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Welcome Statement:
All victims of abuse need love and support.
It doesn't matter if the abuse was physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual or mental.
It does not matter who the abuser was, whether it was a relative, a friend, a spouse, a minister, a priest, a nun, a rabbi, a teacher, a coach, or a stranger, we welcome you.
We are survivors and friends of survivors who understand the need to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ.
We are not after money. Money is irrelevant when your soul has been destroyed.
We are not out for revenge. We have found that the hate and anger towards those who harmed us prevents us from a full recovery. We leave vengeance to God.
Our sole interest is in helping our brothers and sisters experience healing in God’s Love.M.Prats
Please note:
1. Meetings can be set up for women only, men only or both. Our MGN Espanol chapter in Houston is women only.
2. Two co-leaders who have a background or personal experience with abuse are required.
2. The 90-minute plan below is a suggestion. We find 90 minutes is the minimum amount of time needed for everyone to get a chance to speak. Meetings can be 20/20/20, 10/45/10, etc; Whatever works for the group is ok.
Chapter Meetings have three segments:- Introduction and Initial Sharing
- Always start the group with prayer (can be free form or a standard prayer)
- A brief explanation of what the group is for (read the Welcome Statement)
- Everyone is invited to accept the Ground Rules (read Ground Rules)
- Everyone is invited to give their first name and share a bit about themselves, where they are tonight, and whether they are a hugger or are not a hugger.
- Divide into two groups, men and women, for personal sharing. Designate a time for the two groups to come back together.
- Reunite for group discussion on forgiveness. (Read Ways to Forgive.) In closing all stand and say The Lord’s Prayer, the Serenity prayer or whatever the group or leader prefers.
A 90 minute meeting may be segmented into 3, 30 minute segments:
30 minutes - Introduction and Sharing
30 minutes - Men’s and Women’s Groups
30 minutes - Discussion on forgiveness*********************************************************************************************************
Ground Rules of a Meeting
1. Everything said in the group is confidential and is never to be discussed outside a chapter meeting.
2. Please do not share with anyone the names or stories you learn outside this room. While individuals may choose to pray for others in the MGN Chapter, outside of Chapter meetings there is to be NO discussion of what people shared or of the circumstances of someone else's life.
3. Discussion of another person's journey is not appropriate unless that person is present and is specifically requesting input.
4. We share feelings and experiences that just are or were. There are no right or wrong statements. We make no judgments about anyone or anything.
5. Everyone knows what is best for herself or himself and therefore must take care of herself or himself during sessions. If, at any time, someone needs to leave or take a break they may do so.
6. The presence of everyone is appreciated and can be a source of healing for others. No one is required to speak during the sessions. Listening is a gift too!
7. Everyone actively listens to each person as she or he speaks (No Interruptions) with the idea of how this person's experience relates to her or his own. We focus on our own issues, feelings and recovery. We are committed to work on ourselves, and we avoid seeking distraction by trying to solve the problems of others.
8. Giving and asking for advice is not allowed. It is empowering and healing to for us to gather ideas that will benefit us. None of us are experts and none of us know what is best for another.
9. We respect each individuals right to set their own boundaries for physical contact with other members of the group. We will honor people’s request to not be hugged, and we will never pressure anyone into accepting physical contact. We will also respect and honor each individual's emotional and spiritual boundaries.
10. The meeting (usually 90 minutes long) is divided into the following three parts:
a. Introduction and initial sharing-everyone joins in
b. Men's and women's groups divide into two groups for personal sharing.
c. Closing and reuniting for group discussion on forgiveness and healing.11. We welcome positive or negative feedback after the meeting.
12. MGN is committed to transparency and accountability. If there are any concerns about the action of leaders or the conducting of meetings, please contact Miguel Prats- Manager at 713-851-3708 or "[email protected]". Or MGN VP, Fr. Gavin Vaverek JCL at "[email protected]" or 903-571-7069.
- Introduction and Initial Sharing