Plenary Council 2020 - 2021

OURTOPICFORTHISLISTENINGANDDIALOGUEENCOUNTER IS: WHAT HAVE I EXPERIENCED IN THIS AREA? 24 25 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. REFLECTION (3 MINUTES) In silence, for your group’s chosen topic reflect on your personal experience of faith, life and the Church leaves, deep blue of the Ocean we are surrounded by and that of our Nation’s flag. They are tones and textures that reflect our beautifully unique Australian identity. From the Plenary Website (About > Logo and Scripture) Time for short discussion. LISTENING TO THE WORD OF GOD (3 MINUTES) In the Bible, the Gospel according to Luke recounts a story of how Jesus visits the home of good friends. (Luke 10:38-42) As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” REFLECTING ON THE WORD OF GOD (2 MINUTES) We may feel sympathy for Martha, and see Mary as not pulling her weight. Yet the passage observes that Martha is distracted and Jesus notes that she is worried and upset. Sometimes we race ahead with our own agendas, perhaps forgetting to be still and sit at the feet of God and others. So let us pause before choosing our topic for discussion. There may be many pressing needs, crowding our mind for attention. Let us focus, eyes fixed on Jesus, and consider beyond all the buzz of noise what is really being asked of us at this time. Pause for silent reflection CHOOSING OUR TOPIC (3 MINUTES) Group Leader: Which topic do we think God is asking us to consider this session? 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 session. There may be two or more topics with a similar theme.