Plenary Council 2020 - 2021

OUR FIRST TOPIC FOR OUR LISTENING AND DIALOGUE ENCOUNTER IS: WHAT HAVE I EXPERIENCED IN THIS AREA? HOW HAS ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE INFLUENCED MY OWN? 18 19 REFLECTION (3 MINUTES) In silence, for your group’s chosen topic reflect on your personal experience of faith, life and the Church SHARE AND LISTEN (20 MINUTES FOR ONE HOUR SESSION; 50 MINUTES FOR 90 MINUTE SESSION) Take turns to share aloud with each other your personal experience of faith, life and the Church. When others are speaking, remember to listen with an open and humble heart. REFLECTION (2 MINUTES) After each person has shared, in silence, reflect on how stories shared by other people have influenced your own perspective. You may want to write or sit quietly with your thoughts. “their hearts burn within them”. Before we relate our stories of life and faith, let us pause. We can sometimes list things off the top of our head, both good and bad. Our plenary question invites us deeper. What is it that makes your heart burn within you? What are you truly passionate about? Pause for silent reflection CHOOSING OUR FIRST TOPIC (3 MINUTES) Group Leader: From our sharing last week, what are the top three topics we think God is asking us to discuss in depth? Each member shares their top three topics. The group leader makes a note and the topic with the most interest becomes the discussion topic for this week. There may be two or more topics with a similar theme. REMINDER: RESPECTFUL LISTENING AND DIALOGUE POINTS Group Leader: In the spirit of respectful listening and dialogue, we ask that we respect the following: • While someone is speaking, we do not interrupt. • We speak only from our own viewpoint, not seeking to correct or challenge another’s stance, but to offer our own position. Phrases like: “I think differently…” or “In my opinion…” may help. • Sometimes, if there are strong emotions, or if we need to allow others to speak, we are asked at this time to give our permission for the group leader to politely interrupt. Is that okay? Our voices are important. Let us speak boldly and with passion, and listen with an open and humble heart.