Journey Groups: Big Questions - Small Groups

Tell Your Life Story and Be Heard!

Journey Groups are small groups of women who meet once a month to explore issues related to their vocation. Some of the issues one may encounter while attending CSB include: social life, academic, or spirituality.

Asking questions is an important part of life. So is celebrating accomplishments, experiencing challenges, or working through transitions. Many of us have a yearning to share our experiences of life with a community of people. We look for people who are grounded and willing to listen, to really hear our questions, challenges, joys. It is for that purpose Journey Groups were formed.

Below are frequently asked questions about our Journey Group Program and how participating in a group may benefit you.

Why join a Journey Group?

Journey Groups give us the opportunity to tell our life story and be heard with empathy and compassion, a sacred space free from judgement or criticism. The goal of these groups is not to solve each other's problems, but rather help each other to name and come to understand more deeply our experiences.

Journey Groups are an opportunity to help us slow down, keep perspective and maintain balance as we explore different ideas about spirituality and meaning; to dig deeper and wider into our pressing questions and life experiences, to be open to others and the voice of God; to examine our world view, intuitions and values so as to act in the world with greater intention and integrity.

Whether you are asking big or small questions, celebrating a joy, or facing a crossroad, sharing your journey with others like you may be sound reasons for joining a journey group.

You can view testimonies of other CSB students who have or are currently participating in our Journey Group Program at http://www.csbsju.edu/journey/students/JourneyGroupTestimonials.htm

Who can join a Journey Group?

Any CSB student. Most students who join a journey group do so because they wish to seek a deeper understanding of their inner-self, are struggling with a transition in their life, want a sacred place where they can explore life's greater questions, enhance the values they already have, or experience community.

Do I need to be Catholic to join a Journey Group? What if I am questioning my own beliefs?

You do not need to be catholic or follow a particular faith tradition. Our journey group program is not about preaching or teaching. There is no imposition of beliefs. Our program is about active listening and reflecting and engaging in conversations that help us discover our own unique life journey. This is a time to learn, to know more about who we are in light of our connection to others. It is also about supporting others searching and exploring their own journey as well.

How many students are in a group?

Each group is comprised of 4 to 6 students grouped by class year and may be from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Who directs a Journey Group?

Each group is assigned one or two facilitators. Facilitators are full participants in the group activities and are an important aspect of the group. The facilitators help serve as witness to life as a 'constant on-going journey and increasing vocational awareness'. Facilitators help model that reality through their personal self dis-closure and interaction with the group members. Students who have participated in our Journey Program have often been inspired by and remarked about the inter-generational benefits "Wow! She is 70 (or 30, or 40, or 50) and she is still asking these important questions!" The facilitators could include a combination of alumnae, sisters, faculty, staff, or female friends of the college of varying ages.

How often and when do Journey Groups Meet?

Journey groups meet once a month during the academic year. Each session/meeting lasts about two hours.

Your group will choose the time that works best for your members. The meeting date and time are decided by each group based on when each member is available. Some groups meet in the morning during breakfast. Some meet during lunch. Other groups meet over the supper hour. Your group may choose to meet during weekdays or on weekends.

What happens during a Journey Group session/meeting?

Each session involves sharing a meal followed by a good mix of silence, reflection, and conversation focused on a given topic.

The shared meal:
One important facet of community building is the opportunity to share a meal. We believe experiencing a common table prior to the companioning session will increase participants' focus on the companioning encounter.

Sharing Reflection and Conversation:
This is time to share your story and be heard. The sharing begins with a brief reflection. One member of the group then shares an experience in her personal life and how the theme is reflected in the experience. After the member finishes sharing others are invited to ask questions. The sharing and responding continues until all members of the group has had an opportunity to share.

You can view an outline of a Journey Group Session at http://www.csbsju.edu/journey/everyone/GroupSpiritualCompanioningFormatStructure.htm

Additional Information and helpful tidbits of a Journey Group Session are available at http://www.csbsju.edu/journey/everyone/GroupSpiritualCompanioningGuidelines.htm

These links and a few more are available at the end of this webpage.

Who chooses the topics for each Journey Group session/meeting?

We have created the topics for you. When you join a journey group you will be given a copy of a reflection guide titled Group Spiritual Companioning Manual. The manual's purpose is to help you prepare for the session by asking questions designed to facilitate reflection and exploration. There is one set of guides for each year you participate in the Journey Group. The themes of each year progress as you progress through your time with CSB.

You can view a list of the themes for the Journey Group Sessions at http://www.csbsju.edu/journey/students/JourneyGroupThemes.htm

Do I need to prepare for a Journey Group Session?

We recommend spending 20 to 30 minutes each week reflecting on the topic for your upcoming session. At the close of each session is an activity for you to do on your own or with others.

When are Journey Groups formed?

Journey Groups are formed at the beginning of the academic school year. We occasionally will open groups at the start of the spring semester if there is enough interest among students.

Invitations are sent during the spring and summer to all incoming and returning students.

You can sign up to join a journey group at anytime through our online registration form at https://www.csbsju.edu/journey/students/journgpjoin.aspx

Do Journey Groups meet all four years of College?

Yes. Most groups are formed during the first year they enter CSB. You will stay with your group for all four years. During your time at St Ben's you may experience fluxuation with classmates, roommates, or your major field of study. As these changes take place, your journey group will help provide grounding and stability.

If you did not join a group during your first year you may join a group with your class at any time. We have new groups of sophomores, juniors, and seniors starting each year as well.

Is there any cost to joining a Journey Group?

No. Companions on a Journey covers the cost of the meal and materials needed.

Still thinking about whether or not you would like to join a journey group? Here are a couple of links that may provide additonal information to help with your decision.

Philosophy of spiritual companioning
Testimonies from Journey Group Members
Covenant of Commitment
The EXAMEN of Consciousness
Map of process (brief outline of a typical session)
Helpful Information and Session outline
Session Topics/Themes
Respectful Communication
Mutual Invitation

You may contact us about our journey program by emailing us journey@csbsju.edu or by calling us at 320-363-5939.