Groups of Families — Beacons of Light Ottawa

Across Ottawa, groups of families and households are discovering new ways to strengthen the spiritual and social life of their neighbourhoods. A family is not only a solitary household. It can become part of a wider network of friendship, support, prayer, learning, and service.

When households come together with a shared desire to contribute to the well-being of their community, something beautiful begins to emerge. Children are nurtured by many caring adults. Junior youth find encouragement and purpose. Youth arise to serve. Parents and friends support one another. Neighbours become companions. The circle of friendship widens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about groups of families

What is a group of families?

A group of families typically brings together 2–4 households—families and individuals with natural ties to one another—who gather regularly to pray, study the guidance of the Universal House of Justice, and serve the needs of their community.
Within such a group, members support one another as they strive to apply the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, cultivating a vibrant and transformative pattern of life that benefits both themselves and those around them, including Bahá’ís and friends of the Faith.

Why are groups of families important?

The Nine Year Plan calls on the Bahá’í community to release the society-building power of the Faith in ever-greater measures; the formation of groups of families enables large numbers to take ownership of the spiritual and material growth of their community and, through active and creative means, contribute to its transformation.
This arrangement unlocks potential by encouraging members—and those they engage—to reflect on how all can contribute to the betterment of society. It helps groups read their reality with greater clarity, consult more effectively, and support one another to serve their communities.

How is a group of families formed?

A group of families usually begins when an initiator reaches out to 2–3 nearby households, often building on existing friendships or natural connections. The invitation may take many forms—sometimes as simple as a five-minute phone call, a short conversation at a Feast, or a friendly visit over tea and coffee.

What happens in the first meetings of a group of families?

Initial gatherings often focus on clarifying the group’s purpose and approach, exploring questions such as: What is a group of families? What are the needs of adults and children? What kind of community do we hope to build?

What does it mean to be an initiator?

An initiator is a believer who, with the support of the Committee and other institutions and individuals, assumes responsibility for forming and sustaining their own group of families.
Initiators are then encouraged to participate in spaces that foster a systematic process of learning across the cluster, such as reflection gatherings and collective studies.

Together, they can

What groups of families can do

Pray together

Families and neighbours create welcoming spaces for prayer, reflection, music, and meaningful conversation.

Raise children with noble qualities

Children are helped to develop spiritual qualities such as kindness, truthfulness, generosity, justice, and love for humanity.

Empower junior youth

Young people aged 11–14 are accompanied to form a strong moral identity, develop their powers of expression, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Serve the neighbourhood

Friends consult about the needs and hopes around them and arise together in acts of service, however simple.

Reflect and learn together

Families and friends pause, reflect on experience, learn from action, and consider what steps can be taken next.

Widen the circle of friendship

As more neighbours, relatives, friends, and young people participate, a growing network of support and shared purpose begins to take shape.

Everyone has a part

Everyone can contribute

Every person has a part to play. Children, junior youth, youth, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbours all bring capacities, insights, talents, and hopes. A vibrant community is built as more and more people see themselves as protagonists of its progress.

This way of building community is not about a few people organizing activities for others. It is about many people learning to walk a path of service together.

Our well-being is connected with the well-being of those around us.

In a new light

Groups of families help us see our community in a new light. They remind us that our well-being is connected with the well-being of those around us. Through prayer, friendship, consultation, education, and service, families and neighbours can contribute to a more unified, hopeful, and vibrant Ottawa.