-1- SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR MANUAL A GUIDE FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS ON THE METHOD OF THE VIA DE CRISTO EXPERIENCE

Transcription

1 -1- SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR MANUAL A GUIDE FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS ON THE METHOD OF THE VIA DE CRISTO EXPERIENCE NATIONAL LUTHERAN SECRETARIAT 2006 Edited 2015

2 -2- Contents SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR... 1 MANUAL... 1 PREFACE... 5 INTENT AND PURPOSE OF VIA DE CRISTO... 6 By grace, with the Holy Spirit, we challenge leaders to discover and achieve their personal calling, assisting them to influence their environments with the Gospel THE AUTHENTIC THREE-DAY WEEKEND OF VIA DE CRISTO... 8 Essentials of a Via de Cristo Weekend... 8 CHART... 9 THE STRUCTURE OF THE VIA DE CRISTO MOVEMENT AND METHOD... 9 Non-Essentials or "Adiaphorous" Primary Positions and Roles for a Weekend SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR (S TEN ROLLISTAS PALANCA TEAM DYNAMICS OF THE VIA DE CRISTO WEEKEND WEEKEND PROGRESSION & GROWTH IN SPIRITUALITY Thursday Friday Ideal The Nature of God's Grace Laity God's Grace in Action Piety Saturday Study The Means of Grace: Word and Sacrament Grace Filled Days Action Obstacles to Grace Sunday Environment Life in Grace Christian Community in Action Total Security in the Fourth Day CONDENSED OUTLINES OF LAY TALKS Day One IDEAL THE NATURE OF GOD'S GRACE... 21

3 -3- Day Two STUDY THE MEANS OF GRACE: WORD AND SACRAMENT GRACE FILLED DAYS APOSTOLIC ACTION OBSTACLES TO GRACE LEADERS Conclusion Day Three ENVIRONMENT LIFE IN GRACE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ACTION TOTAL SECURITY FOURTH DAY GUIDELINES FOR SPIRITUAL The Selection of Spiritual Directors Responsibilities of Spiritual Directors in Team Preparation ALL SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS Spiritual Directors on the Weekend Purpose and Setting The Meditation MEDITATION # The Meditation MEDITATION # The Meditation ROLLO #1 "THE NATURE OF GOD'S GRACE" Situation and Objective THE NATURE OF GRACE OUTLINE ROLLO #2 "GOD'S GRACE IN ACTION" Situation and Objective GRACE IN ACTION OUTLINE MEDITATION #4 "THE FIGURE OF CHRIST" ROLLO #3 "THE MEANS OF GRACE: WORD AND SACRAMENT" THE MEANS OF GRACE: WORD AND SACRAMENT OUTLINE PART ONE PART TWO ROLLO #3 "GRACE-FILLED DAYS" GRACE- FILLED DAYS OUTLINE PART ONE PART TWO ROLLO #4 "OBSTACLES TO THE LIFE OF GRACE" OBSTACLES TO THE LIFE OF GRACE OUTLINE Sunday MEDITATION #5 "CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO YOU" ROLLO #5 "LIFE IN GRACE" LIFE IN GRACE OUTLINE... 55

4 -4- ADDITIONAL HELPS BASIC CLERGY ASSIGNMENT WORKSHEET Team SAMPLE LETTER TO CANDIDATES' PASTORS (phone number/ address) "WELCOME TO THE 4 th DAY"... 61

5 -5- PREFACE Pastor Carroll Lang, one of our Via de Cristo pioneers, with the aid of many in our movement, undertook the drafting and editing of a new Spiritual Director's Manual. It has been a wonderful guide and tool for hundreds of us pastors. As time has passed National Spiritual Directors have received many suggestions to include or exclude various materials. It has been decided to do a further revision at this time in response to these ideas, and in response to Carroll's admonition that "tools should always be improved with use." A few things will be immediately apparent as you peruse this manual. Although much remains from previous efforts, it is considerably shorter than our previous edition. This is due primarily to the removal of sample talks. Situational context and general outlines are still provided. Pastors are urged to take these outlines and use them, through illustration and style, to make the talks their own. Other Spiritual Directors in local secretariats will likely be glad to share how they approached a given rollo with those writing it for the first time. At the urging of many, we have included this time much more information regarding the flow and dynamics of a weekend. This should be especially helpful to those serving on their first team, and also a needed reminder to all of us about the design and direction of a weekend, and our particular role as the three days unfold. Let me underscore that this manual, as noted in previous efforts, is offered as a resource and not a rule book. It attempts to keep us theologically attuned to the Grace emphasis of the weekend, while allowing us to minister and proclaim the Good News through our own unique styles and personalities. It also attempts to offer as much practical advice as possible so that we can be more valuable members of the team. Special thanks to Carroll Lang, Ron Qualley, Larry Llewellyn, Timothy Fangmeier, Eric Schultz, George Kahl, Richard Dow, Dick Burgie, Ann Bassett, Jim Lockley, Ed Zaiser, Paul Schmidlin, Ed Simonsen, Gene Hermeier, Eric Biedermann, Olin Knudsen, Paul Bjorklund, Laurel Bobb, Steve Misenheimer, and Charlie Carlson, all of whom contributed material that has been used, reused or edited, or who have given invaluable advice in assembling the final product. This manual will never make a best seller list. It is offered prayerfully to the glory of God that it may serve our movement and the Church, the Body of Christ in the world. May the Lord of the Church fill you with joy as you serve His people. Joe Nilsen, Editor

