Conversations in Communion
Parish Dialogues for Connection and Understanding
What is it?
Conversations in Communion: Parish Dialogues for Connection and Understanding is a formation program that equips Catholics to introduce the restorative practice of circle process in their parishes and ministries. Together, this facilitator guide and virtual training build capacity for deep listening, authentic encounters, and fuller participation in Catholic parish and ministry life.
Why this program?
When the Body of Christ journeys together with openness and authenticity, we are able—with the guidance of the Holy Spirit—to “stimulate trust, bind up wounds, and weave new and deeper relationships” (Synod Vademecum).
In today’s culture of isolation, polarization, and marginalization, many Catholic communities are searching for ways to bridge divides and strengthen bonds. To create environments of connection and understanding calls for a different approach — one that involves deeply listening to one another with a readiness to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Conversations in Communion: Parish Dialogues for Connection and Understanding enables parish and ministry leaders to embrace the restorative practice of circle process to become a listening, discerning Church. It provides a foundation for the practical and spiritual formation needed to introduce, design, and facilitate circle processes that illuminate the path toward communion.
This training helps us live our mission more fully. It offers a practical way to bring Catholic Social Teaching to life—through deep listening, respect, and shared humanity. Whether you serve in ministry, leadership, or community outreach, these circle practices build the trust and connection that make collaboration more effective. It equips us to model the listening, compassion, and mutual respect our communities need most.
— Conversations in communion training participant
Companion Training Upcoming Cohort Dates
JANUARY: COHORT 14
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, & 28 | 12-3 p.m. ET
Priority Deadline to Apply: December 19FEBRUARY: COHORT 15
Special-focused cohort for Women Religious
Thursdays, February 12, 26, & March 5 | 12-3 p.m. ET
Priority Deadline to Apply: January 30MARCH: Cohort 16
Thursdays, March 5, 12 & 26 | 1-4 p.m. ET
Priority Deadline to Apply: February 20Additional dates to be announced!
Interested?
Fill out the interest form to receive updates and future training dates:
Program Offerings
Conversations in Communion consists of two complementary components:
Facilitator Guide
This 40-page booklet introduces the fundamentals of circle process and the role of the facilitator. It includes materials for the planning and preparation required to host a conversation in communion.
Companion Training
This virtual training is guided by experienced circle process practitioners. It prepares parish and ministry leaders to facilitate conversations in communion within their communities.
Who is Conversations in Communion for?
The facilitator guide is for you if…
- You are discerning facilitation and want to better understand what the process involves before applying for a training
- You are already trained in circle process and looking for a refresher or to revisit the process with your parish/ministry in mind
- You wish to support broadening a culture of synodality and are looking for tools to engage your community
The companion training is for you if…
- You lead small groups in a Catholic parish or ministry
- You have prior knowledge or experience with restorative practices and/or synodality
- You desire to become a facilitator of conversations in communion within your community
Get started
Get your copy of the facilitator manual, apply for the training, and more.
The Conversations in Communion facilitator guide is a 40-page booklet that introduces the fundamentals of circle process and the role of the facilitator. Download the digital PDF or order a hardcopy version today.
Guided by experienced circle process practitioners, the Conversations in Communion companion training prepares parish and ministry leaders to facilitate conversations in communion within their communities.
These sample circle process outlines, created by Catholic ministry leaders, are intended to help facilitators initiate conversations in communion. Each includes some background context along with notes for consideration.
Get downloadable and printable materials to support your conversations in communion including prayers, guiding principles, planning worksheets, and more.
Do you still find yourself wondering about this program? Check out our FAQ’s to see if we can help answer any questions.
