Cells (or small church groups) are a world-wide movement and that cross denominations. They compliment other Christian programs currently running in the Parish. 

Unlike those programs, ‘Cells’ will not be defined by a fixed duration but instead enjoy an on-going development and experience for all those who wish to participate in celebrating life in a relationship with God.

Cells are a way of focusing a small group of Christians in the Mission of Jesus, our life experiences and participating in the fellowship and word of God.

Cells mirror the Church in that all the elements of ‘Church’ are found within a Cell Group; worship, evangelisation, discipleship and pastoral care. While these Ministries take place in the Cell most of the ministry takes place outside of the meeting time. … Extract from St Mary’s, Sale Web Page.

Originally the early Church began its existence as a series of small groups or ‘Cells’. In the last 40 years or so, Cells have begun forming as a reaction and response to Pope Paul VI call in ‘Evangelii Nuntiandi’ – the Church’s Mission.

This vision has been re-emphasized by Pope John Paul II, and more recently our Archbishop Dennis Hart and Bishops who have called on us all to ‘experience and participate’ in the Church’s call to a new evangelisation.

Cells first appeared in Korea, then Ireland, United States, Italy, Asia and then finally in Australia over a decade ago. Our image for our Cells is like those formed at St Eustorgio in Milan and St Edwards in Florida. This model has also been running successfully at St. Mary’s Cathedral Sale for many years. We have been able to utilize much of what these Parishes have learned from their experiences to help us establish and adapt Cells here at St. Francis.

Cells are all about REALTIONSHIPS! RELATIONSHIPS! RELATIONSHIPS! Cells is about reaching out to others, those close to us, who we call our Oikos (from the Greek household; our family, friends, work colleagues, other parishioners, etc Acts 10 and 11) to bring them into experiencing the special love and relationship that can come from knowing God more intimately.

Cells can help us to open ourselves up to Jesus and commit ourselves and our Community to fellowship and Christian values.