Group

The book Love and Responsibility is a particularly appropriate starting point for understanding the Pope’s thinking, not only because it was published earlier in his life, in 1960, nearly two decades before he ascended to the throne of St. Peter in Rome, but also because it generously gives its attention to the greatest issue of our lives...and our afterlife: love.

Our experience with the Love and Responsibility Discussion Group in New York was extremely positive. We met for over two years, and our participants grew in their understanding of the beauty of the Pope’s and the Church’s teaching on love and human sexuality, but we’ve become great friends as well.

A key to our success is that we moved very slowly through the Holy Father’s writings. We met every two weeks or so, and sometimes sought to accomplish as “little” as getting through six pages in one session. But, the Pope’s thought is so rich that a slow pace allows the extraordinary wonder of the Pope’s thinking to “sink in.”

From time to time, we had special guest lecturers, and these speakers did not always have to talk directly about the relevant section of the book. We also kept our eyes open for other events in New York City that would be of interest to our group.

At each of our discussions, one of the participants summarized the section for those in attendance. This can be helpful, particularly if the presenter is well-prepared and has given the section considerable thought. It also allows those who have not done their “homework” to participate more readily. The goal is to include as many people in the discussion as possible, even if they are not able to make every session or prepare always in advance.

Organizationally, it is very helpful for each Love & Responsibility Discussion Group have at least two partners running it. The mutual encouragement is vital, and there will be meetings where one or the other co-organizer can’t make it. “Marketing” the group is an ongoing requirement. In New York, we have been fortunate to have several friends and participants enthusiastically spread the word. Maintaining a good e-mail list is a great help in this area.

Peter McFadden
www.catholicculture.com
peter@catholicculture.com
(646) 797-3221