6 INTENT AND PURPOSE OF VIA DE CRISTO The Mission Statement -6- of Via de Cristo: By grace, with the Holy Spirit, we challenge leaders to discover and achieve their personal calling, assisting them to influence their environments with the Gospel. The purpose of VDC is, above all, to see the world reconciled to Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:20). We believe that Jesus, in the great commission, has challenged every Christian to "go into all the world and make disciples" (Matthew 28:18-20). By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Via de Cristo is an effective method through which He reaffirms His original charge to us. It is one of several methods available to the church today to renew and increase a faith that is already a gift to believers. Via de Cristo is a movement within the church of Jesus Christ. We can in no way function independently of the Church, and we encourage each Christian to remain loyal to a home congregation and serve that congregation as an exemplary servant of Jesus Christ. Lay persons are encouraged to strengthen their partnerships with their pastors and to use their personal callings to extend the work of the church. Via de Cristo should not be considered an entity in itself like an organization or a building. Via de Cristo is also a method. In keeping with its purpose, the Via de Cristo method assists individual Christians to actively be the church. In the VDC method, individuals are increasingly equipped with God's grace (Ephesians 1:19) and empowered to be truly effective servants in the body of Christ. VDC presents a method for renewal of the Christian life, a strategy to affect daily living. It uses careful selection of participants, an inspirational weekend, and friendship accountability groups as outward tools. This renewal only becomes effective through the work and power of the Holy Spirit. We know that "we cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, or come to him. The Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel, enlightens us with his gifts and sanctifies and keeps us in true faith. (Luther's Explanation to the Third Article of the Apostle's Creed) All of the activity during a Via de Cristo weekend - through team members, rollos, liturgy or tasks performed by volunteer workers - is done with the intention of being a channel through which the presence and work of the Holy Spirit is vital to every dimension of the VDC. Via de Cristo is not to be identified with the Charismatic Movement. The expressed use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit or actively seeking these gifts especially during a weekend is strongly discouraged. Rather, the purpose and intent of VDC is to provide a method whereby a new Cursillista can become increasingly equipped with the power of God's grace to be an effective member of the Body of Christ. This does not discredit the gifts of the Spirit such as speaking in tongues, healing, etc., but such expressions are discouraged during a VDC weekend. Great care must be taken so as to keep the focus on what God has done for us through Jesus Christ and what that means for His people. All glory and praise and honor should be given to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A VDC weekend is intended for the baptized individuals who already know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; it is assumed that there is a desire on the part of the participants on a weekend to grow in their faith and to become more intimately involved in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is true that the faith of many participants has been

7 Vitally renewed or awakened. But it is not the intention of the VDC to seek to convert participants. Rather, through the use of this method, -7- participants are encouraged to persevere in their Christian faith and to become effective channels of God's grace to others. The fundamental aspect of being Christian is that Christ is alive in the Christian (Galatians 2:20). This happens as a gift of grace from God (Ephesians 2:8). It is expressed in love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22: 38-39). The four basic themes of Via de Cristo (according to The Essentials of the Via de Cristo from the National Lutheran Secretariat) are: 1) God encounters us, and it is He who brings us into a true encounter within ourselves. 2) Christ develops and maintains a friendship with us that last through all eternity. 3) We take our place in a community of brothers and sisters in Christ. 4) We have the responsibility for sharing Jesus Christ with the world. We know that in baptism the Father assured our place in him. We are then enabled to respond with all we are to the call of Christ. When Christ is alive in Christians, then community is fundamental. We are each unique, specially created individuals, and we must struggle to maintain this uniqueness. We believe God intends this great diversity, and that He created each of us to be dependent upon others. We must live in and be part of a community - of faith, hope and love. Via de Cristo helps individuals to find their personal callings and then be built into community.

8 THE AUTHENTIC THREE-DAY WEEKEND OF VIA DE CRISTO Introduction Via de Cristo is a Christian renewal effort, inspired by God that works faith and renewal within the Church. We do not claim to be the only way of renewal, but the years have testified to our ability through this method to provide healing, strength, an effective guide for Christian living, and a source for committed leaders in the Church. Via de Cristo developed from the earliest Cursillo method, and has remained committed to that process down through the years. This has enabled us to adhere to the essential elements of the weekend, and maintain the integrity of our movement. A common expression among us is "the more you know of Via de Cristo the less you want to change it." It has been necessary for us to define what is basic to a weekend experience in order to preserve the method and insure its authenticity. This has been a unifying strength throughout our history. Essentials of a Via de Cristo Weekend An authentic 3-day weekend requires an authentic 4 th -day movement. We hold weekends so that participants may become part of a 4 th - day community. Because of the warmth and intensity of a Via de Cristo weekend, we will always be tempted to emphasize this experience for its own sake. A balanced approach will insure that each dimension of the Via de Cristo method will contribute to the movement's mission and purpose. CHART 1 that follows illustrates how this approach contributes to the health and vitality of Via de Cristo. If we neglect any one of these emphases, the strength of our movement is compromised. Each weekend has a number of activities that are essential. There are other things which may be included so long as they do not interfere with the flow of the weekend or distract from its main objectives. These need to be prayerfully considered by each local Secretariat. Let's consider then what is essential. For the weekend, we have a plan and a general awareness of what needs to be accomplished. Through long experience, we know what normally happens, so that, at any given moment, what should happen and how it should happen, may in fact, happen. -8-

