Circle process supports synodal collaboration across diocese

Staff from across the Diocese of Phoenix participated in Catholic Mobilizing Network’s Conversations in Communion training… and they are putting it into action.

When Bishop John Dolan arrived in the Diocese of Phoenix, embracing synodality was a primary focus for him. This was perhaps made most clear in the diocese’ establishment of the permanent Office of Synodality and Planning, a demonstration of the ongoing work to implement synodality even after the formal conclusion of the historic Synod on Synodality, which took place throughout the global Church from October 2021 through October 2024.

A way of prioritizing a synodal way of proceeding for the diocese, practically speaking, would mean equipping diocesan staff with the tools needed to truly be a synodal diocese. Bishop Dolan contacted Catholic Mobilizing Network to assist in that formation work through its Conversations in Communion: Parish Dialogues for Connection and Understanding program.

Created in response to the Synod on Synodality to equip parish and diocesan leaders in the restorative practice of circle process, Conversations in Communion was designed to model a way of dialoguing that creates space for deep listening and communal discernment. Through the robust facilitator guide and a companion three-part virtual training, the program provides practical and spiritual formation needed to introduce, plan, and facilitate circle processes across a broad range of ministry arenas.

The Training

In March of 2025, the diocese convened 9 directors and staff from the office of Human Dignity. Diocesan leaders learned about the circle process — a dialogue method that is informed by Native and Indigenous peacemaking traditions and has expressions across global Christian communities. 

While seated in a circle, participants pass a talking piece to signal the speaking order. Facilitators guide the dialogue using a series of prompts or questions to which every person has the opportunity to contribute a response.

“The process that we learned was methodical and deliberate in that, it’s not a conversation, it’s sharing without the fear of interruption. That was probably the most impactful, just learning the steps to have a particularly fruitful sharing experience.” — Ted

Over the course of three virtual sessions, these colleagues built relationships with one another, generated ideas for existing outreach and emerging goals, and drafted plans for their first dialogues with the ministry teams they lead.

Now, they are bringing this process to their individual ministries and it is being welcomed in parishes, schools, and the broader Catholic community.

In Mental Health Ministry

Brian Cannon, who serves as Mental Health Advocacy Program Manager, has developed a series of listening modules to hear from young people, parents, school faculty and staff, and youth ministers about their experiences with mental health that are breaking down the stigmas and feelings of isolation.

“When there are difficult things to talk about, having a very well-defined and calm structure opens people up. Because it means they don’t have to explain themselves. They can just share whatever is on their heart.” — Brian

This intentional listening is not only comforting for those who share, it is having a real impact on decisions being made by principles at Catholic schools, parish-based programs, and even local policy.

“I meet with a lot of mayors and town council members and they want to be connected to their constituents, but they don’t always have the vehicle to do that. So I go into those meetings and I can say ‘here’s what I’m hearing from different segments in your community.’ I’m a messenger of what’s going on and what’s possible.” — Brian

In Prison Ministry

Ted Ebner was already leading classes inside of nearby Juvenile Prisons as the Coordinator for Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice. The circle process gave him the confidence to lead class differently — where discussions were more balanced and more open, even among kids from rival gangs.

“These kinds of spaces don’t typically exist in detention centers. Kids are opening up more, asking each other more questions, and exploring sacraments in a way I hadn’t seen before. They’re moving toward making meaningful changes, more than just surviving detention.” — Ted

Now that Ted and Brian are both trained in Conversations in Communion, they see new ways to bring their issue areas together. 

Ted and Brian worked together to gather the Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, the deputy, and staff with Catholic Bishops and judiciary heads from other denominations for an inter-faith roundtable on restorative justice, prison ministry, and mental health — using the circle process.

And this is just one example among many …

Across the Diocese

These program alumni were emphatic: Conversations in Communion is not another thing to add to the plate. It is a tool that will help you accomplish the goals you’re already trying to achieve. The process is showing up in their synod for young people and pastoral planning ahead of the anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

These directors within the Diocese of Phoenix say that Conversations in Communion helps them do their work more effectively with both practical and personal benefits.

“I still get nervous before I go talk to people and when I know I have something I can rely on, that really helps me be confident with a process that works. That lets me let the Holy Spirit act more.” — Ted

Throughout our conversation, both Ted and Brian repeated how their shared formation in Conversations in Communion gave all who participated a common process and common language for carrying out God’s mission that is now woven into the fabric of the diocese.