CRS Boston Leaders Retreat

January 16-17, 2009

 

This year what had previously been an annual new yearŐs retreat for CRS Boston service team leaders was opened up to all leaders in the renewal. The theme of the day was reconciliation with an emphasis on practical exercises.

Jackie Sitte, a professional counselor associated with the Association of Christian Therapists led the sessions by first teaching about what kinds of situations cause conflict and separation. Then she guided several courageous volunteers who play acted situations involving difficult and confrontational personal communication.

Models of people and groups in different stages of faith development were described. There is a four-stage model showing progression through pseudo-community, chaos, emptiness, and full community. A five-stage model is as follows:

 

Areas of differences and conflicts were identified. But the context of the presentation is that community canŐt exist without diversity. And in true community all are open to express their feelings and approaches without fear of retribution. It was stressed that all must be active listeners. Active listening was the focus of the guided confrontation situations.

 

 

The people identified many areas where differences and conflict can arise. Conflict was defined as two ideas trying to share the same place.

 

The people also identified many characteristics of healthy community.

 

The power of affirmation was demonstrated in a two-circle exercize where all passed on the affirmation they would like to receive to others. This led to a period of praise to our loving God who binds us together in our diverse nature.

 

 

All attending were furnished with handout tools about healthy conflicts, fighting creatively, and effective  communications during confrontation.

 

Our closing liturgy was led by Father Michael McNamara. We were joined by a teen renewal group led by Father Matt Williams.

 

Our prayer going forth is to recognize that any healthy community will have diversity and conflicts. We should embrace our differences lovingly.