9 CHART -9- THE STRUCTURE OF THE VIA DE CRISTO MOVEMENT AND METHOD The Three Parts or Foci of Via de Cristo PRE-WEEKEND WEEKEND POST-WEEKEND The Three Disciplines of the Post-Weekend/Fourth Day FOURTH DAY SPIRITUAL DIRECTION ULTREYA GROUP REUNION The Three Weekly Disciplines of the Fourth Day Participant PIETY STUDY ACTION The Three Steps of Apostolic Action MAKE A FRIEND BE A FRIEND BRING A FRIEND TO CHRIST

10 -10- For specific definitions of each please see "The Essentials of the Via de Cristo published by the National Lutheran Secretariat of Via de Cristo The following are the Essential elements of an authentic Via de Cristo weekend: PALANCA, SILENT RETREAT, 72 HOURS, 5 MEDITATIONS, 14/15 TALKS, NOTE TAKING, DISCUSSIONS, POSTERS, DECURIA SHARING, CELEBRA TION OF REPENTANCE (EXAMINA TION OF CONSCIENCE), DAILY COMMUNION, CLOSING AND PRESENTA TION OF CROSSES. Non-Essentials or "Adiaphorous" Some may be surprised at the brevity of the above list. Through the years many local Secretariats have added other activities to their weekends. To name a few: skits, send-offs, foot washings, singing for meals, joke time, trinkets, and serenades. These things are "adiaphorous". That is to say that they are not inherently right or wrong, but are not considered essential to the purpose of the weekend. This can be a sensitive issue in local movements, where some of these extras have reached such a beloved status that they may be viewed as essential. More is NOT better. It is not our intention to have a weekend full of "good things" only to miss what is essential. In an already highly-structured schedule, we want to be careful so as not to crowd out important time for reflection, rest and community- building. As Spiritual Directors we also want there to be adequate opportunities for participants to seek Spiritual Direction during their pilgrimage. A word about Palanca - talk about sensitive issues! As Spiritual Directors we need to be advocates of this wonderful gift. It under-girds all that is done on a weekend. Genuine Palanca is deep, intentional, and selfless prayer; in a word it is "sacrificial. " It takes place before, during, and after the weekend. Palanca letters are written to participants so that they will be aware of the many efforts on their behalf. Palanca is misapplied when an inordinate amount of time is spent providing trinkets or things. Gifts of love are nice, but in and of themselves they are not palanca, nor are they essential. It is advisable for each local Secretariat to examine weekend practices on a routine basis, to assure their validity and contribution to an authentic weekend. An authentic 3-day weekend will emphasize the essential, limit the adiaphorous and eliminate what is detrimental!

11 -11- Primary Positions and Roles for a Weekend The following positions or roles are basic to every team: RECTOR - An experienced layperson who accepts responsibility for calling, training, and leading the team for a weekend. This person is the only one empowered by the Secretariat to be in charge of the Weekend. He/she functions much like the captain of a ship. He/she operates under guidelines set forth by the National and Local Secretariats. A Rector prayerfully selects all lay team members, and provides for their training and formation as a Christian Community. The Rector delegates specific duties and oversees their performance. He/she is the enabler of enablers, sensitive to the needs of the candidates and the team by being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR (S) - Ordained clergy who are trained in and support the Via de Cristo method, give the 5 Grace talks and the Meditations during the weekend. They set the spiritual tone for the Weekend, advise the team on theological matters and counsel individuals when needed. They plan and conduct all worship services. Team members are advised to alert Spiritual Directors of candidates who are experiencing difficulties. In special circumstances, provided an ordained person is on the pastoral team, members of the Diaconate, Associates in Ministry, Pastoral Counselors, or Seminarians may serve on a team. This must be considered by the Secretariat on a case by case situation. ASSISTANT RECTOR - An experienced layperson who assists the Rector in organizing and directing the 3-Day experience. TEN ROLLISTAS - Team members who deliver minute talks to stimulate participants and promote discussion. It is desirable that one giving a talk should have served on other weekends. They are neither teachers nor problem solvers. They are the catalysts for the sharing and discussing of the various talks at the tables. There may also be silent professors who do not give talks but assist in keeping table participation on track. PALANCA TEAM - Additional personnel who provide necessary service for the weekend. This may include musicians, chapel staff, kitchen staff, rollo room staff, Rollo Room staff and Palanca (and assistant Palanca) and any other help necessary to facilitate the weekend experience. Team selection is a prayerful process. The number on the team varies from Secretariat to Secretariat, depending on the number of participants and the nature of the facility utilized. No ONE task or role is more important than another. The Weekend is God's gift but it also depends on each team member serving to the best of his/her ability. An attitude of Servanthood will cover a multitude of eccentricities.

