Pilgrims on the Journey

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

Purpose: To discuss the importance of sharing our Spiritual Autobiography

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace:  To recognize our shared journey as pilgrims “on the way”

Use the grace and the suggested scripture above to create your own prayer, or use CLC Opening Prayer.

Note:  Ask for a volunteer to lead opening and closing prayers for the next meeting.

II. Check-In (5 min.)

Invite members to share some of the high and low points of the week.  This check-in is meant to ease the group into reconnecting and reflecting on their experiences and it should be brief.

• • What were some of your high and low points of the week?

III.  Focus Exercise (40 min.)

Materials Needed:  CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, papers, pens, etc.).  All handouts (Sharing our Spiritual Autobiography) are in the CLC Journal booklets. Life of St Ignatius story or video (see below)

Introduction

Tonight, we’re going to discuss the importance of sharing our Spiritual Autobiography and the process.  (Note:  If you have many returning members, mention that you are aware of what they have done in Phase 1—sharing their faith journey.  The spiritual autobiography is much more in depth and lengthier).

(1) Why Spiritual Autobiography?  Explain the following points in your own words.

• • First, it helps to build community of friends in the Lord.  Each of us has a unique faith journey and graced history.  Sharing our journey helps us get to know each other on a deeper level.  It also cultivates greater trust, vulnerability, and honesty within the community.

  • Second, it helps us become more aware of our experiences of God.  Who is God for us? How does God work in our lives?  How does God love and care for us since birth up to now?  Are we growing in our relationship with God?

  • Third, it helps us cultivate a more discerning heart to pay more attention to how God is moving in our lives and how our personal vocations are unfolding.

Note:  check in with members to see whether they “buy in” about the rationale of why we share our spiritual autobiography before explaining the process.

(2) The process:  we will have 2 persons share in each meeting over the course of this quarter.

• • What to share?  Go over the handout, “Sharing our Spiritual Autobiography”

  • Have members sign up, including group leaders.  (Note:  See the table of contents to know which weeks the group has meetings on sharing autobiography.  Perhaps, group leaders should sign up first in modeling the process)

Exercise: The Spiritual Autobiography of St. Ignatius

You have 2 options.  Choose one:  either read the story or watch the video and discuss it 

Option #1:  Read the story, “Ignatius—the Pilgrim”

Option #2:  Watch a video, “The Olive.”  It’s an animated story of St. Ignatius.

Sharing 

Invite members to share and discuss the following suggested questions

• •  What stands out to you upon watching or hearing Ignatius’ story?

  • Are there parts of your own journey that resonate with that of Ignatius’?  Describe. 

  • What arises for you in regard to the idea of “journey” or “pilgrimage?”

  • As you look upon the sharing of your own spiritual autobiography, what excites or frightens you?

Listening Deeper

Suggested questions to deepen awareness of inner movements and further conversation

• • What has struck you as you have been listening to others share?  Do you notice any patterns or commonalities?

  • How have you been feeling throughout the meeting? Comfortable? Anxious? Curious?

  • Is there anything you would like to share after listening to another person share?

IV.  Moving Forward (5 min.)

• Wrap-Up:  Thank members for their openness and participation. Discuss group service project this quarter.

• Action:

  1. Switch prayer partners

  2. Work on your Spiritual Autobiography

• Announcements:  Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events

V.  Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Pray for each other or use the CLC Closing Prayer