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Format and Structure of a Group Meeting

This outline of the format and structure of a companioning group session brings upon the most benefits of the experience.  Each meeting a different topic or theme is chosen.  If you are following our manual we have put together specific developmental themes that will bring about a deeper exploration of your own life story.

 

Time Piece Focus Movements
5 minutes Opening Ritual To enter into a
contemplative
attitude 
  • Vary according
    to selected
    prayer/ritual
25-30 minutes Meal/Check-In To reconnect to
one another,
in a contemplative
manner, through
simple listening
  • All begin eating
  • One sharing
  • Silence
  • Another sharing
  • Process repeated
    until all have shared
3-5 minutes Introduction of
Theme

To invite the theme
and begin reflection
  • Presenter may vary
60-70 minutes Shared Reflecting
and Responding		 To practice spiritual
companioning through
intentional sharing and
responding
  • Silence
  • Shared reflection
  • Silence
  • Shared response
  • Silence
  • Process repeated
    for each person
5-10 minutes Closing Ritual To close contemplative
experience
  • Vary according
    to selected
    prayer/ritual



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