12 It is important for Spiritual Directors to understand the purpose and vision of Via de Cristo and the vital role we play on a weekend. We need to be committed to full participation in team preparation, so that we may be an integral part of the community. Our rollos need to stay -12- within the flow of the overall weekend message. We need to be prepared to offer gentle Spiritual guidance to participants, realizing that in-depth counseling is not possible. The three-day community should be protected from outside distractions as much as possible and be enveloped in prayer. This is the job of both the team and the entire 4 th day community. Free time needs to be worked into the schedule to allow "breathing space" for everyone. The regimented schedule is comfortable for some and problematic for others. Participants need to feel the freedom to proceed at their own pace in grasping the message of the weekend. This requires sensitivity and understanding on the part of all team members. The general atmosphere of the 3-day experience needs to be prayerful, reflective, and above all sincere. All participants need to feel the openness and honestly that gives rise to an authentic Christian community. This is not to say that all will be on a serious level. Lighter moments will be experienced naturally in a climate of openness, trust and community.

13 DYNAMICS OF THE VIA DE CRISTO WEEKEND -13- Much goes into a weekend that has influence on the participants. Dynamics are those particular things, words or events that have a significant influence on, move or motivate participants. Positive dynamics move a participant to participate, open up, tear down walls and accept God's grace and love in their lives. Negative dynamics can push a participant into a shell and defeat the weekend's objectives. Some negative dynamics include Intimidation - anything putting a person on the defensive Confusion - disorganization, wasting time, arguments Secrecy - whispering, evasive answers, not being honest Bragging - in talks, conversations, discussions Irritations - childish actions, physical discomfort, lewd behavior even in jest Uninteresting talks - long lectures, sermons, off the subject, too complicated Overly regimented - "brain washing", lack of free thought, feeling manipulated Fear & Fatigue - using intimidation in any form, to do it "this" way, no feeling of rest. We minimize these negatives through team training and critiquing of talks while bathing the whole weekend in prayer and allowing a Christ-like spirit to prevail. For the weekend, there is a plan and general awareness of what needs to be done. In outlining this, we draw a clear distinction between what is essential and what is adiaphorous. Essential is that which is basic, complete, necessary to make a thing what it is, indispensable. Adiaphorous is that which is morally neutral or indifferent, that which is neither right nor wrong. For an authentic 3-day VDC weekend, the following items are essential: Palanca - Heart and lifeblood of movement - deep, intentional, selfless sacrificial prayer 72 Hours - 3 full days of Christian community, away from ALL distractions of daily life Holy Communion - Daily - Jesus is truly present in word and sacrament; both available to participants 5 meditations - Guided image meditations assisting participants in examining their relationship w/ Christ 14/15 Talks - Actually separated parts of one talk which cover the basics of the Via de Cristo method Note taking - Specific ideas and phrases that capture essential points of each of the talks Discussions - Small group encounters where Christ can come alive in the community Posters - Hand-drawn expressions of essential meaning of each of the talks Silent Retreat - Period without talking; offered first night to prick consciences of participants Celebration of Repentance - Examination of life in light of gospel; offered 1 st night for reflection Crosses - Common to Cursillo movement with "Christ is Counting on You" inscription Closing - Welcoming new participants into community as whole 4 th Day - Term to d scribe days following 3-Day weekend - to live out the VDC method Group Reunion - Friendship/Accountability meeting of VDC supporters to review one's 4 th Day work Ultreya - Larger gathering of VDC supporters to encourage individuals to persevere in the 4 th Day

14 If too much is added to a weekend schedule, it crowds out important -14- time for reflection and community building. Things that are considered adiaphorous for the 3- day weekend include Bible Sunday wakeup enthronement serenade Bible Special Recessional Table banquet palanca, trinkets De Flower for each Rollista Colores (women) Skits "productions" Singing for Big chicken or meals Sendoff of the rooster Stations Cross

15 -15- It is important to remember that genuine palanca is deep, intentional, selfless prayer. It takes place before, during and after the weekend. Palanca letters are written to the participants so they will be aware of the many efforts on their behalf. Palanca is misapplied when inordinate time is spent just doing "cutesy" things. The whole weekend is worship in that we confess our sins; we are blessed; we praise and raise questions, and our whole attention is turned to God and His our name ur family. a church family anding we are part of God's family ers love us urselves nd meditate on the words God's love with others nging ongs to special experiences nd meditate on the words and praise God in songs t to talk in small groups front of a small non- threatening group to groups... and to others ake astically reaching out vately ether with a group oneself in a small group prayer worship service attentively ate in worship in spirit and in truth. ed with sin and God's mercy esire forgiveness ely forgiven and free in others and source of joy d share the joy of the Lord out God's grace nderstand God's grace o live in grace God's grace deals and ideals he best ideal ing in God's grace the ideal of life s mixed up and what is important e great commandment s in correct order church. and WE are the Church and the Church's mission Church change the world for Christ and piety ractices of piety relationship to God. whole life over to God and the need for Study ow and what to study he bible a study program and the need for Apostolic action ocedures o share Christ apostolic action in daily life and CHRISTAN LEADERSHIP e qualities of a leader o grow as a Christian leader and implement a program to GROW and ENVIRONMENT o be God's person in environment hat to do E your environment and CHRISTIAN community o become a part of hat to do VE in Christian communities WEEKEND PROGRESSION & GROWTH IN SPIRITUALITY

