Discovering the colours of collaboration

The Pastoral Centre staff recently participated in a dynamic Personality Dimensions workshop, led by facilitator Howard Snodgrass. Held over a three-hour afternoon session, the workshop proved to be both fun and insightful, aligning perfectly with the vision of the Diocesan Pastoral Renewal of strengthening our ministry teams so we can be better equipped to serve the people of God.

The week before the workshop, staff members completed an online personality assessment. Shortly after, they each received their results, which revealed their unique colour profiles: Authentic Blue, Inquiring Green, Resourceful Orange, and Organized Gold. Each colour represents a unique set of personality traits. These colours were arranged in a hierarchy based on individual scores, showing their primary and secondary tendencies, as well as where they fell on the Introversion/Extraversion scale.
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On the day of the workshop, they were encouraged to wear something representing their primary colour and to display either an “E” or “I,” sparking curiosity and excitement before the session even began.

Insights into the Colours
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• Authentic Blue: People-oriented and empathetic, Blues thrive on connection and creativity.
• Inquiring Green: Logical and independent, Greens value analysis and rationality.
• Resourceful Orange: Action-oriented and adventurous, Oranges embrace change and variety.
• Organized Gold: Dependable and structured, Golds maintain rules and traditions with care.

​The session allowed the staff to reflect on their styles, including core needs, strengths, and potential growth areas. It also highlighted how these qualities contribute to our shared mission as diocesan staff.

“Aha” Moments

​One notable revelation was the makeup of the different teams. For example, the Finance Department showed a strong Gold tendency (orderly and rule-focused) while the Chancery/Tribunal department was more balanced, with every colour represented. This diversity stresses the importance of collaboration: differences are not obstacles but opportunities to complement and challenge each other.

Moving Forward, Cohesively
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More than just self-discovery, the workshop strengthened camaraderie and teamwork. By learning about ourselves and one another, we are better positioned to appreciate our unique gifts and work cohesively as one team with a common mission. This knowledge enhances our ability to collaborate effectively and supports the diocesan vision of unity in service.
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As we continue our pastoral work, the insights from this workshop serve as a reminder of the beauty of diversity and the strength found in understanding. Together, with our different “colours” shining brightly, we step forward as one, ready to serve with renewed purpose.

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Louis Meléndez is a Case Instructor for the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Diocese of Calgary. He and his wife Cathleen are members of the Spanish Community at Holy Spirit Parish in Calgary, where he serves in the music ministry as a choir director. He is currently studying Canon Law at St. Paul University in Ottawa. His hobbies include translating works from the early Church Fathers into Spanish, playing the piano, and learning languages.