Communal.
Christ-centred.
Life-giving.
On April 20, 2023, the RC Belmont Pastoral Campus was blessed by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon. It is a building that would now geographically unite all the commissions, departments, and companies of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
Over the last two years, there have been opportunities to participate in monthly online Formation Sessions led by Fr Matthew Ragbir. These sessions were a crucial component of enhancing the integral human development of individuals who are employed or volunteer at the level of the commissions within the Archdiocese.
After several months of settling into the new space, it seemed appropriate to connect with one another outside our usual office settings. Moving our commissions toward a greater sense of collaboration and co-responsibility demands substantial dedication, hard work, and patience. However, for it to function efficiently, it also necessitates the practice of prayer.
On October 12, 2023, all staff and volunteers were encouraged to attend a face-to-face formation session at St Dominic’s Hall in Belmont, facilitated by Fr Ragbir, which welcomed over 50 persons from these departments.
The session consisted of Mass which ushered in a spirit of peace and contemplation for the day’s proceedings. It was followed by a spiritual conversation, which allowed us to (i) interact with persons outside of our department (ii) express where we are both collectively and individually and (iii) be vulnerable. It was truly a synodal experience.
This Spiritual Conversation utilised the beauty of generative listening. It is the act of actively and empathetically paying attention to what others are saying, not just to understand their words, but also comprehend the underlying emotions, perspectives, and intentions.
It fostered an open and receptive atmosphere and encouraged us to share our thoughts and feelings freely. It was a space where meaningful and constructive dialogue can occur.
Within a few hours, generative listening helped us to build community, inclusivity, and dialogue, an ongoing and prevalent theme in our Archdiocese.
We are all interdependent, and our understanding of each other’s needs can only emerge through open communication. No person nor department ought to be separated from the other.
I truly believe that by coming together in this way monthly, it is an exciting step in the right direction, and it is something that we can all learn from, not only for our workspaces, but our daily lives. We shall no longer listen to hear, but to understand.
As the sessions continued on November 9, 2023, Fr Ragbir led the commissions through a session on William Bridges’ Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes.
We reflected on our lives and our ministry. This topic arose based on the responses coming out of the Spiritual Conversation conducted in October’s session. It incorporated elements of play, getting to know each other, and small group activity. “A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You the people must give it this soul” – Pope John Paul II.
As we embark on a new year, the aim is to continue what we have begun in bridging the gaps among commissions and departments and bring us to love God, love self, and love our neighbour more and more.
Chancery staff are now part of the formation exercises, joining with staff of Catholic Education Board of Management, Catholic Religious Education Development Institute (CREDI), Catholic Commission for Social Justice, Catholic Media Services Ltd, Archdiocesan Family Life Commission, Catholic Youth Commission, Evangelization Commission, Liturgical Commission, Archdiocesan Catechetical Office, and Episcopal Delegate for Commissions, Anna-Maria Garcia-Brooks.
By J’Lani De Four, CREDI