16 -16- Thursday The opening meditation is "Know Yourself', an invitation to openness. "The Prodigal Son" ("The Waiting Father") reminds us of our wanderings, but also of the One who waits to welcome us home. The silent retreat is to awaken self-examination and a desire to be in God's grace. Friday On Friday, the intention is to bring us face to face with ourselves. We try to answer the question, "Who am I?"A set of values and ideals for life, higher and more spiritual than the candidates may have held, is presented. In the mediation "The Three Glances of Christ" examples are given of three people on whom Christ directed his gaze. Each one responded differently. The implication for candidates: "How will I respond to the gaze of Christ?" The content of the five talks on Friday present clearly the ideal of living a life of grace. They are: Ideal - This talk seeks to convince listeners of the need for having an ideal in life. It is not a "spiritual talk" per se. The point is made that we all have ideals of one sort or another, but that we have to examine our ideals to see what they are and where they are leading us. The talk ends with the challenge to identify our guiding ideal in life. This prepares candidates for listening attentively to what follows. The Nature of God's Grace - In the Ideal talk, no attempt is made to point out any concrete ideal. Here is presented God's supreme ideal: that all of God's children might live in God's grace and love. This talk provides the doctrinal nucleus for all the others. It is the truth of God's habit of loving us. It's a love that is undeserved, and is at the heart of God's Divine nature. This is expanded in subsequent pastors' talks, while the lay talks show in detail how this life in grace is to be lived. Laity - This rollo seeks to initiate in candidates an active response to God's grace. We learn that the Church is the family of God through which Christ can speak to the world today. Lay persons ARE the Church, the people of God, and have a mission as living members of the Body. God's Grace in Action - (Sometimes called Actual Grace) We are reminded in this talk that we are not left alone in our efforts to live a dynamic Christian life. The Holy Spirit lives and works in us, enlightening our minds and inspiring our wills. As the Body of Christ we are all in this together, encouraging, up-building, nurturing, exhorting each other through prayer and fellowship.

17 -17- Palanca is introduced at the end of this talk as the spiritual "lever" of prayer and sacrifice that upholds the weekend as well as our lives. Piety - This is a key talk of the weekend. Candidates are generally less defensive and more trusting by this time on Friday. This talk has the mark of "personal testimony," and is presented in such a way that we can see in the speaker an embodiment of true piety. False and true piety are explored. It is important here that candidates understand that this aspect of a Christian's life is also dependent on God's grace (as opposed to human determination). The testimony of the rollista should emphasize this. Normally a change in the atmosphere of the weekend will be evident after the Piety talk. Up to now the weekend has been relatively subdued. Community has been building slowly. This talk sounds a more personal note, and candidates will begin to ask themselves about their own walk with Christ. A chapel visit helps to bring this into focus. Friday evening is the first decuria. Community has been building around individual tables. Now, we begin to shape a broader community through the sharing, the applause and the laughter in this summary of the days' ideas. Following chapel, Spiritual Directors are available for counsel. Hopefully, team members have encouraged candidates in need of this to seek it out. Saturday By the beginning of the second day the candidates should be asking themselves, "Can I attain this ideal.? How can I become a dynamic, growing Christian?" The talks on this day are geared to answer these questions by presenting a Christ- centered sacramental piety, that makes people more fully aware of being the Body of Christ, the people of God. We start the day with the meditation, "The Figure of Christ." The emphasis is on the humanity of Christ; on the Christ who is living now; on the personality that attracts us. We are encouraged to consider a more personal, intimate friendship with him. At the morning worship, we are freer in sharing the passing of the peace. This may include hugs as a form of greeting, though no candidate should feel forced to participate in this. The talks for Saturday no longer stress the ideals, the beauty of the calling, or the importance of one's relationship with God. Rather, while still echoing the essential message of the first day, we move on to patiently explain how the candidates can live and maintain a life of Grace.

18 -18- Study - This talk is not a dissertation on study. Its purpose is to make us feel the need to grow in and deepen our knowledge of Christ in our life in God's grace. grace. The talk intends to show that this life must be conscious and enlightened so that we can give testimony to our faith. It should appeal to persons of varied intelligence. The second talk of the day offers two possible approaches. From the earliest of days, Via de Cristo has had two ways of addressing the Sacramental nature of this talk. One, developed in Iowa, follows a traditional emphasis on the Means of Grace, paralleling the Cursillo sacramental model. The other, with its origins in Florida, traces the grace of God at work throughout a believer's life. They have both been used with great effectiveness. A summary of each follows. The Means of Grace: Word and Sacrament - This rollo describes the intervention of God in human history and in human lives. It may cover:1) the wonderful works of God among the people of Israel; 2) the work of Christ in redeeming humanity; and 3) the work of Christ in his continuing presence, making himself present to us through his Church, and in particular through the Sacraments, making God's forgiveness tangible for us. OR Grace Filled Days - In this style the talk emphasizes the grace of God touching our lives from birth, through the many events and experiences of our lives, all the way to our death. Each event :Baptism, Sunday School, First Communion, Confirmation, Young Adulthood, Marriage, Vocation (including a look at Ordained Ministry), Parenthood, Old Age and Death, is seen as a grace filled stage in the life of a Christian. Particular emphasis is given to the grace revealed through Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Action - This talk, along with the Leaders rollo, serve as a transition to the third day of the weekend, where the emphasis is on Apostolic Action in the 4 th Day. Its purpose is to show that the life of grace flows into a life of action, that grace causes action, and that apostolic action is a logical expectation of a grace filled life. It is faith active in love toward others, in response to the grace which has been imparted to us. Obstacles to Grace - This rollo reminds us that there are genuine difficulties we will encounter in living in grace. It is presented in a realistic, but positive way. It deals with the devil, the world, and our own flesh, and how these obstacles manifest themselves in our own minds and hearts, to frustrate our life and growth. It calls for trust in God to live our lives triumphantly, overcoming obstacles by deepening our piety, study and action.

