Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative

The Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative

The Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative is a collaboration between the Archdiocese of Washington, the Archdiocese of Newark, the Diocese of Scranton, and the McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame. This initiative provides a safe space for all to discuss Catholic Social Teaching and share their perspectives.

Register here for our Virtual Dialogues:

If you are interested in participating in one of our dialogues or joining our training, please sign up here! If you complete three dialogues, you are eligible for a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute.

Please note that you must register at least three days in advance to attend:

  • Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 2:00 PM-3:15 PM Eastern Time
  • Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 1:00PM-2:30PM Eastern Time
  • Saturday, January 6, 2023 from 1:00PM-2:30PM Eastern Time
  • Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Eastern Time (Virtual Facilitator Training)

More dialogue opportunities will be posted soon! Please contact Kathryn Yanik at [email protected] with any questions.

Non-public Schools Advocacy Day

Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative

Youth are encouraged to participate in multiple dialogues to learn about different topics across the spectrum of a consistent life ethic. Topics for dialogue may include:

  • Speaking up for Human Life and Dignity
  • Catholic Perspectives on Immigration
  • Racial Justice and the Catholic Church
  • Violence in our Communities

During each dialogue, trained facilitators encourage youth to share their thoughts on a particular issue. Each participant is given the time and space to stop and consider their own values, beliefs, and ideas, and to listen with genuine curiosity to their peers This is a safe space for understanding, listening, and accompaniment. Through participation, participants and facilitators learn to build up a truly catholic Church community of support and understanding.

View sample resources on the topic of Human Life and Dignity →

See a sample dialogue →

The Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative

 

Catholic Civil Dialogue Certificate Program

Youth who choose to participate in three dialogues will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute. These dialogues may include:

  • Dialogues hosted in a Catholic school or youth group, at a local or diocesan level
  • National Zoom dialogues hosted by the Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative
  • National civil dialogues at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) or another program sponsored by the Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative

Please contact Kathryn Yanik at [email protected] for more information.

Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative Facilitator Training

Are you interested in facilitating a civil dialogue for your own community? Civil dialogue is structured conversation around a topic with curious questions and proper facilitation. Therefore, we require that all facilitators attend a training. Facilitators must use the pre-written scripts for quality assurance purposes. However, we welcome constructive feedback and collaboration as the program develops. Facilitators should attend one of the scheduled trainings or contact a member of our team for an in-person training opportunity. Facilitators should also commit to recruiting participants and hosting at least two civil dialogues in their parish, school, or community. Register for facilitator training here or contact us for more information.

Youth and adults are welcome to attend our facilitator training. All trainees will receive a Certificate of Completion, Continuing Education credits from the McGrath Institute, and access to the Catholic Civil Dialogue Institute Facilitator Manual and materials.

If you are interested in participating in or facilitating a civil dialogue or have any questions, please contact Kathryn Yanik, Director of Life Issues, at [email protected].

If you are interested in participating in or facilitating a civil dialogue or have any questions, please contact Kathryn Yanik, Director of Life Issues, at [email protected].