Mary Barron, OLA

As the Executive Committee of SEDOS, we wanted to use the Conversation in the Spirit Methodology as a way of reflecting at a deep level on what the call is to missionary Institutes in a Synodal Church. I will endeavor to briefly outline the methodology so that we are all clear about the process.

By way of introduction, it is important to bear in mind that it is much more than a methodology or tool and much more than what we typically think of as a conversation.

The Instrumentum Laboris for the first session of the Synod in 2023 stated:

33. In its etymological sense, the term “conversation” does not indicate a generic exchange of ideas, but a dynamic in which the word spoken and heard generates familiarity, enabling the participants to draw closer to one another. The specification “in the Spirit” identifies the authentic protagonist: the desire of those conversing tends towards listening to His voice … Gradually the conversation between brothers and sisters in faith opens the space for a ‘hearing together’, that is, a listening together to the voice of the Spirit.

From Synod Synthesis Report 2023

35. This spiritual practice enables us to move from the “I” to the “we”: it does not lose sight of or erase the personal dimension of the “I”, but recognises it and inserts it into the community dimension.

37. In its concrete reality conversation in the Spirit can be described as a shared prayer with a view to communal discernment for which participants prepare themselves by personal reflection and meditation. They give each other the gift of a meditated word nourished by prayer, not an opinion improvised on the spot.

Synod Final Document 2024

45. Conversation in the Spirit is a tool that, even with its limitations, enables listening in order to discern “what the Spirit is saying to the Churches” (Rev 2:7). Its practice has elicited joy, awe and gratitude and has been experienced as a path of renewal that transforms individuals, groups, and the Church. The word “conversation” expresses more than mere dialogue: it interweaves thought and feeling, creating a shared vital space. That is why we can say that conversion is at play in conversation. This is an anthropological reality found in different peoples and cultures, who gather together in solidarity to deal with and decide matters vital to the community. Grace brings this human experience to fruition. Conversing “in the Spirit” means living the experience of sharing in the light of faith and seeking God’s will in an evangelical atmosphere within which the Holy Spirit’s unmistakable voice can be heard.

In this brief video, Fr. John Dardis, SJ, outlines the starting point for a Conversation in the Spirit, some theological foundations, and then two key elements: active listening and intentional speaking.

VIDEO (See separate transcript)

Now I would like to give a brief overview of how to engage in a Conversation in the Spirit….

There is a handout in the notes which captures in more detail what I am about to share now.

Conversation in the Spirit (CIS)

Preparation

Prepare for the CIS by taking time for silent reflection and prayer as you reflect on the key question offered for the CIS. In this phase we are intentional in going beyond merely an intellectual response to the question, rather, inviting the Spirit to guide our response, allowing it to percolate within us. It is helpful to write down what you are going to share, at least the key points.

Introductions

As a group, appoint a facilitator whose role is to ensure (i) each person has the opportunity to speak and (ii) all speakers respect the time allowance.

It is also helpful at the beginning to appoint a Group Secretary whose role is to record the outcome of round three of the sharing, the fruit of the group dialogue that the group desires to share with the entire assembly.

Now a word about the Role of the Facilitator

• Open the CIS with a brief prayer

• Explain the task in each round and invite a volunteer to begin the sharing. Once one person begins, the others follow in a clockwise direction, to the left.

• Use mobile phone to guide the timing of each speaker. It is helpful to set the phone sound to ring when the time is completed (2 or 3 minutes as indicated).

• Ensure that the time allocated to each person is respected

• Alert the speaker when 30 seconds are remaining (a coloured card may be helpful)

• Ensure silence between each person speaking

• Ensure 1-2 minutes silence after round 1 and round 2

• Ask for a ‘group representative/secretary’ to record the group contribution during Round 3

• Invite someone to pray in thanksgiving at the conclusion of the sharing

The Process: Three Rounds of Sharing

1st round sharing

In this round each person offers their response to the question being considered: (2- 3 min max) There are no comments or responses. It is a simple sharing of each persons discerned wisdom.

• There are no comments or reactions – only attentive listening

• Each person respects the time allocated, ensuring all group members can share comfortably.

• A moment of silence between each person’s sharing.

• It can be helpful to note what strikes you during the sharing.

After Round 1, give 1-2 minutes for silence before beginning round 2, so that each can reflect on what was heard. This allows for some further depth and allows each person to prepare for round 2 which moves to response: what did I hear from others? What touched me most? How did I feel as I listened and why?

2nd round sharing

What did you hear or sense from one another in your group? What is the Spirit moving in you to share of what you heard?

(1-2 min max.) This is no longer what you think, but what you heard from the others in the group. What did you hear and sense?

• There are no comments or reactions – only attentive listening

• Respect the time allocated

• Pause between each speaker

• It can be helpful to take notes on what strikes you as each person speaks

• When everyone has spoken, keep 2 - 3 minutes of silence

3rd round sharing

What are WE hearing that we would like to share with the large group? What is the Spirit saying to us as a Group?

• Facilitator reminds the group of the task of round 3 which is to discern what the Spirit is saying to us as a Group.

• This is a more free flowing dialogue

• General conversation to determine the key points the group will share.

• Not necessary to move in a clockwise direction but important that the facilitator ensures all members have the opportunity to share

• Group secretary records what the group together decides as the 1-2- 3 key points.

• When group has concluded, the facilitator invites a volunteer to close the conversation with a prayer of gratitude.