Our Method
Our way
of working
The means we use are both simple and demanding. A creative and flexible framework is proposed. Each Exercise is made up of three parts: prayer-personal reflection, sharing in small groups, and a plenary. These three parts are linked and form a whole.
Everyone in a circle
The circle gives everyone an equal place. The Holy Spirit speaks through everyone.
A feather regulates who speaks. This way of proceeding comes to us from the ‘talking-circles’ of the Native American peoples.
Listening to the Word of God together
An open Bible is placed in the centre of the circle. Someone has brought us here and is inviting us to listen.
Listening to the Word of God together sheds light on our experience and radically transforms us. It is God who acts with strength and tenderness.
The prayer sheet
A prayer sheet serves as the guiding principle for the times of personal prayer, small group exchanges, and the plenary.
It contains: a short text, an image, the grace to pray for, and suggestions for prayer and conversation with the Lord.
Prayer and/or personal reflection
The time of sharing in small groups is preceded by a personal time of silent prayer.
This personal time is guided by the ‘prayer sheet’ or, with young people, preceded by a game or a reflective activity.
In the small groups and the plenary
The sharing in the large group is prepared by the exchanges in the small groups.
The characteristic of this stage goes by the name of ‘spiritual conversation’, hearing God’s action in each person and in the group.
Each small group has a ‘timekeeper’. The groups are mixed as much as possible.
These groups come together in the plenary to take a step further, to widen the conversation, to identify a common orientation, and together answer God’s call.
Spiritual conversation
Spiritual conversation is rooted in faith. Humble and open, it is where each person gives and receives and speaks from the heart.
Listening to the Spirit together allows for the movement from ‘I’ to ‘us’ and for the group to find the will of God.
Three distinct rounds of sharing
There are three rounds of sharing in the small group. The first, to listen to each person in turn. The second, so they can interact. The third, to address the Lord together.
Between the first two rounds of sharing, each person asks themselves: ‘What has touched me the most?’
Sharing, Celebration, Seeking
Participants are invited to share their deepest aspirations as well as their most meaningful experiences of life.
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus they experience that when they speak to each other in truth, Another is there with them, leading them from death to life.
Celebrating God’s mercy together
A highlight is the community celebration of God’s Mercy.
It is well-prepared and calls upon the creativity of the participants.
Together, looking for what we are being called to
Once we are reconciled, the Lord calls us to work with him on his mission of peace and reconciliation in the world.
We contemplate Jesus, gentle and humble of heart. We immerse ourselves in his way of being and acting. Together we look for what it is we are being called to. We clarify how to respond to his call in a very concrete way and in the unique situation that is ours.
The role of the facilitating team
The group is accompanied by a team of two facilitators who, as far as possible, are different from one another. Their role is to discern in common the movements of the Spirit within the group. In this way they also live the same process of listening that is being asked of the participants. The team adapts the process according to the experience of the group.
Facilitation fees
As a guide price, in Europe the financial contribution (preparation and facilitation) is between 80 and 120 euros, per day and per facilitator. These amounts can obviously vary between countries and groups. Groups also cover the facilitators’ travel and accommodation. However, no group is excluded for financial reasons. Each group gives what it can. If a group has the means to give more, their gift is used by Esdac for the facilitation of groups who are less fortunate.
The role of the facilitating team
The group is accompanied by a team of two facilitators who, as far as possible, are different from one another. Their role is to discern in common the movements of the Spirit within the group. In this way they also live the same process of listening that is being asked of the participants. The team adapts the process according to the experience of the group.
Facilitation fees
As a guide price, in Europe the financial contribution (preparation and facilitation) is between 80 and 120 euros, per day and per facilitator. These amounts can obviously vary between countries and groups. Groups also cover the facilitators’ travel and accommodation. However, no group is excluded for financial reasons. Each group gives what it can. If a group has the means to give more, their gift is used by Esdac for the facilitation of groups who are less fortunate.
