Use the questions provided to keep the sharing on track. If someone drifts too far (such as a philosopher” or “life a for world issues”), ask the question again or ask, how were you connecting that to the “spokesperson “Now, original question?” Or, you summarize that into a sentence or two?” “Could Be as concrete as possible in your responses to the questions. Avoid always never folks “I …,” “I …,” “My always taught me to Encourage specifics by asking there ever been a time when you or ….” “Has …?” “Could you give us a (small) example of that?” Gauge the group you are facilitating. Though the time together is not a time for group therapy or group problem solving, it is important to gauge as well as you can who is in your group and why they are there. What do they need from this group? What are they able to bring to the group? Do when it is appropriate to share. Being the facilitator doesn’t mean you can’t share your experiences. Invite the group to listen deeply to each person who is speaking avoiding cross talk or interrupting someone speaking. Silence is a vital part of faith-sharing. Be comfortable with it. Encourage sharing by everyone but do not insist that they share. The leader may address each group member with an invitation to share, even if the response is only to say pass.” As the group gets better acquainted, this may “I not be necessary. during the sharing; what is essential is that people are encouraged to It is not essential to get through all questions share. Be joyful! Yes it is Lent and we don’t always equate Lent with joy, but what a great opportunity to get to know other people in your faith community. Show that you are happy to facilitate the group and look forward to being with them each week. Let the joy of the Gospel show on your face! *You may consider asking participants to take turns each week to bring refreshments.
Use the questions provided to keep the sharing on track. If someone drifts too far (such as a “life philosopher” or a “spokesperson for world issues”), ask the question again or ask, “Now, how were you connecting that to the original question?” Or, “Could you summarize that into a sentence or two?” Be as concrete as possible in your responses to the questions. Avoid “I always …,” “I never …,” “My folks always taught me to ….” Encourage specifics by asking “Has there ever been a time when you …?” or “Could you give us a (small) example of that?” Gauge the group you are facilitating. Though the time together is not a time for group therapy or group problem solving, it is important to gauge as well as you can who is in your group and why they are there. What do they need from this group? What are they able to bring to the group? Do when it is appropriate to share. Being the facilitator doesn’t mean you can’t share your experiences. Invite the group to listen deeply to each person who is speaking avoiding cross talk or interrupting someone speaking. Silence is a vital part of faith-sharing. Be comfortable with it. Encourage sharing by everyone but do not insist that they share. The leader may address each group member with an invitation to share, even if the response is only to say “I pass.” As the group gets better acquainted, this may not be necessary. It is not essential to get through all questions during the sharing; what is essential is that people are encouraged to share. Be joyful! Yes it is Lent and we don’t always equate Lent with joy, but what a great opportunity to get to know other people in your faith community. Show that you are happy to facilitate the group and look forward to being with them each week. Let the joy of the Gospel show on your face! *You may consider asking participants to take turns each week to bring refreshments.
Speak_in_the_Light_Parish_Leader_packet.docx