“People easily form clubs, fraternal societies, and the like, based on congeniality, which may give rise to real intimacy....Where there is a little common interest and activity, kindness grows like weeds by the roadside.”

--Charles Horton Cooley, 1909, p. 26

A group can be seen as a self managing unit. Most researchers define a small group as having at least three and no more than twelve or fifteen members. A group needs to have at least three members; otherwise it would simply be a dyad. With three members, coalitions can be formed and some kind of organization is present. Too large of a group (more than twelve or fifteen members) inhibits the group members' ability to communicate with everyone else in the group.

A group's members must be able to communicate freely and openly with all of the other members of the group. Groups will develop norms about discussion and roles which will affect the group's interaction.

A group must have a common purpose or goal and they must work together to achieve that goal. The goal brings the group together and holds it together through conflict and tension. For a simple definition of a group, you can visit: http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/groups/definition.html

Furthermore, there are many types of groups. There are task groups, committee groups, conflict management groups, focus groups, self-interest groups, support groups like Alcoholic Anonymous, evaluation groups, and many more.

In addition, it is important to understand that groups go through process of changes.

Bearing in mind the previous definition of a group, then the question is what type of group do we want? Of course, I know the answer is: one that that is Christ-Centered. So how do we create such group? You have the answer.

Let me begin by laying the differences between a Catholic group and a secular group. In the secular world, there are different forms of groups. Yet a Catholic group is different from those, though we hold in common some elements. A Christ-centered group differs from secular groups in structure, mission, purpose, and vision. Most of the groups in the secular world are self-interested, self-centered, and use exclusionary criteria. On the contrary, a Catholic group is Christ-centered, welcomes everyone, and is neighbor-oriented. So far, the difference is clear. Now it is time to move on to its creation.

There are many approaches to the creation of a group, ranging from complex to simple. However, the purpose of this paper is not to explain or grade the best approach. The purpose of this paper is to encourage and guide the selection of a new one. Think of it in terms of phases.

In this phase, leaders will reflect on the dynamics of the group. In other words, it is a period of time to grasp main concepts and working definitions. It is crucial that everyone be on the same page. Now, let us proceed to the presentation of what is needed.

As a participant and a leader of a youth group, I have come to notice the underlying working principles which lead to a standing and successful group.

I don’t claim to possess the perfect formula or the only best working model. I even refuse to seek for such perfect formula or the only best working model. Rather, my proposed approach seeks to devise a working model that best benefits the church in general, takes into consideration diversity of opinion and expectations, and it is Christ centered, not human-centered—not Fulano’s or mengano’s ideals or view points. In concrete and short, it consists in the integration or combination of knowledge from different willing and well-intentioned young Catholics, wisdom from Christ, and the exposition and preservation of Catholic doctrine that is committed to offering an oasis for those who thirst and are in need of Christ healing, guidance, and most important, salvation. It will always work if the following prominent thought is nourished and sustained through out the journey: “It is a youth group for young Catholics from young Catholics in which the following of Christ’s teaching is the main goal”.

Once the purpose of the group is well-established and understood, it is imperative and urging to find those noble young men and women, who will guard, promote, ascribe, obey, and commit to the task at hand. This is the second phase of the process.

I cannot stress enough this particular step in the process. Allow me to put forth my rationale. As always, my foundation comes from the teachings of Christ found in the bible. Before leaving, Christ left in charge a number of men. In other words, he created a structure to safeguard the order and the delivery of the gospel. First, he chose twelve apostles. Then, he chose Peter as the head of the church. And before ascending into heaven, he appointed 72 disciples to go in pairs to proclaim the gospel. This is exactly what Moses did many years before. And this is exactly the structure of the church today. Don’t think that it is mere coincidence or a chance. It has a purpose. It creates balance, harmony, and grounds for accomplishing a purpose.

Therefore, should not our group follow the same line of thought? I invite you to look at history. I think it proves its validity or feasibility. It works!!!

Therefore, because it is a compelling reason, I chose Jesus’ approach. First, I propose that 7 leaders be chosen. I chose the number 7 because it means completeness. If the group grows in number or in missionary work, then one can augment that number as needed.

Such leaders should be first and foremost obedient to their leader, creative, Christ-centered not ego centric ( “Jenny” thinks her idea is the best; if they don’t consider it, she leaves); faithful, committed, generous, cognizant of the group’s mission, purpose, and vision, prayer oriented, willing to sacrifice and be an example, well-behaved, and honest among others. I also propose that a leader be chosen from among the core group. I am sure there are many ways to accomplish this step. An example is casting a vote (those who are called to choose the leader need to be reminded of how one chooses led by the Holy Spirit in prayer and not by feelings or degree of connection= friendship). Whoever gets more votes wins.

This leader should be of great character, loyal to the Church and its teaching, thoughtful of its brothers and sisters, obedient, generous, and burning with a passion to follow God’s plan. Caution, I am not talking about a Saint. His mission is to honor the vision and purpose of the group by carefully selecting the best approach to solving a problem, creating a new activity, or implementing an old one. Unfortunately, people tend to be afraid of having a strong leader for fear of the possibility of not having their voices heard. I believe that if the leader loves the group and understands his role, co-leaders have no reason to be afraid of dictatorship. A strong leader is necessary to accomplish the purpose of the group.

