What Is Samuel Group?: Samuel Group is a fellowship of young adults, ages 19-30, who meet together once a month from September through April in order to study, pray, and discover their individual vocations – their lifetime call from God. The purpose of the program is to equip young adults with the tools they need to approach vocational discernment with peace, joy and confidence.
What is the history of Samuel Group?: The program began in 1987, when Cardinal Martini of Milan, led a group of 100 young men and women on a spiritual journey to discover their call in life. Cardinal Martini's talks and spiritual direction were based on the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, a master in the Discernment of Spirits. Cardinal Martini gave the Apostles of the Interior Life his blessing and encouraged them to teach discernment as part of their apostolate. Samuel Group has been offered for several years on different campuses.
Why Should I Consider Samuel Group?: Every Christian has a vocation, a special invitation from God to become holy and whole, to walk a unique, earthly path that leads ultimately to heaven. Each Samuel Group participant is encouraged to bring his or her unique questions, desires, strengths and weaknesses to God, and to learn to respond to His loving voice. Each discovers what he or she needs to do to know the Lord better, which in turn leads to a deeper knowledge of the true self and what it means to live in the joy of Christ.
One Last Thing: Just as Pope John Paul II encouraged young people to devote one day each month to prayer and reflection, so too we Apostles of the Interior Life invite you to set aside a few hours on a Sunday afternoon in order to discover your vocation, your special call from God.
Obligations: 1) Participate fully and actively in all monthly meetings 2) Desire growth in and through the exercise of prayer 3) Reduce non-essential use of television and internet 4) Meet with a spiritual director at least once each month Meetings The meetings are composed of guided reflection, Adoration, small group sharing, and a brief social break.