Life of the Groupe des Dombes
Every year the Groupe des Dombes gathers at the end of August or the beginning of September at Pradines Abbey for a four-day meeting which is usually organised as follows :
Monday evening
- Meetings and greetings
- Introduction of new members
- Introduction of the session
- Meditation by one of the two Co-Presidents
Tuesday
- Mass in the Abbey with the Benedictine Community
- Work
- Office with the Sisters
- Meal
- Work
- Special Office for the Group
- In the evening : General assembly of the “Groupe des Dombes” Association
Wednesday
- Holy Communion (Protestant)
- Work
- Office with the Sisters
- Meal
- Work
- Special Office for the Group
- In the evening:A sharing of ecumenical news
Thursday
- Eucharist (Catholic)
- Work
- Office with the Sisters
- Meal
- Work
- Evening office with the Sisters
- In the evening:Work if necessary
Friday morning
- Departure of the Group members with a programme of work decided the previous day
A time-table such as this cannot adequately convey the ambiance, the rhythm and the spirit of the Group. You also have to take account of the way people are really listened to in a group of forty, the role each plays according to his or her special abilities, the informal discussions during the breaks and the convivial atmosphere which gently encourages the growth of fellowship and help people to ground themselves again in prayer.
All this produces a remarkable alchemy in which spiritual, doctrinal and pastoral ecumenism all come together in harmony to serve the Ecumenical Movement in its quest for the One Church of Christ.
Pierre Lathuilière