Plenary Council 2020 - 2021

OURTOPICFORTHISLISTENINGANDDIALOGUEENCOUNTER IS: WHAT HAVE I EXPERIENCED IN THIS AREA? 30 31 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 been for me an experience of the wondrous workings of the Holy Spirit … and I accept as coming from God what the Plenary Council has decided.” Ormond Rush Plenary Council Participation and Reception: Synodality and Discerning the Sensus Fidelium (See Plenary 2020 Website for full article) Time for short discussion. LISTENING TO THE WORD OF GOD (3 MINUTES) In the Bible, the Gospel according to Luke recounts a story of Jesus’ return to his hometown. (Luke 4:16-20) He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” REFLECTING ON THE WORD OF GOD (2 MINUTES) In this striking passage, we gain a sense of Jesus’ priorities. We have been reflecting on what God might be asking for us in Australia. Take another look at this passage. Consider our discussions of the last few weeks. Before we relate our stories of life and faith this time, let us pause to consider the distinction between “What are we asking for in Australia at this time?” versus “What is God asking of us in Australia 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.