The diocese is offering a workshop to deepen our understanding of parish dynamics, equip participants with tools for conflict prevention and resolution, and foster a spirit of harmony and collaboration.

Objective:
To improve communication and conflict resolution skills that promote a culture of respect and cooperation within the parish.
Workshop Overview:
This session will provide practical strategies to understand and defuse conflicts in a parish setting while nurturing a spirit of goodwill and kindness. Through discussions and case studies, participants will explore:
•    The value of community life – Welcoming diversity and respecting differences.
•    Common sources of parish conflict – Recognizing tensions and proactively preventing their emergence.
•    Effective communication strategies – Practicing active listening and respectful dialogue.

Format:
The workshop will include small-group discussions, hands-on exercises, and reflections on the Christian values of forgiveness, listening, and respect.

Who Should Attend?
Members of pastoral teams, Fabrique assemblies, liturgical committees, catechists, secretaries, priests, deacons, and others who contribute to parish life.

Date and Location:
The session for the English Zone will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Parish Hall (47 chemin Sainte-Élisabeth, Cantley QC).

Inscriptions are free. They are open by Tuesday, May 6, 2025. 
 
Facilitator:
The workshop will be led by Marquis Bureau, a faculty member at the School of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality at Saint Paul University. He is also involved with the Institute for Transformative Leadership at the University and coordinates a support program for caregivers in the Outaouais region. With extensive experience in listening, mediation, and community engagement, he helps groups cultivate more harmonious and compassionate relationships.