Announcing the Launch of the Lenten Listening Circles Project 2022

This Lent, the Anglican Diocese of Montreal invites you to be a part of a series of listening circles on Zoom.

With roots in indigenous cultures around the world, listening circles provide people an opportunity to speak and listen to each other in an atmosphere of safety, decorum and equality.

Our hope is to listen with open and prayerful hearts to a diverse range of voices. Whether you are a layperson or a member of clergy, if you are a dedicated church member, a lapsed member or if you have never been to church at all, we are listening and you are welcome to share.

The circles will be small and facilitated by a trained member of staff. Circles will take place primarily in English but French voices are welcome and there will be bilingual (French/English) translation available.

We want to be clear that this will not be a strategic planning or visioning session and we are not trying to achieve consensus or to arrive at any conclusions. There will, however, be guiding questions to support and promote open, frank and honest sharing. There are no right or wrong answers as we are gathering in a spirit of friendship and shared humanity.

These past two years have been very difficult on many levels, both for individuals and institutions. These Lenten Listening Circles are an invitation to come together to break the silence on some of our struggles, to lament, to learn and perhaps even to laugh together.

If you are interested in learning more, we will be happy to answer your questions. Listening Circle registration opens on March 2nd and will take place on Zoom.  Spaces are offered on a first-come first-served basis. Please register for ONE session only and select the date and time that accommodates you best.

Week 1. Thursday March 17th 10am

Week 2. Thursday March 24th 10am

Week 3. Thursday, March 31st 7pm

Week 4. Thursday April 7th 7pm

Reflection/questions to consider:

Impacts of Lockdown and the Pandemic on my unique experience of Faith and Worship:

Is the Changing Landscape of the Church scary or exciting for me right now? Where do I see myself and my faith in this uncertain future?

Contact Lee-Ann lmatthews@montreal.anglican.ca

Meet the Facilitators HERE