19 -19- Leaders - The Leaders talk is a complement to the Action talk. It points out that in the Church, leaders are not only those who are overseeing organizations within a local church, but include everyone who bears witness to Christ in his or her sphere of influence in life. Each is called in Baptism to a life of service, leading others through their servanthood. God's grace provides supernatural qualities to complement our natural ones, enabling us all to exercise leadership in our Christian walk. Saturday is a full day. Usually during the afternoon each table is asked to make an altar visit together, giving opportunity for each to pray, if they so desire. This can be a very emotional experience for some candidates. There is also a decuria session which is usually more free-wheeling than on Friday. Candidates seem to feel freer to share since a deeper sense of community has developed by this stage of the weekend. Sunday By the beginning of the third day, most of the candidates are beginning to feel renewed, committed, and filled with enthusiasm. The first day we studied about ourselves and our ideal; and God's ideal. The second day we entered a more intimate friendship with Christ. Today our thoughts are projected out into the world. The third day is a call to apostolic action. We are told how to bring Christ to the world in which we live, and how to hold on to what we have learned in the Via de Cristo weekend. We begin with the meditation, "Christ's Message to the Participant". We hear that Christ has called us: "I have chosen you and have appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit" (John 5:16). This day's rollos present the Via de Cristo method, beginning with our understanding of the environment in which we live. The candidates are being given instructions on how to maintain a healthy Christian life. Environment - This talk explores the world, its people and its institutions, places where we can be of influence for Christ. We cannot be utilized by God to Christianize the world in which we live, unless we understand the world. This rollo helps us to examine specific areas in which we can live out our personal apostleship: in our family, our workplace, our community. Life in Grace - This is the final Spiritual Director's talk of the weekend. It answers the growing concern of candidates as to how they can maintain, in their daily lives, the closeness with Christ that they have been experiencing during these three days. It explains each of the practices of piety, study, and action, showing how they can become a part of our daily lives. We are reminded that these things are not ends in themselves, but grace filled opportunities to gain a conscious and growing awareness of Christ. This is the time to explain and emphasize the need for Spiritual Direction in the Fourth Day.

20 -20- Christian Community in Action - In this talk we get much more specific about the ideas presented in the Action and Leaders talks. We are given examples of what we can do and how we can do it. We are impressed with the idea that though we are individuals, we are never individualistic. As Christians, we are part of the Body of Christ, the Church. Examples are given to show how, working in concert, Christians can participate in changing their world. Total Security in the Fourth Day - In many local Secretariats, the weekend ends with this talk as the 14 th and final talk. It combines the thoughts of Total Security and Fourth Day into one talk. The individual talks can of course be retained. Basically, this rollo is a call to action on the part of the candidates, to practice what they have learned. They are encouraged to get into reunion groups, attend ultreyas and seek spiritual direction. They are urged to be sponsors of others for future weekends. They are encouraged to become the leaders God wants them to be in their churches, communities, families and workplaces. By Sunday, everyone is tired. Though inspiring, the weekend has been intense. The tight structure begins to loosen. Now the team steps forward and takes the lead. They keep taking copious notes. They keep discussing. They keep encouraging. They help candidates understand the service sheet. They reinforce the Rector's emphasis on a Fourth Day strategy. They testify to the necessity and importance of group reunions. As team members we must remind one another that there may be a candidate or two that have not grasped the message of the weekend. We can not and should not force an inauthentic response from anyone. We have to let the Holy Spirit to continue to work, and even must respect each one's freedom to choose not to be a part of the community. Any spiritual encounter must always remain between a candidate and God. Many have testified that they "made" their Via de Cristo some time after the weekend, when they have had further opportunity to absorb Christ's call, and have experienced the support of the Christian community. The clausura is both a celebration of the weekend experience for both candidates and team, and an opportunity for the entire 4 th Day Community to welcome new members. Opportunity is given for candidates to share what Christ means to them, and representatives from the Community offer encouragement. Crosses and service cards are presented to candidates as a final reminder that "Christ is counting on you!"

21 -21- CONDENSED OUTLINES OF LAY TALKS (Spiritual Director talks will be covered later) Day One IDEAL (The Call to Be Fully Human) - 20 minutes Introduction Humans as Superior Beings Consequences of Being Human Being Human - The Possibilities and Limitations Self-Giving as the Measure of Human Development The Process of Being Fully Human What is an Ideal? Qualities of an Authentic Ideal The Influence of the Ideal on Life Kinds of Ideals The Necessity of Knowing Our Ideal THE NATURE OF GOD'S GRACE (Spiritual Director Talk) LAITY (The Layperson as the Church in the World) - 20 minutes Introduction God's Plan For the World What is the Church? The Mission of the Church The Specific Mission of the Layperson Characteristics of the Laity's Mission Conclusion GRACE IN ACTION (Spiritual Director Talk) PIETY 20 minutes Introduction False Piety Authentic or True Piety Characteristics if Authentic Piety Practices of Authentic Piety Conclusion

