The Institute for Mission (IFM) is an agency of the Diocese of Parramatta located at Blacktown which focuses on ongoing formation for life in faith for parishes, groups and people 18+.
Many programs and resources came from the IFM in 2017, two new ones being the Online Resources Platform and an initiative known as The FaithFeed. For a full view of IFM’s offerings see www.ifm.org.au
Online Resources Platform
This resource gives easy access to faith related resources for anyone in the Diocese. Individuals, parishes or groups can read, download or create collections of their choices from over 5000 eBooks, journals and articles.
To get the ball rolling, the IFM team has been preparing a monthly email showing a few samples of topical resources for immediate interest or to enthuse further searching.
Pope John Paul II advised the use of contemporary faith means in Towards a Pastoral Approach to Culture and the IFM hopes this online access can help us in this regard.
For your own personal subscription to this opportunity just message the IFM via connect@ifm.org.au and one of the team will get in touch.
The FaithFeed
During 2016 the IFM researched the Church participation and inclusion in leadership of different age groups and what this would look like in ten and twenty years from now. This led to consultation across the Diocese in the vital and least represented 25-39 age group and the launch in 2017 of The FaithFeed initiative. The initial aim was to find a network of 25-39s open to conversation about life, faith and action in the world.
Several ‘studio audience’ events for 100 people each time have now occurred, bringing people together in a facilitated café-bar-reflection environment that shares insights and links to life.
Workshopped speakers at these events revealed moving aspects of their lives, drawing out connections to faith and elements of which became part of The FaithFeed’s broader network building through a lot of attention to video production and ongoing social media.
Go online to thefaithfeedparramatta.com.au to look and from there you can also click Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to view or to ‘like’, ‘subscribe’, ‘follow’ and get updates. So far, The FaithFeed has certainly given insight to the life and faith leadership capacity evident among 25-39ers from across the region.
2018 at IFM Blacktown
The IFM invites you to consider the gift of faith enrichment for 2018. Two excellent possibilities:
The Reflective Ministry Program
A chance for learning, encouragement and accompaniment with others for people who give voluntary or employed service in parishes or parts of the Church.
Just do Component 1 in Autumn 2018 – Spirituality, Theology and Practical People Skills (12 gatherings)
OR continue to Component 2 in Spring – Scripture, Servant Leadership and God’s Invitation to Mission
The Themes of Faith Program
Based on short and enjoyable weekly guided readings and journal jotting. 10 key themes of Catholic faith and life. 10 companions and a group mentor. 10 Monday evening gatherings to listen, talk, learn and enjoy. Suitable for post school age through to older adults.
Contact for more info and bookings for 2018. Send a quick message and details to connect@ifm.org.au and we’ll get in touch (or call on 9831 4911).
Have a great Christmas and New Year
The IFM Team – Fr Paul, Donnie, Charbel and Lindsay
This article first appeared in the December 2017 print edition of Catholic Outlook.
At the request of Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, Catholic Outlook was printed in December 2017 to connect the Diocese and showcase the good works across the Diocese’s many agencies and ministries.
