Reflections on the 2002 Conference: Evaluations

Evaluations for this summer’s Bridging conference were extremely positive, with many adding that they are looking forward to the next one. The most frequently used words were great, excellent, very good, good and fine. Of course in evaluating any conference (but particularly initial ones), some things work better than others, some situations suggest different approaches, etc. and, given the level of passion among the participants, I suspect that these evaluations were more extensively answered than the average feedback form! Summaries attempt to condense and organize ideas to save time, but people’s actual words are much more inspiring - so be sure to take a look at the quotes at the end of the article.

Worship is important to us. We appreciate participating in the worship traditions of both the Catholic and Mennonite traditions, but they can also make us painfully aware of the brokenness of the body of Christ and we yearn to find ways to be united.

The most frequent comment was that people very much appreciated the chance to experience the liturgy of the hours, and the way “our conversation flowed out of and into prayer,” but would also like to have more group oriented (vs campus wide) times of prayer and worship. Most found the time of Lectio Divina very powerful and there were many requests that it be practiced more frequently, as it is a common ground, builds community and allows us to spiritually care for one another. Daily singing was suggested and there was a strong hope that a group liturgy could be developed.

The issue of the Eucharist was very difficult and painful for many and there was a definite sense that we need to face the issue “squarely.” The observation was made that

we need to converse of Mennonite and Catholic understandings of baptism, Eucharist (many Mennos weren’t quite sure why Mennos couldn’t ‘officially’ take communion during Mass), ecclesiology and how it connects with sacraments, liturgy, spirituality and ethics/peace/justice/eschatology...It is in Eucharist that we enter the peace with God made for us by Christ, but that peace depends upon the prior reconciliation of the body (Eph. 2) Could we work at that in an intentional way that respects the official constraint on liturgy yet frees us to be the united body that makes peace with God through Christ?

One observed “As a Mennonite I was uncomfortable with the tension of whether or not to participate in the Eucharist, but had a deep desire to share the table of the Lord with my brothers and sisters in Christ.” Most were aware of and sensitive to the difficult position in which St. John’s found itself. “I appreciated Fr. William’s cautious but welcoming reference to participation in Mass.” An agape feast was suggested as a possible way to allow all to participate freely.

The presentations were highly appreciated as quite instructional and generally complementing each other well, while the format kept the emphasis on conversation and dialogue rather than “talks.” The presentations could have been lengthened a bit or the number reduced so that more time could be given to each. A larger panel discussion might also have been interesting. Allowing a bit more time to process and reflect on what had been heard, before the next presentation began was also mentioned. One person wondered if the papers could be distributed in advance to eliminate the necessity of their being read.

The small group format generally worked well, providing an opportunity to get to know at least some people better and a chance for more people to participate in dialogue. Suggestions included: time for prayer or Lectio Divina in the small groups to foster closeness and set the tone of conversations; a more deliberate gender and Mennonite/ Catholic balance; the use of some of the tools of group Lectio such as “How am I touched by what I’ve heard? Is there an invitation here?”

While the mix of academics, pastors and lay people was part of what gave the conference its unique flavor, there were times when those interested in spirituality and those more involved in peacemaking had difficulty speaking to each others’ topics, leaving some wishing that discussions could have been deeper. The observation was made that discussions seemed to be more fruitful when the moderator synthesized presentations and offered discussion suggestions and questions. Catholics and Mennonites may want to meet separately toward the end of the weekend to discuss what each group will take back to their larger community.

While many of the Mennonites are interested in the spiritual traditions kept alive by the Catholic Church, some were less comfortable with the idea of a Mennonite-Catholic order (which arises out of a desire on the part of some Mennonites to have a support and structure for living a more intentional spiritual life). There was also some confusion expressed as “to whether the goal was issue oriented or ‘Catholic-Mennonite dialogue’ more generally.” Widening the focus from Mennonites and Catholics to “Contemplation and Action” was also suggested.

The general consensus was that the pace was about right. Some felt it was relatively relaxed compared to some conferences, while others felt it was packed full and would have liked more recreation and social time

Logistically, much appreciation was expressed for St. John’s gracious hospitality. A number of people hoped that there could be more diversity at future conferences. One wondered if it would be “possible for people to sit in a circle or facing each other (as in a choir)?” If the group could gather in one part of the dining room, or one of the back dining rooms, it would be easier to find each other and make contact with people they didn’t know. Accommodations were generally fine, although the dorms tended to get a bit noisy at night and some found the distance to “the castle” difficult. A number of people found getting to St. John’s from the airport frustrating and suggested that the difficulty be described more explicitly in the future. Other suggestions were for the pub to be “really open” on Friday and Saturday nights and to have a talent show for fun.

QUOTES FROM THE EVALUATIONS

“This was a great conference, probably one of the best I’ve been to in a long time. I’m very enthused about its possibilities. St John’s was a wonderful setting. I’d recommend it again in a heartbeat.”

“The connecting of stories, interests and convergence touched my heart.”

“It was a valuable meeting, for me especially in connecting me with Catholics and Mennonites who are living as radical disciples of Jesus in a way that I don’t often find in congregations.“

”The weekend was a real grace. As interreligious dialogues go, it was really unique in focusing on common concerns.”

“Unique ecumenical gathering. It aimed to explore common ground between Catholics and Mennonites in the areas of spirituality and social action rather than to understand or resolve historic differences between the churches.”

“I have seldom had the opportunity to chat with Mennonites who had any real empathy for my directions...The Collegeville gathering was therefore quite important for me..[you] are among the first Mennonites I have been with at large over the years who reflect the sort of broader ecclesial perspectives, so much a part of my life...”

“This was a fine beginning and I’m eager for the next one.”

“How refreshing to be among people who are straddling the fence, have jumped the fence, or fail to see the fence at all!”

“In so many ways I was called to life! Thank you!!”

“I see Bridgefolk not as a grand movement to bring together the Catholic Church and the Mennonite Church, but as a quiet and humble movement stirring among peace minded Benedictines and sacramental minded Anabaptists. I believe this is a prompting of God, as impossible to explicate right now as the still small voice that spoke to many small and great-but particularly small, in the sacred history. As I am able “I want to be of this number.”

“Immensely grateful for our weekend together. It was profoundly challenging. Thanks again.”