22 -22- Day Two STUDY - 20 minutes Introduction Definition of Study The Need for Study Objectives of Study Methods of Study Obstacles to Study Remedies to Obstacles Resources Conclusion THE MEANS OF GRACE: WORD AND SACRAMENT OR GRACE FILLED DAYS APOSTOLIC ACTION - 20 minutes Introduction What is Apostolic Action? False Concepts of Apostolic Action Authentic Apostolic Action Qualities of Apostoilc Action The Method of Apostolic Action OBSTACLES TO GRACE (Spiritual Director Talk) (Spiritual Director Talk) LEADERS - 20 minutes Introduction Definition of a Leader Natural Qualities of Leaders Supernatural Qualities of Leaders Christian Leaders Me, a Leader? Conclusion Day Three ENVIRONMENT (The Study and the Evangelization of the Environment) - 20 min. Introduction Christianity as Community The Environment How We Can Be a Part of Transforming Our Environment for Christ The Method of God's Transformation of the Environment Conclusion LIFE IN GRACE (Spiritual Director Talk) CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ACTION (Developing Christian Community in Our Environment) - 20 minutes Introduction Need for Community Christian Community The Via de Cristo Method as a Means to Form Christian Community Christian Community is Apostolic Conclusion

23 -23- TOTAL SECURITY (Group Reunions and Ultreyas) usually combined with FOURTH DAY 45 minutes (This may be combined with FOURTH DAY as the final rollo, TOTAL SECURITY IN THE FOURTH DAY) Introduction The Via de Cristo Method of Perseverance The Purpose of the Group Reunion Characteristics of the Group Stages of Group Development The Group and Its Reunion Ultreya - The Reunion of the Groups The Purpose and Mission of the Ultreya Format of the Ultreya Conclusion These two talks are combined into one FOURTH DAY minutes Introduction Your Mission Your Responsibility Dangers Encountered in the Fourth Day Solutions to Avoid These Dangers What the Christian Should Be What the Christian Should know what the Christian should have. GUIDELINES FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS AND CLERGY Now that we have considered the purpose of our weekends, what constitutes an authentic three day experience, the dynamics and flow of a weekend, and a basic outline of the Lay talks, it is time to turn our attention to the details involved in serving as Spiritual leaders on a Via de Cristo weekend. We will move from selection of Spiritual Directors, to their responsibilities in team formation, and then on to their role on the weekend itself. As was mentioned in the Preface, "sample" rollos are not being provided in this edition. The outlines provided should be more than adequate for a pastor to fashion a talk in his or her own unique style. Those writing talks for the first time will find a rich resource in those who have served on previous teams in their own Secretariat. Meditations, text and/or outlines are provided. These may be adapted or modified as deemed appropriate. It is important that Spiritual Directors are knowledgeable and supportive of the

24 -24- TOTAL Via de Cristo Method. This includes pre-weekend, weekend, and postweekend aspects. As Spiritual Directors we are not free to modify the method, or any parts of it, based on our own theological preferences. If there are any potential problems in this regard, they should be discussed in advance with a Spiritual Director from the Secretariat. Where such things cannot be resolved, pastors should feel free to decline to serve on a weekend. We respect and appreciate any and all ideas which will enhance the goals of Via de Cristo. At the same time we realize that our goals are limited and are not inclusive of all aspects of Christian faith and practice. We sincerely believe this specific, high-structured method has borne much fruit and will continue to do so. Our aim is not to make Via de Cristo all things for all people, but to use this instrument of God as faithfully and effectively as possible. The Selection of Spiritual Directors 5) Head Spiritual Directors should have served in the Rollo Room on at least two teams, be active in the Via de Cristo movement, and be committed to serve on this specific team. They should be selected by the Secretariat's Spiritual Director(s). 6) Second and/or Palanca Spiritual Directors should have served on at least one team, be active in the movement, and be committed for the weekend. 7) Other team clergy must have been candidates, be active, and be committed to the weekend. 8) The Head Spiritual Director should be Lutheran. As much as possible, other Lutheran clergy should be included as well. Experience has shown that in some areas of the country this has not always been possible. It is the Head Spiritual Director's responsibility to assure that all talks reflect a theological perspective consistent with our Lutheran tradition. This is necessary to insure that our weekends and our movement maintain their integrity as the Lutheran entity we are. 9) ALL talk presenters must be committed to having talks prepared in advance for delivery at team meetings and subsequent critiquing by the Head Spiritual Director. This has not been a standard practice in our history. As pastors we need to set the example and lead the way in this regard. If we affirm that the weekend consists of ONE talk given in 15 segments, it is important that we participate in the integrative process. 10) All clergy on weekends should be able pastoral counselors. Responsibilities of Spiritual Directors in Team Preparation THE HEAD SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR 1) Assembles his or her pastoral team in consultation with the Secretariat Spiritual Director(s). The Rector may be consulted in this process. This should be done at least 6 months before the weekend. 2) Seek to attain a balance in pastoral team selection (old/young, male/female, outgoing/retiring, experienced/inexperienced, etc.), if possible. Mentoring is encouraged. 3) Make talk assignments for the weekend before team meetings begin and pass on this information to the Rector. Assign self to present the "Know Yourself" Meditation and the

