There are just two weeks left for people to apply for the Areté Centre for Missionary Leadership’s Foundation of Missionary Leadership Program for 2023, with applications due to close on October 31, 2022.
Next year will be the fourth intake of students for the Areté Centre, which is at capacity with 60 students enrolled this year. The part-time, one-year study program invites lay people of all ages, in all types of ministry, both paid or volunteer roles, and those passionate about parish renewal, to apply.
The original dream of a centre to form people as leaders in the Church’s evangelising mission began with MGL Priest, Fr Chris Ryan’s belief that the number one priority for the Catholic Church in Australia ought to be the formation of leaders who are passionate about Jesus Christ and His mission. The Areté Centre’s Foundations of Missionary Leadership Program draws upon Fr Chris’ practical experience and doctoral research in evangelisation and leadership formation. The faculty consists of dedicated teachers from the Missionaries of God’s Love, including priests, sisters, and lay leaders, who provide formation.
“Forming and equipping lay leaders who are passionate about sharing Christ’s love with others is the key to church renewal,” said the Director of the Areté Centre Fr Chris Ryan MGL. “It is often difficult for parishes to fulfil this mission independently. So, the Foundations program can provide this formation and give students the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective instruments of renewal in their own parish settings.”
Four courses comprise the Foundations program: the Spirituality of Missionary Leadership, Theological Foundations of Mission in the Australian Context, Theory and Practice of Missionary Leadership, and Practicum and Field Placement. The flexible nature of the program delivery allows students from anywhere in Australia to apply, and the program structure offers a blend of weekly interactive online lectures, in-person intensives and retreats and nine monthly Zoom mentoring sessions.
Through a philosophy of encounter, formation, and mission, the program aims to create ‘vision carriers’ for the Australian context who will, in turn, form other leaders.
How to Apply
Applications for the Foundations of Missionary Leadership program close on October 31 2022. Places are strictly limited. People can visit aretecentre.org and visit the programs page to download the prospectus and apply.
About Us
The Areté Centre was founded in 2019 by Fr Chris Ryan MGL and is a work of the Missionaries of God’s Love (MGL). