What's Blocking You From Belonging?

Chapter 8

Talk Outlines

Talkshop Questions

The following outlines and questions are meant to be an aid, but not restricting. The talk need not fit the outline exactly as each person giving a talk is different. It is important, however, that the purpose of the talk be met.

Talks should be personal:

· Use the word I, not you. It makes the difference between a lecture and a personal sharing.

· Use personal examples and stories to pull in the listeners. When we listen to stories, we find ourselves in them.

· Use songs, props, poems and whatever else you can think of to reinforce your talk.

· Have fun giving your talk, don’t worry no one is expecting an expert speaker.

Talkshop Questions

These questions are again a guideline and can be used to encourage discussion in the large group setting. You don’t have to get to every question. The co-hosts are the facilitators of the large groups and can adjust accordingly to how the discussions are going.

^{Talk

#6 What's blocking you from belonging?}

PURPOSE:

To lead the participants to seek forgiveness in some of their present relationships. To encourage them to initiate a healing process between themselves and those to whom they belong. To afford them the opportunity to see the significance of their human relationships, especially those they share with their Catholic brothers and sisters. To show that the interaction in these relationships affects their relationships to other Catholics and to God.

OUTLINE:

a) Talk about a relationship you have had that deteriorated because of hurts on either side.

b) Share a recent hurt that was healed in a way, which advanced a sense of belonging.

c) Talk about how you came to accept others who wanted to belong to you.

d) Share how your personal relationships influence your relationships with other Catholics and with God.

e) Through the writings of Saint John, show the interdependence at these relationships.

Suggestions:

This talk can be given by a single young adult or a committed religious person. It is a very personal talk about forgiving.

Examples of past talks have focused on relationships that were so close, then some misunderstanding broke up the relationship because of stubbornness or not wanting to admit being wrong.

^{TalkShop

#6 What's blocking you from belonging?}

Are you experiencing hurt in any of your present relationships? What is that doing to your relationships?

Have you ever lost a relationship over hurt? Describe what happened

What stops you from asking forgiveness?

What differences do you see among asking someone to forgive you, making up with someone, or apologizing to someone?

What does your family name mean to you?

How can you sense when someone wants to belong to you?

How do you let others know your desire to belong to them?

What is presently stopping you from allowing Catholics to belong to you?

NOTE: Instead of having a talk-shop, or after the talk-shop, hand out blank writing paper and envelopes to all participants and team members. All are to write letters to someone with whom they have built a block against. This can be a person who they have hurt or who has hurt them, or just some relationship that needs nurturing. Letters are to be empty of blaming or accusing innuendoes. They are to be positive. Collect sealed letters when they are done. Make arrangements for finding addresses if they are not known. Provide stamps, and mail for the participants. Allow one hour for letter writing. Quiet is expected until that hour is up. Encourage all to spread out on the grounds for privacy, but the team needs to be available to participants.