Structures

Dear recollection facilitators,

essence, the structure of a recollection should embody flexibility and dynamism. As the contextual needs arise, the facilitator is ready to make necessary adjustments. However, it does not justify the critical element of preparation. The basic preparation a facilitator must have is the module. This part is dedicated on the essential parts of a recollection, contained in a modular form.

A. Introduction

1. Opening Prayer - always start with a prayer! Recollection is an spiritual activity centered on God, thus prayer is a must to set the mood. Prayer can be done in creative ways.
2. Getting to know each other - the facilitator must not be a stranger to the group, but he/she comes to be someone to be trusted. To know the participants also establishes that decisive connection that will determine the course of recollection.
3. Orientation - another important phase is that the participants are aware of what they are in now. Thus, the facilitator shall introduce the meaning of recollection, the theme, and some basic rules. (Remember that rules are not intended to curb freedom, but facilitate freedom). It is also good to hear the participants' expectations as this may help the facilitator address some unexpected issues

B. Session Proper

1. Activity - make the participants active! The first rule of the game is that recollection is spiritual activity of the participants, not the facilitator. Thus, facilitator shall design and facilitate activities that would belong to the participants. Activities are expected to take a lion share of the recollection. These activities hopefully lead the participants into a desired theme and though unexpected discoveries are always welcome.
2. Processing - someone get to explain what they are doing. The point is not to simply superimpose the facilitator's ideas on conducted activities, but to allow the participants to express their discoveries. The facilitator is to paraphrase and organize these discoveries so that they would be clearly perceived by the participants. 
3. Talk - give them insight if necessary. A talk might be good devise to encapsulate the session. For elder generation, it may take a longer time to expand the theme, but concise and creative talk is always desired. The talk might be scraped altogether if the activity and processing yield a fruitful outcome.

C. Recapitulation and Conclusion

1. Recapitulation and conclusion - have a good ending. Though recollection is a spiritual activity, there may have a lot of fun and insight along the way. The participants may learn a lot yet fail to put everything into a big picture. This is the right time to once again to put things into a right perspective. More importantly, the participants would bring something home.
2. Eucharist Celebration - God is always our culmination. The distinctive mark of Catholic recollection is the present of the real Christ. This only takes place when there is the celebration of the Eucharist. However, if the just cause might not allow the celebration, then a nice and creative closing prayer will do the job.