The role of the Facilitator will necessarily include organising the group’s access at the session to the resources on screen or in print.

A suggested structure for each Session is:

1. Preparation of the Focus Space
2. Prayer
3. Introduction
4. Content Explored
5. Reflection and Discussion
6. Closing

As this is the first theme of the third Segment, most groups will have already explored the context for Mercy Global Presence as “global” (Segment One) and its spirit as “mercy” (Segment Two), and so will be familiar with the process and the microsite.  

Whichever presentation you, the Facilitator, or group first choose to engage with, commence your work using the introduction by Elizabeth Davis rsm. Sr Elizabeth begins her Introduction by recalling the first two segments, 'global' and 'mercy'. The presentations from each of these segments remain available on the Mercy Global Presence microsite. Simply click on the forward/back arrows next to this third segment to access these. The integrating posters in an interactive format can be accessed here, while the posters in a format for printing can be downloaded here. The complete set of reflections from the Regional Gatherings can be accessed here

Sr Elizabeth's Introduction is an exploration of the presence of God grounded in three rich traditions: the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the words of Catherine McAuley. These and further quotes from Catherine McAuley can be found in our online library here.

Elizabeth concludes her introduction with an invitation to each one of us to ponder:

• When do I experience God as transcendent, far above me?
• When do I experience God as intimate, quite close to me?
• Where have I seen God dwelling among us?
• How have I seen God’s Spirit poured out on me, on us, on Earth?
• How do I image God with the eyes of my heart?

These reflection questions might be as well used after an exploration of some of the presentations on this theme as after spending time with the Introduction.

Once again, we offer three of many possible approaches to using resources from this theme, implementing the suggested structure (nos. 1-6). The approach used will depend on the needs, interests, abilities and situations of the group members. At this present time, groups that are able to meet are using video conferencing. Our suggested approaches take account of this and of face-to-face-meetings becoming possible again in the future.

Facilitators may, of course, use their own approach with the resources, or choose elements from these three suggested approaches to create a different approach. At the conclusion of the Session the Facilitator or another group member is encouraged to send on ‘what is too good for the group to keep to themselves’ to mgpfeedback@mercyinternational.ie