BOSTON — The friar community of Arch Street joined by the St. Anthony Shrine ministry directors, members of the guardian’s council and members of the 20Boston/30Boston group gathered Oct. 25 in the shrine auditorium for a two-hour workshop titled “The Church Through The Last Four Generations: Bringing A ‘Generational Lens’ To Your Ministry.”
The presenter was Dominic Perri, a Chicago-based consultant who has done research and facilitation work for Holy Name Province since 2006. Perri runs a consulting group called Essential Conversations.
The first half of the workshop included input on the characteristics of the four generations of present-day Catholics. In the second half, participants were divided into generational groups: Millennials (under age 23); Generation X (ages 24 to 44); Boomers (ages 44 to 65) — the largest group, Traditionalists (over age 65). Dominic provided a discussion sheet that included experiences of Church at each generational level. Following a period of table sharing, the entire group had the opportunity to listen to the feedback from each of the generations.
It was a valuable experience for the friars and members of the shrine community who participate in the many ministries that are offered.
Following the workshop, participants gathered in the friary for a festive preprandium and dinner. The evening closed with homemade desserts, coffee and cordials.
— Br. John is vicar at St. Anthony Shrine and director of the Province’s postulant program.