Facilitator Guide
Conversations in Communion: Parish Dialogues for Connection and Understanding
About the Facilitator Guide
The facilitator guide is your introduction to the Conversations in Communion program.
In 2021, Pope Francis called for a Synod on Synodality, a special global consultation process inviting us to listen, pray, and communally discern so that we might better respond to the movements of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church. Upon its announcement, parish and diocesan leaders turned to CMN for guidance in the deep listening processes that restorative practices could offer. This facilitator guide gathers that guidance.
Circle process is a core restorative practice that is informed by Native and Indigenous peacemaking traditions. It involves participants sitting in a circle with a facilitator guiding the dialogue in which every person has an opportunity to contribute a response. The structure of circle process allows for rich encounter in which participants share openly and listen deeply.
The Conversations in Communion facilitator guide expands on this synodal invitation and outlines circle process as a path forward for parish and ministry groups.
In the facilitator guide you’ll find:
- Introductions to synodality and circle process
- Fundamentals of facilitating conversations in communion
- Recommendations for designing and preparing for a conversation in communion
- Tools and resources for planning
Two Ways to Order
The Conversations in Communion facilitator guide is now available for PDF download and hard copy ordering. Download the PDF today or place a pre-order for the printed facilitator guide—we’ll let you know when they are ready to ship.
1. Download the PDF
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the facilitator guide for Conversations in Communion: Dialogues for Connection and Understanding, valued at $30, is available to you for download at no cost.
2. Order a Print Copy
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the printed facilitator guide, valued at $30 is available to you at no cost. A $10 donation is requested to offset the cost of shipping and handling. Bulk orders of 10 or more facilitator guides are discounted at 50%. (Ships only within the USA. Sorry, no international orders. Please download the PDF version instead.)
Fill out the form below to order your copy today.
Don’t Forget! The Conversations in Communion facilitator guide is not meant to be used in isolation. If you are new to circle process or synodality, please apply to attend a Conversations in Communion training.
More from Conversations in Communion
Explore additional program offerings.
Explore the program landing page to learn more about the program offerings, why it was created, and so much more.
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 outlines, created by Catholic circle facilitators, 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.
