Format - typically 60 minutes. For 90 minutes add 5 more minutes to Fellowship and 20 minutes to Discussion time.

Welcoming/Fellowship (10 mins.)
This is a time for group members to do some visiting and 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 at this time.

Discussion Time (30-35 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 (10 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.

WHAT ARE THEY?  Fellowship Groups for Men are comprised of men from parishes who gather together to discuss their lives in the light of their Catholic faith and to share their faith and experiences through friendship, prayer, and fraternity.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A FELLOWSHIP GROUP MEETING?  Men generally meet for 60 to 90 minutes to socialize, pray, discuss their faith, and praise God.  They support, affirm, and share insights about the difficulties men encounter in both their home and work lives. They also seek God's help in dealing with these issues they confront every day.  Members strive to reinforce Christian values with others in their group, and support other men who are struggling to do the same.

WHAT WILL I GAIN FROM JOINING A FELLOWSHIP GROUP?  Men have found that by joining a Fellowship Group, they make friends among their fellow parishioners, have fun, and learn from one another on how to be a better husband, father, son, employee and Catholic parishioner.  Men say they have grown by this experience which has enabled them to form stronger, happier families and marriages and have helped them to learn how to better cope with the inevitable stresses inherent in the workplace. 

HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED IN A MEN'S FELLOWSHIP GROUP?  Contact your pastor and ask him about groups in your parish or neighboring parishes or visit the "Men's Group" link for listing of active existing groups in your area.

STARTING YOUR OWN GROUP?  Starting your own group does not have to be all that complicated.  These are some basic steps from different Men's Fellowship Groups across the Nation.

1. To form a group, don’t do it alone. Find several men in your parish to discern together.  Develop a leadership team that is co-responsible and non-hierarchical. 
2. Speak with your pastor to gain his permission and guidance for the new group.
3. Determine your mission and align your passions/talents.  What will be the topic or focus of the meeting. Visit and attend other men’s groups for ideas.   
4. Pre-plan each meeting, but be flexible, responsive, and able to adjust to an individual's needs. 
5. Location. Everyone seems to think you must meet at the church, in a meeting room and following a study plan.  That is not necessary, and in fact, not very comfortable for most men.  
6. Schedule. What works best and remember if the overall appeal is to make sure everyone can attend, more than likely you like lose momentum trying.  Shoot for a realistic number for a core group, and plan for the rest to float in as their schedules permit.
7. Format: Begin and end each gathering with a prayer, giving thanks, asking for petitions and praying for one another.  Do not be surprised if the topic of the meeting ends up in a complete different direction at the end. Remember - the Holy Spirit is in charge. Encourage personal witnessing and "testimonies" to build faith. See Sample Format.
8. Develop a plan for promoting your group in your parish. Utilize your parish bulletin, pulpit announcements  and most importantly, personal invitations.
9. Establish predictable and comfortable format that fosters spontaneity.  Always stop on time.
10. Relax and have a good time.