Discourse Breaks Down at Family Dinner...

At a recent family dinner we asked for input from the kids about plans for an upcoming vacation… and it didn’t go well. With such high stakes of how to enjoy our togetherness, negotiations were fierce. "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity" (Ps 133:1). Forced to temporarily pause from our intense negotiations, I dream of that pleasantness!

That Psalm was used in the introduction of the recent Synod document. Members of the synod further hoped that the “climate of mutual listening and sincere dialogue… will radiate in our communities and throughout the world.” I’m sure they also hope it radiates at my dinner table.

How are we to live in unity when differences abound on much weightier topics than family vacations? When increasingly we retreat into “safe” conversations or into conversations solely with people of the same opinion?

Our faith leaders are encouraging us to build a culture of dialogue, and one way we’re doing that at St. Anthony’s is by offering a workshop called “Resetting the Table” on the morning of Saturday Jan 13. The facilitator is coming to us from Texas and is a communication expert. During the workshop we’ll practice skills while growing in relationship and unity through meaningful conversations with one another. Advanced registration via MySal is required by December 20. All registrants will be asked to complete a survey before the workshop. I hope to see you there!

Advent Blessings ~Kate