About the Companion Training

The Conversations in Communion training is a companion to the program’s facilitator guide. CMN offers this training for Catholic parish and ministry leaders preparing to facilitate conversations in communion with their communities.

Upcoming Training Cohorts:

Cohort 4: January 8, 22, & 29, 2025 | 5-8 p.m. ET (Deadline to Apply: January 1)
Cohort 5: February 3, 10, & 24, 2025 | 6-9 p.m. ET
Cohort 6: March 6, 13, & 27, 2025 | 12-3 p.m. ET

In this three session, virtual training you will:

• Identify and understand the key elements of circle process through experience
• Personally integrate the practical and spiritual alignment between circle process and synodality through prayer and reflective sharing
• Discern varied types of circles as they meet the needs of your context/ministry through practice and peer support

Training Outline

Session 1: Foundations of Circle Process

Goal: Cohorts establish a learning community in which they share an immersive experience of circle process. Participants learn about this practice’s alignment with Catholic values and the synodal approach, which emphasizes deep listening, making room for the Holy Spirit, and journeying together in faith.

Session 2: Conversations that Make Way for Communion

Goal: Cohorts explore circle process as a tool for fostering synodality. Groups also discuss the flow and form of circle process, learn different types of circles that can be used to host Conversations in Communion dialogues, and ponder practical considerations for planning a circle process effectively.

Session 3: Charting a Path Forward

Goal: Participants have an opportunity to present drafted Conversations in Communion outlines and receive peer feedback. Cohorts review how to strategize a tailored approach for implementing Conversations in Communion in their particular parish or ministry.

These sessions are guided by experienced circle process practitioners, with Catholic ministry backgrounds, eager to resource your needs and questions.

Logistics

• The companion training consists of three, three-hour virtual sessions taking place over the course of four weeks.
• Trainings will be offered at a variety of days and times which will vary for each training. 
• Participants must commit to being present for all three sessions. There are no exceptions as the training is highly participatory. 
• Cost of registration is $150; scholarship opportunities will be available. 
• This training is best suited for applicants who are currently active in a parish or ministry group.

Upcoming Training Cohorts:

Cohort 4: January 8, 22, & 29, 2025 | 5-8 p.m. ET (Deadline to Apply: January 1)
Cohort 5: February 3, 10, & 24, 2025 | 6-9 p.m. ET
Cohort 6: March 6, 13, & 27, 2025 | 12-3 p.m. ET

Application

If you are interested in attending a training please apply!

The application process for the Conversations in Communion training is intended to be a tool for discernment. Please bring the questions, facilitator guide, and your prior experience into prayer while completing the application form. You are also invited to talk with others in your ministry community about your desire to apply.

If you are unsure whether the training is right for you, send an email to CMN’s Conversations in Communion Program Coordinator, Leslie Willis, at leslie@catholicsmobilizing.org.