Each local CLC decides when and how often it meets. Most meet in members’
houses although some now meet in convents or presbyteries. A few meet weekly but
most meet on a fortnightly basis. Meeting less frequently makes it difficult to
build up and foster the sense of community within the group.
Each meeting has a leader, although the group itself does not. Leading
usually moves round the group. Each member, once they feel confident enough
about leading, agreeing to lead the group when it is their turn. The role of the
leader at the meeting is normally to lead the group into prayer and sharing and
to act as timekeeper.
There is no set format for our meetings but it is important to include
sharing, prayer and a short evaluation. A format that does this is set out
below.
| Opening Prayer |
We usually begin with a short time
of stillness, putting ourselves in the presence of God and asking for the
grace that everything that happens in our mind, heart and imagination may
be directed purely to the praise and service of God.
Some groups use music during this time.
This period is usually concluded with a formal prayer such as the CLC
Opening Prayer.
|
| Grace |
The group may have decided at a
previous meeting that all would be praying for a particular grace between
meetings and here we remind ourselves of this.
When following a Formation programme then a grace will have been
suggested.
|
| Scripture |
A passage of scripture, either
pre-arranged or suggested by the leader is now read.
|
| Silence |
Ten to fifteen minutes of silent
prayer remembering our life, prayer and service since we last met. How
have we found the prayer since we last met? What events in my life and
prayer do I wish to share with my community.
You may wish to spend some time praying about the scripture passage you
have just read.
|
| Sharing and Listening |
After the silence, the leader will
invite members to share. This is done as a Listening Group.
In a listening group each member, who wishes to do so, shares what they
wish to without being interrupted. The other members stay silent within
themselves and concentrate fully on the speaker. The inner stillness helps
us to hear the Holy Spirit who may be speaking to us through the member
speaking at that time.
|
| Response and Deepening |
As a group grows, it may become
appropriate for a gentle response which will help the member to go deeper.
The response may be “where do you think God was in that?” or “would
you like to say more about that?” The speaker is, of course, under no
obligation to respond.
When all who wish have spoken, and if there is time, then a second
round of sharing could be started. In this any who wish could share any
insights or feelings that have come to them during the original sharing.
|
| Prayer |
There will have been some personal
prayer during the silence but some groups include Intercessary Prayers
where the needs of individuals, society or the group can be prayed for.
Some groups are also using this as an opportunity to share on aspects
of their personal Mission that they will be involved with before the next
meeting and to ask for the prayers and support of the local group during
this time.
|
| Practicalities |
Here the group can discuss any
business that it may have to transact, setting dates and details for
future meetings or responding to appeals from Regional or National CLC.
|
| Evaluation |
St Ignatius was very insistent on
the need to evaluate any experience we have had – so we evaluate our
meeting. We usually do so by asking questions such as:
 | What was good for me in the meeting? |
| What was not so good? What would I have liked to be different? |
| What will I take away with me? |
|
| Closing Prayer |
Use any prayer you wish to close
the meeting.
This period is usually concluded with a formal prayer such as the CLC
Closing Prayer.
|
