FAQ

WHAT IS THE FORMATION PROJECT?

…a cohort-based support structure for us to deepen our personal
connection to the sacred across three dimensions:

Inner – tending the sacredness in ourselves

Outer – tending the sacredness in others

Beyond – tending the sacredness in community

WHO IS
WELCOME?

…anyone with a sense of desire, commitment, and openness.

This offering is for anyone from any religious, spiritual, or secular background. At the beginning of the year, each individual names their own intention for deepening; there is no shared religious expectation.

Q: Cool; I’m interested in participating! What comes next?

A: In order to participate in the Formation Project (which runs Jan-Dec 2023), indicate your interest in the discernment period (Jan-April) via this form by January 27. After discernment, you will then be invited to commit to the rest of the Formation Year. Hopefully discernment will give you even more information to work with for what you choose to do!

Q: I’m not sure if I want to do the whole thing, but I am curious! What can I do?

A: Join the discernment process and see how it feels! Indicate your interest in the discernment period (Jan-April) via this form by January 27. After the discernment period is over, then you can decide if you want to do the rest of the year’s offering. Committing to discernment doesn’t mean we expect you to continue into the rest of the year; a “successful” discernment process is determined by you choosing what is best for you!

Q: What is the time commitment?

A: You get out of this what you put into it. In other words, time commitment varies person-to-person! What we do know is:

In the discernment period (Jan-April), the time commitments include:

1) in a full group: monthly 90-minute meetings focused on the discernment bridges
2) to yourself: regular reflection on the discernment processes and practices; we estimate 5-10 hours per month / per “discernment bridge”

In the formation period (May-December), the time commitments include:

1) to a small group: a biweekly, 90-minute small group (with a time chosen by the participant and based on facilitators’ availability;
2) to yourself: daily and/or weekly regular practice and reflection

Q: What dates should I put on my calendar? What does the year look like overall?

A: First comes Discernment (individual & monthly group meetings [childcare available])

January: Beginning the journey
Friday, January 27: Commit to Discernment period via online form by this date
Sunday, January 29 Gathering: Welcome and beginning together

February: Bridge 1 – Gather Your People
Thursday, February 23 Gathering: Share reflections on Bridge 1

March: Bridge 2 – Coming Home To Yourself
Wednesday, March 22 Gathering: Share reflections on Bridge 2

April: Bridge 3 – Committing to Formation
Wednesday, April 19: Share reflections on Bridge 3; Q&A for what’s next
Wednesday, April 26: Commit to Formation period by sharing your “On Yes” letter via online form by this date

Then, comes Formation (biweekly small groups). Dates and times TBD based on small groups.

May: Beginning groups together – creating a covenant and sharing spiritual autobiographies

June & July: Inner Life practices and reflections

August & September: Outer Life practices and reflections

October & November: Life Beyond practices and reflections

December: Integrating and continuing commitments

Q: Who is welcome? Do I have to be religious?

A: All are welcome; no religious or spiritual identity needed. This is for anyone with a sense of desire, commitment, and openness… from any religious, spiritual, or secular background. At the beginning of the year, each individual names their own intention for deepening. Bring your own language for the sacred or meaning-making, and we’ll meet between our traditions and identities.

Q: If I want more detail about how this works, how can I find out more?

A: First, check out our website – formationproject.io – and even the Formation Project Manual – formationproject.io/manual – which will guide our year. If you still have questions, reach out to Katie Gordon, Co-Founder of Nuns & Nones or Melinda Hall, Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul.