The still, small voice of calm - Contemplation and Stillness for Communal Discernment with Milissa Else

The still, small voice of calm - Intentional practices of stillness in prayer and the habits of contemplation for communal discernment.

Originally recorded in the fall of 2024, Jen speaks with Milissa Else about her experience of deep prayer and contemplation as the necessary foundational work for communal discernment. In the Fall of 2024, Milissa joined a group of students who were able to travel to the Synod on Synodality and spoke with delegates in order to witness the spiritual practice of being Church. Milissa's first hand experience of witnessing the fruits of this spiritual practice which brings joy, gratitude and a deep sense of unity in the midst of diverse perspectives and experiences. Her insight continues to shape the work she does at the Archdiocese whether in parish life or within the tasks set forth in the pastoral conversion process.

This conversation also gave birth to the idea of approaching "Dilexit Nos" from a deep prayer and contemplative framework which Jen embarked on last year.

Milissa Else currently works for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey and serves as Assistant to the Chancellor for Pastoral Projects. Milissa and the Chancellor provide ongoing training and support for pastors, parish staff and Parish Pastoral Councils. Since 2021, their work has focused on the Synod on Synodality. Milissa also serves as a part-time Director of Religious Education in a parish. Previous to her work with the Archdiocese, Milissa spent nearly five years directing adult faith formation and managing small Christian communities. Milissa provided training to small group facilitators in 20 dioceses across the country. Prior to serving directly in parish ministry, Milissa was Vice President for a consulting firm. Through the consulting firm, Milissa served the Catholic Church for nearly 20 years in parishes, dioceses, and religious communities across the country.

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind by John Greenleaf Whittier

Loyola New Orleans students attend Global Synod

Synod on Synodality final document

Dilexit Nos - Apostolic Exhortation on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

"Still, Small Voice of Calm" - by Thomas Enwright, The Way

Office for Evangelization website: www.rcan.org/evangelization
Our original theme music is "Meditation" by Eric Hunter. - www.erichuntermusic.com