Sometimes, a member of the core group might think that his/her voice was not heard because the majority voted against his input. Perhaps, this is the truth. But then again, one needs to weigh priorities. Are you there to advance your personal agenda or to help the group flourish?

Something that will help is to understand that sometimes our ideas are not the best ideas and most of the time they are motivated by personal gain. The role of the leader is to interpret the diversity of opinion and translate it into a tangible solution. The role of the core group member is to provoke and provide thoughts and to push the thought process of the group to its limits so that the result will be beneficial to all and to the group. Don’t panic if disagreement arises. Disagreement is a blessing because it allows to see another point of view, it stretches the minds are stretched out to bear the best solution to the problem. Together as a team, great accomplishments are possible.

In this phase, the group seeks to create a working meeting model for its monthly or biweekly meetings.

“Don’t waste your co-leaders time and yours”. This is a practice of those members who are more concerned with their personal agenda than with the welfare of the group. This part of the process is as vital as running the group or presenting the talks. A meeting should be organized and purpose-oriented. Members should come with talking points in mind or written on a paper. They should consider what was left over from the previous meeting. Of course, a sound idea would be to resolve any problem in just one meeting or in the least amount of meetings possible.

Prioritize!!!! Give importance to the most relevant issues first. On the other hand, don’t neglect the least important ones. Make sure that the meeting is run in an organized manner, having someone directing it (the leader or a designated member). Respect everyone’s opinion and take turns. Give X amount of time to each member to speak. Have every member arrive on time. Begin and end with a prayer and the intersection of the Holy Spirit (See prayer to the Holy Spirit). Encourage member to arrive 10 minutes earlier and go to the Blessed Sacrament for guidance and wisdom.

Sin #1: People don't take meetings seriously. They arrive late, leave early, and spend most of their time doodling.

Sin #2: Meetings are too long. They should accomplish twice as much in half the time.

Sin #3: People wander off the topic. Participants spend more time digressing than discussing.

Sin #4: Nothing happens once the meeting ends. People don't convert decisions into actions.

Sin #5: People don't tell the truth. There's plenty of conversation, but not much candor (people don’t speak up their minds).

Sin #6: Meetings are always missing important information, so they postpone critical decisions.

Sin #7: Meetings never get better. People make the same mistakes. http://www.fastcompany.com/online/02/meetings.html

This is just an overview. Remember, you know best what your group needs.

Establishing the internal working principles of the group is the next step. This is where you decide who will do what, when, where, and how. Voluntarily, ask leaders what would be their role in the group. But first, define what the available choices are. Important tasks include: welcoming people, writing their information, collecting funds for the group, bringing food, worship or adoration music at the beginning, opening the room and setting the chairs, a time tracker to guide the length of the talk, and somebody to do the announcements at the end—make it short: 2 minutes.

Be selective of the core group members. Not everyone is there to help. Give everyone a chance, but be aware of those who are not willing to cooperate. Those who are not being an example need to be invited to re-evaluate their actions and step back until tyea are ready to resume working for Christ again. Do it with love and understanding.

Be cautious and screen the content of every talk.

Be careful of how the money of the group is spent. Create a budget and prioritize how the money is going to be spent. Example: should we set aside $12 dollars for food or $15. How much to contribute to help programs of the church such as St. Vicente de Paul, Radio Paz, ABCD charities, etc?

The distribution of a task force: When there is a church event, who will lead the team, how, etc?

In the face of a controversial issue or task, appoint two persons or committees to solve it.

Assignment of responsibilities: trust the person who is in charge of a certain ministry or assignment. Monitor the way the person carries it out. It is wise that such person be opened to new ideas from others but the ultimate decision belongs to her/him. This person needs to be fully responsible for such role.

Confidentiality. Everything that is discussed in the core group should remain confidential. Never allow gossip. Encourage every member to voice their discomfort in the meeting not somewhere else.

Remember the fallen nature of each member. Conflicts will result most of the time. Pay attention to it. Just deal with it in practical terms and with respect.

When choosing a leader, screen his/her available time, his/her ability to compromise his personal time and that of the group. Test the leader. Present a scenario and see how well the leader responds. Ask questions about the history of the person, involvement in school, relationships with others, with parents, adherence to the church teachings, obedience to priests, and other relevant background information. Ask how the leader can help the group achieve its mission. If elected, what does the leader sees as priorities and needs? How could it be solved? Is the person aware of the history of the group and how can the group be advance from yesterday to today and into tomorrow?

Always bear in mind the stages of a new idea. First there is formulation, then implementation, and finally evaluation.

Always recognize the great devotion and faithfulness of a member.

Remember that we all make mistakes. Therefore, do not criticize. Just offer solutions. If somebody has a new idea, don’t just throw it out. Think about it, plan, and offer a detailed way of carrying it out in order to get others to support it.

Once again leaders, listen to your co-leaders.

Core group, be supportive and obedient of your leader.

Let’s all be responsible. Do your part despite what others do or fail to do. Remember this is for Christ, not for the leader, not for you.