From September 11 to 13, we gathered in Milanówek for the Local Communities Forum 2026 — an annual gathering of those responsible for local communities in Poland (currently in 12 cities). We discerned the directions for the Community’s development in the upcoming formation year using “Conversation in the Spirit,” a method practiced during the Synod on Synodality. Fr. Czesław Wasilewski SJ, the Ecclesiastical Assistant of CLC in the Tricity region, who served as facilitator of this method, explained its fundamentals and dynamics to us.
During the Conversation in the Spirit, we shared the fruits of our personal prayer regarding how to renew the community for more effective witness and apostolic engagement. This process enabled us to formulate practical questions about strengthening formation for apostolic work and building a community open to others. We shaped our responses by defining our goals using the SMART method (Specific–Measurable–Achievable–Relevant–Time-bound). Following small-group discussions, we presented the current status and potential future directions regarding these topics.
The Executive Council proposed an in-depth discussion on the Formation Team, the creation of shared content for “Retreats in Daily Life,” thematic meetings for animators and coordinators, and the organization of community retreats and a summer seminar. We also highlighted initiatives undertaken by the World Community: the revision of the General Principles ahead of the 2028 World Assembly, and the establishment of the International Apostolic Team for Families. Forum participants will share these topics with their local communities, helping to guide development and apostolic activities during the current formation year.
In a spirit of gratitude for the time we spent together, for the gift that is the Community, and for every person who is part of it, we brought the Local Communities Forum to a close. Many participants emphasized what an effective and fruitful tool “Conversation in the Spirit” is — a process leading to consensus through dialogue.
We returned home inspired by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by the unity of the Community.
Julia Ostrowska, Eurolink CLC in Poland
