Preliminary Tasks for Each Workshop:

1. Reserve room and equipment. Check policies, accessibility. Know how to regulate room temperature. (parish contact)
2. Publicize the workshop through the parish bulletin, pulpit announcements, and posters (available from your pastor). Write the date and location of the workshop on the poster in the space provided. (parish contact)
3. Arrange for directional signs to the proper building/room, which should be a quiet area with comfortable seating. (parish contact)
4. Review content of materials to be covered, including videotape. (parish contact & workshop facilitator)
5. Prepare participant materials – those marked "Participant Handouts" must be photocopied in advance. Prepare name tags. (parish contact & workshop facilitator)
6. Arrive at the workshop one-half hour ahead of time. Test all equipment you will be using, (TV, VCR, etc.). (parish contact & workshop facilitator)

At the Workshop – Facilitator:

• Create the right atmosphere and grouping: The group size can vary, but should be no larger than 12 people. Ideally, the group should be 4 to 6 people seated in a circle.

• Start strong: people are more attentive at the beginning and end of a presentation. Emphasize the agenda, state objectives clearly (see the Introductory Workshop Objectives in this packet)

• Observe and listen: monitor participants’ reactions. To effectively facilitate, you should know what the participants are thinking. Remember, this material is new to the participants.

• Involve participants: draw on the group’s experiences.

• Field questions: questions are an important facilitator’s tool. They can invite listeners’ involvement and help you discern what they know. Use questions to keep the discussion on track.

• Use open-ended questions to encourage discussion; get participants involved; explore possibilities provided in the Facilitator’s Training Manual
• Encourage questions; wait for answers; restrict questions to the group; be positive; never belittle a question; encourage discussion; be sure all can hear the questions

• Summarize what has been covered at the end of the workshop. Emphasize key points.

• Recommend materials: distribute the Suggested Resources for Self-Study to those who wish to learn more about the issue.

• Contact the In Support of Life Diocesan Office to register for the diocesan parish facilitator training and to arrange to pick up the necessary materials.

• Pick up the Facilitator’s Training Manual and facilitator’s packet from your In Support of Life Diocesan Contact Office.

1. Reserve room and equipment. Check policies, accessibility. Know how to regulate room temperature.
2. Publicize the workshop through the parish bulletin, pulpit announcements, and posters (available from your pastor). Write the date and location of the workshop on the poster in the space provided.
3. Arrange for directional signs to the proper building/room, which should be a quiet area with comfortable seating.
4. Review content of materials to be covered, including videotape. Prepare name tags.
5. Acquaint yourself with the facilitator’s packet. Prepare participant materials – those marked "Participant Handouts" must be photocopied in advance.
6. Arrive at the workshop one-half hour ahead of time. Test all equipment you will be using, (TV, VCR, etc.).

1. Have a sign in sheet at the door. Participants sign in and take their name tags.
2. Welcome the participants and introduce yourself. A strong beginning is important.
3. Lead participants in the opening prayer (using the prayer card). (5 minutes)
4. Inform the participants about the workshop’s purpose, i.e., to assist Catholics to look at death and dying in a special way, to recognize that dying can be a time of comfort and hope, and to learn how assisted suicide poses a serious threat to life.
5. Announce housekeeping details: location of restrooms, drinking fountain, phone, etc. (5 minutes)
6. Review the agenda and workshop materials with the participants. (5 minutes)
7. Introduce and present video: In Support of Life: Comfort and Hope for the Dying. (15 minutes)
8. Reflection on Video. (5 minutes) Have participants turn to a person next to them and share any immediate reaction to the video. The video reflection will be followed by a discussion of assisted suicide and end-of-life issues.
9. Discussion Period. (40 minutes) Pass out the Discussion Starters to participants. Have participants divide into groups of 4 to 6 people. Go through the Discussion Starters as indicated in the instructions.
10. Question and Answer Period. (15 minutes) Take questions from participants.
11. Distribute handouts: Six Teachings Every Catholic Should Know; the Suggested Resources for Self-Study (both found in the facilitator’s packet); and the Diocesan Directory of Resources (available from your In Support of Life Diocesan Contact Office).
12. Refreshments (optional)

1. Introduction