Objectives:

• To share experiences in small group discussion.
• To identify and voice hopes, fears, and expectations about this retreat.

This is a talk for each group to do individually. After the groups are divided they may be sent off immediately to complete the talk.

Leader Guide: Expectations Talk

Begin by stating your name again and something about yourself, such as birthplace, parish, school, etc. Each participant should do the same.

Reinforce the importance of honesty, respect, and be willing to be open, and to share and to listen. Give an example from your own experience of a time when you were faced with a new situation and had to be open with others.

Ask the following questions, giving each person, including you, a chance to respond out loud:

• Why did you come to the retreat?
• What do you hope to experience or learn at the retreat?
• What do you think this retreat is about?

There are no "wrong answers" to these questions. If the answers given are very short, discuss them a little more to find out more about the group members. After discussing these questions, ask this last reflection question (then return to the main group):
The theme of this retreat is “Let Your Light So Shine.” What do you think that means?

Notes:

		Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Orthodox Church in America PO Box 675 Syosset, NY 11791 http://yya.oca.org yyacm@oca.org The Hub | Back to top