Life Groups often discover and explore wonderful resources to sustain the shared journey in faith of their members. This was the case last winter in a Life Group that included Anne and John Hodd.

A friend Anne knew from involvement with the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises enthusiastically recommended a book to her entitled Listening to Indigenous Voices, which was compiled and edited by the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice. Anne brought it to John and their Life Group, and it became an eleven week study that inspired the group and left them determined to give others the opportunity to follow this path. John Hodd feels it is a program that enriches us in many ways and helps us shape a healthy perspective on cultural differences. As I spoke with him about this book and the program they followed, his enthusiasm was very obvious.

The book is a series of essays featuring many Indigenous people who are attempting to gracefully and gently open new healing pathways. The essayists invite the reader to listen deeply, to go beyond the superficial. Moving through the essays, the reader is transported to the historic, cultural, and spiritual realities of Indigenous peoples. At the end of each essay is a study guide that stimulates small group discussion. John indicated that while the guide gets things started, the discussion often goes far beyond it and is spiritually enriching.

Beginning Monday, September 12, 2022, Listening to Indigenous Voices will be offered in person in the auditorium at Saint Benedict Parish. Each session will run from 7-9pm. Participants will be placed in groups of
10, with members of Anne and John’s Life Group acting as facilitators for the groups. One of the facilitators is Diane Kristoff, who taught in the Costume Studies department of the Fountain School of Performing Arts
at Dalhousie. She has an abiding interest in Mi’kmaq culture and sits on the Mi’kmaq Pastoral Council. She will be available as facilitator to all participants.

We are living in a time when recalling historic events and their consequences has awakened us to learn, pray, and adjust our perspectives regarding our Indigenous brothers and sisters. At every level of leadership in the church, from the Pope, to our bishops, to priests, and to us as parishioners, there is a heightened desire for healing and renewal.

You are invited to register for this course. We are currently limited to 70 spots. While there is no fee for the course, participants will be required to purchase the Listening to Indigenous Voices book. This is a unique opportunity for growth in your faith and to invest significantly in Jesus’ commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself,” (Matthew 22:39).

You may register for the course on line at saintbenedict.ca/indigenous.