Final Synod Document Resources
As we move into the implementation stage of the synodal process, below are some key resources from the School for Synodality to help guide our understanding of the Final Synod Document.
Synodality 101: Our Workshops
Learn about our online series of workshops with practical application on hosting Conversations in the Spirit in your own contexts.
How do we listen to each other well? How do we step back from our own agendas to be attentive to where the Spirit is moving? How can we make better decisions about organising ourselves as Christian communities? How do we enrich our parish communal life with enriching conversations?
The Synod process has emphasised the importance of listening and good conversations in our community life. However these are not always so easy in practice! This 101: Conversations in the Spirit workshop series will introduce the principles of holding prayerful, truthful and safe conversations which value gracious listening and courageous speaking. It is suitable for all levels of experience including people who have not been involved in the Synod process so far.
Each week there will be an opportunity to experience a Conversation in the Spirit, helping to deepen our understanding of how this tool can be used to support us in talking and listening more effectively.
After attending these workshops, we hope you will have the resources you need to hold a conversation in the spirit in your community.
What to Expect:
Reflect on and experience synodality
Look at the process of Conversation in the Spirit
Draw lessons from Jesus’ ministry on the underpinning attitudes and dispositions needed for enabling Conversations in the Spirit
Consider the role of the facilitator
Give options for what to do if you do not have facilitators
Unpack the experience of the Conversation in the Spirit process
Notice the skills needed to support people in such conversations
Think about how to handle some tricky situations that may arise
Experience prayer that builds on the principles of synodality
Look at ways you might use what you are learning in your parish/group/setting
““The small group spiritual conversations were really enriching - both from the perspective of practicing skills, but also from the experience of having a spiritual conversation with people we wouldn’t otherwise ordinarily connect with.””
Conversations In the Spirit - a How To Guide
All of our ‘Conversations in the Spirit’ practical resources, including prayers, meeting prompts and methods.
‘Conversation in the Spirit’, or Spiritual Conversation, is an ancient practice of the Church and a key tool of Synodality. A prayerful method, it allows for space for the spirit as well as voices usually not heard and can be used for faith sharing, difficult conversations, or when lots of creativity or ideas are needed.
Conversation in the Spirit is a strangely practical art. It relies on good communication – being able to hear and understand one another. It can be an excellent tool to ground any conversation in the Spirit, open us to new voices and possibilities, and move us to action when appropriate.
RESOURCES
Conversations in the Spirit - methods & best practice
How to host Conversations in the Spirit - easy to follow methods, practical considerations and helpful habits to embody.
Conversations in the Spirit - prompt cards for groups
“How shall we be together?”
We have created helpful cards that can be used to facilitate Conversations in the Spirit within your own communities.
Conversations in the Spirit - Leading prayer in meetings
“where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them”
We can have a terrible culture of a ‘quick prayer’ at the beginning of meetings - but this is not enough to help us grow as living communities of faith. This process can help us enrich decision making meetings to be both more effective, and become encounters that help us grow as living communities of faith.
Download our step by step directions for group meetings that draw on the rich tradition of Lectio Divina.
Video - Introducing Conversations in the Spirit
Dr Avril Baigent introduces ‘Conversations in the Spirit’ - an ancient practice of the church which has emerged through the Synod process as a method for deep listening to one another, and to the Holy Spirit.
Video - Practicalities of Conversations in the Spirit
What exactly does having a Conversation in the Spirit with your Parish Pastoral Council entail? Dr Avril Baigent takes us through step-by-step with helpful tips.
Leading Prayer in Meetings
Step by step directions for meetings that draw on the rich tradition of Lectio Divina. This process can help us enrich decision making meetings to be both more effective, and become encounters that help us grow as living communities of faith.