Spirit Fire
"We are wounded in relationship, and in relationship we must heal."
- Carl Jung
"Do not wait for leaders;
do it alone, heart to heart."
- St. Teresa of Calcutta
SPIRIT FIRE
We are a Catholic ministry founded by survivors of clergy abuse who facilitate integrating our faith into recovering from abuse and trauma.
MISSION
Spirit Fire fosters safe pastoral care through trauma-informed dialogue using concepts from trauma literature, therapeutic trends, 12 Step traditions, and cultural diversity.
APPROACH
Spirit Fire promotes healing in relationship and safe dialogue based on principles drawn from alternative dispute resolution and restorative-justice programs.
FOCUS
Our resources empower others to develop awareness, skills, and confidence needed to heal in relationships affected by abuse or trauma.
NON-ALIGNMENT
Abuse does not discriminate. Neither does Spirit Fire.
CHALLENGE
We challenge survivors, family members, parishes, educators, reformers, lay ministers, clergy, Church leaders, and many others to create safety in sacred spaces through dialogue and friendship in Christ and through Christ, person-to-person, heart-to-heart.
Spirit Fire Guidelines
These guidelines represent our approach all all our retreats, workshops, and events. We have developed principles that blend alternative conflict resolution with trauma-informed group dynamics to ensure a safe dialogue where all parties are self-accountable.
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Participation is voluntary and, unless otherwise stated, anonymous.
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All discussions are confidential.
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Every attendee may expect equal consideration, respect and charity.
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Assume good intent. Don't personalize what you see and hear.
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Listen to hear not to respond.
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Avoid debate, triangulation, and alliances.
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Speak only for yourself. Let others speak as they choose.
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Honor boundaries. Do not reveal facts about third parties or ask probing questions.
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Use questions to clarify but not to challenge what is being said.
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Encounter attendees as individuals. No one is present to play a scapegoat.
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Share time. Do not dominate.
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Empower others by not solving their problems. Do no offer advice.
While preserving a sense of safety in our groups, we are mindful of individual needs that sometimes arise. Support people are invited to many of our gatherings for those participants who find they need one-on-one personal care.