As you are likely aware, many Families of Parishes will be a site for a Conversation in the Spirit listening session. We are truly grateful for the hospitality of pastors and staff for this important element of Synod 2027! As a staff member or parishioner leader, you are likely familiar with many people in Families of Parishes. We would appreciate your help in discerning people who might fill three roles in order to make the Conversations in the Spirit as fruitful as possible. We have included a detailed role description, but briefly, we are seeking:

One room facilitator who will help set the tone for the session, lead prayer, and keep time throughout the process. A detailed script and training will be provided for this role. You yourself might wish to serve in this capacity (and if so, we would be extremely grateful for your willingness to do so), or you might suggest someone whom you believe would fulfill this role well.

Table hosts, one per table, will gently guide the table if the conversation strays from the process. The table hosts will also take notes during the third period of conversation and will transcribe the notes to a digital survey within 24 hours of the session.

A house manager is also needed for each site. The house manager will ensure the room is set up well and be on hand in case of unexpected circumstances (such as loss of electricity, medical emergency, or other situation that requires someone with local knowledge of the site).

We hope you will be willing to recommend people you know and trust for these roles. Conversations in the Spirit have been scheduled in sites throughout the archdiocese, so even if a session is not being held in your Family, there is likely a session near you. Since we anticipate that some who are recommended may decline due to schedule conflicts or discomfort in the role, we ask you to recommend a few more than are needed. Please use the form linked here to recommend people by listing their name and email address. We will email them directly to invite their participation. As you submit each recommendation, you will receive a thank you note which includes a link to return to the form to submit an additional name. 

With gratitude, 

The Synod 2027 Secretariat