Individuals and families in the Diocese of Parramatta have the exciting opportunity to deepen their faith with the launch of several new pastoral formation programs.
These programs, facilitated by the Pastoral Formation Team in the Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team (MET), provide opportunities for enrichment, personal growth, networking, and team building.
And looking on the team’s website, there’s truly something for everyone. There’s the Ministry Leadership Program, which offers six to twelve months of formation and reflection for pastoral leaders and includes topics ranging from Scripture and spirituality to ministry with married couples. There’s the Themes of Faith program which, over ten sessions, invites people to explore key elements of their faith in small groups. And for school parents, there’s the Life and Faith Circles, offering ten weekday sessions to come together, pause and reflect after dropping their kids off at school.
Sr Grace Roclawska, Head of Formation for Mission and head of the Pastoral Formation Team, speaks enthusiastically of the need to provide nourishment through formation programs. “People are crying out for formation. The Plenary Council and the Synod of Bishops are calling for deeper formation”, she says. “Formation should be the bread and water of anyone wanting to be involved in ministry or to grow in their journey of faith.”
COURSE INFORMATION
Ministry Leadership Program
6-12 months of formation and reflection for pastoral leaders in the Diocese
PART I (10 sessions: 10, 17, 24, 31 March; 21, 28, April; 5, 12, 19, 26 May)
Introduction to Theology by Dr Debra Snoddy
Spirituality by Sr Patty Andrews
Virtues and Church by Fr Robert Riedling
Ministry with Young People by Qwayne Guevara
PART II (August 11, 18, 25; Sept 1, 8, 15, 22; Oct 6, 13, 20)
Scripture and Mary by Laurie Woods
Mission and Evangelisation by Maddy Forde
Sacramental Theology by Sr Mary Louise Walsh
Ministry with Married Couples by Karin Abrams and Catherine Bourne
Costs:
Registration 7 Feb-24 March: $200 (I and II) / $100 (I or II only)
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current circumstances, these presentations will be available ONLINE and (hoping and praying) face-to-face presentations will commence when it is safe to do so at the Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown from 6:30-8:30pm.
For other enquires, contact Raimie – 0460020926 or raimie.caramancion@parracatholic.org
Themes of Faith
A 10-session program of facilitated small-groups that explore key themes of Catholic life & faith.
FACILITATORS: David Bourne & Donnie Velasco
SESSIONS: 10 MONDAYS – 6:30pm to 8:30pm:
Feb 28: Images of God
March 7: Evil & suffering
March 14: Jesus
March 21: Word of God pt 1
March 28: Word of God pt 2
April 4: Church – Followers together
May 2: Church – Sacraments
May 9: Spirit & gift
May 16: Social justice
May 23: Life & faith
Mark these dates in your calendar!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current circumstances, these presentations will be available ONLINE and (hoping and praying) face-to-face presentations will commence when it is safe to do so at the Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown
Costs:
Registrations (from 7 Feb onward) $50
Payment options will be discussed closer to the first presentation night.
Life and Faith Circles
10 weekday sessions for school parents & parishioners to come together, pause, prayer and reflect on life & faith.
SESSIONS: We will be trialing this program at Stanhope Parish – St John XXIII (160 Perfection Ave, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768). Sessions will run from approximately 8:30 – 8:45am to accommodate for any parents who are free after dropping off their children at school. However, due to the current circumstances, these sessions have been put on hold until Term 2, 2022.
Cost:
Free – donations are welcome
For further enquires, contact Donnie – 0432042140 or donnie.velasco@parracatholic.org
Are you ready to begin the journey of formation in faith? For more information on the Pastoral Formation Team and its offerings, visit the website or Facebook page.
