Redeeming Conflict

Maria Montessori wrote that following the child would illuminate for us a new path to peace.  As catechists we long to walk the path of the child even as we continue to struggle with all the ordinary tensions and disagreements that crop up in collaborative ministry.

Rather than viewing these daily challenges as distractions from our ministry with children, CGS catechist and professional conflict mediator Ann M. Garrido identifies conflict as a potentially fruitful exchange that arises from living and working together in the diverse world God created.  It is part of the work we do with God to help bring about the Peaceable Kingdom described in Isaiah 11.  Garrido offers twelve practical habits for responding to conflict, pairs each habit with a spiritual companion from history, and offers questions and prayers for growth.