25 -25- "The Means of Grace: Word and Sacrament" or "Grace Filled Days" Talk. See the sample assignment sheet at the end of this manual on pages ) Assign meditation and worship service responsibilities for the weekend. Plan worship for the weekend, including music (in consultation with music team). 5) Work closely with the Rector primarily as a spiritual advisor, realizing that Via de Cristo is a lay movement. 6) Exercise spiritual leadership with the team members, clergy and lay, by reading and critiquing all talks. Consider: Are they sound in Lutheran theology? Do they make the main points of the talk? Does personal witness apply to the talk and/or help to get the message across? 7) Promote a growing Christ-centered atmosphere during team formation. This can be reinforced through worship, communion and prayer at team meetings. ALL SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS 1) Pray for each team member, and pray for candidates as they consider their call to attend the weekend. 2) Attend all team meetings. Help in leading worship and in critiquing talks. 3 )Study the Spiritual Director Manual in preparation for serving on the team, so as to understand the substance and purpose of each talk, and the dynamics of the weekend. Spiritual Directors will be viewed as "theological experts." Be prepared. Commit oneself to the entire weekend, with emergency absences only. 3) View your participation on a team as an extension of your parish ministry. Spiritual Directors on the Weekend Inasmuch as the Rector is directly responsible for all external and scheduling aspects of the Via de Cristo, Spiritual Directors are in a supportive role to the Rector. The Rector has final authority in those matters. Spiritual Directors, however, are responsible in the areas of spiritual direction, doctrinal soundness, and matters of liturgy. Wherever questions of this nature arise, the Head Spiritual Director has final authority. This authority, however, should be low-key and exercised in love. As for the three days, Spiritual Directors exercise a ministry of presence. If we prepare for all the rollos, meditations, liturgies and palanca in advance of the weekend, we can then be fully involved and sensitive to the dynamics occurring on the weekend itself, as well as individual responses to what is happening. Of utmost importance is our supportive ministry and availability to the Rector and all team members. The primary focus for all team members is on the candidates and their needs and growth. As Spiritual Directors we want to be open and accessible to them at all times. We want to get to know them by name and establish personal contact with them during the weekend. These three days may actually be the first opportunity some candidates have ever had to experience a pastor as a brother/sister and friend.

26 -26- So, during the weekend Spiritual Directors need to: 1) Pray for the candidates, the team, and the Via de Cristo. 2) Be natural leaders, embodying the Gospel of grace. 3) Be present at all functions (at least one Spiritual Director should always be present in the Rollo Room while candidates are present)). 4) Join rollistas in prayer prior to their talks, walk with them to and from the Rollo Room, and join them for prayers of thanksgiving afterward (as assigned by Head Spiritual Director). 5) Attend all team meetings during the weekend. 6) Involve both team and candidates as lectors in worship (giving them texts in advance). 7) Be available for counseling on Thursday evening and throughout the weekend, being flexible in our style of pastoral care (eg. Prayer for healing, active listening, confession and absolution, guidance). 8) Be available for assignment to preside at Holy Communion for the 4 th Day Community before the serenade and/or before the Clausura. 9) Assist in the distribution of the crosses. 10) Be prepared to make a brief statement at the Clausura. We have now covered the basic guidelines relating to the selection of Spiritual Directors, their participation in team formation and development, and their main responsibilities during the weekend itself. There may be additional things asked of Spiritual Directors in local Secretariats. Review the above items with the Head Spiritual Director of your weekend.

27 -27- Now we can move on to the Pastoral Meditations and Grace Talks assigned to us. SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS' TALKS AND MEDITATIONS Thursday Evening MEDITATION #1 "KNOW YOURSELF" Purpose and Setting This meditation begins the process of preparing the candidates to let go of their anxieties so that they may listen to and accept the message that will be shared with them on the weekend. It does this by encouraging the candidates to be more aware of who they are, why they have come, and to be honest with themselves about their potentialities and limitations. They are invited to look inside the self and see what God already sees. This truth and self-knowledge can set them free to respond to God. It should be stressed that each person's situation is unique, and that there is no "expected response" to the Via de Cristo experience. Some have found it helpful to do some simple "centering" exercises to prepare candidates to listen to this meditation, and to transition into the silent retreat which follows. The Meditation Good evening! I invite you to sit back, relax, and think for a few moments along with me. This is the first of several meditations we Spiritual Directors will share with you this weekend. A meditation is a sharing of some thoughts (usually based on a scriptural theme) for your personal and prayerful reflection. Try to uncloud your mind while you are here this weekend, so that you can use this valuable time apart to dialogue with your God. "Relaxed" may not the word you would use to describe how you feel at the moment. You are probably wondering what you've gotten yourself into here. You may be asking yourself, "Will I be asked to do things I don't want to do?" The answer is no - you will not be forced to do anything. It is our deep desire that each of you will use the time here to relax, to listen, to ponder, to think, and to enjoy this experience. So ponder then with me as we consider these words from the 6 th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, verses 25-34: READ THE PASSAGE1 These words are part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It was his first recorded 1 Note: Whole Scriptural passages are not printed in the Meditations. Presenters are encouraged to compare translations (eg. RSV, NIV, etc) to see what can be most effectively cited. Even some modern paraphrases (eg. The Message, The Living Bible, etc) may be helpful.