How to Start a Theology of the Body Study Group

WHERE: The study group can be held anywhere that works, though we have found that the home setting can be the most inviting. Folks have come from as far an away to attend a study group, so a central location is a plus! Some groups rotate hosting the group and others keep it in one place. Churches and universities are also fine places to hold the group.

WHEN: Whenever works for you! Weeknights from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM seem to be a good option. One can also begin at 6:00 PM with a potluck and usually people will stay around for a while afterwards to socialize. Some groups meet on Sunday night from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, the first hour being devoted to talking and eating.

HOW: Begin and close with a prayer. Two prayers that have been chosen to pray in intercession for study groups around the world and for all those involved in spreading the message of the theology of the body are the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and the Memorare. Two to three audiences usually fit well into a two hour discussion, but it depends on the length and difficulty of the audiences – and on the tangents that inevitably occur every so often. All groups are different, but from experience, each audience takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour to read and discuss. Reading the audience out loud (taking turns reading) helps to make sure that everyone has actually read the text (in case they didn’t get around to the homework), refreshes memories and keeps the discussion in context.

Anastasia Northrop
www.theologyofthebody.net
tobia@theologyofthebody.net
(815) 828-5094