Our “Going Local” Initiative

Recently the diocese invited us to participate in an initiative called “Going Local” which asked us to come up with an experiment to find out what the Spirit of God is up to in our neighborhoods. Through our team’s journey of discernment we decided to focus on listening to people’s stories. At first we conducted formal interviews based on the “Storycorps” model, but found that this format was too restrictive and just wasn’t working for us. We decided to broaden our focus, step outside our comfort zones, and be open listening to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Our team members have begun engaging in conversations wherever the spirit of God provides us with an opportunity—on the bus, checkout line, bleachers, chair lift, even at dinner with people we thought we knew well. The team members agree that this conscious listening has changed the way we move throughout our days, and has connected us to so many. Now we’d like the parish to get involved and look for listening opportunities throughout your daily life. Please join us in this new practice of listening in our work environments, as we gather to eat, and as we go about our daily lives, so that we can come together and discern what God is up to in our neighborhoods. Everyone has a story, it’s time to start listening to them!

Sample “Going Local” questions to help get you started:

• Tell me about your spiritual or religious background.
• How did you end up in Livingston (or wherever they are from)?
• What is your most cherished childhood memory?
• Tell me about your parents and siblings.
• Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?
• What did you do during summer vacation when you were a child?
• How did you find your way to your current job?
• Where were your ancestors born? When did they come to the United States (if applicable)?
• How did you meet your wife/husband/partner?
• Tell me about your happiest times together.
• Can you tell me about a challenging time in your life?
• What do you look forward to in the future?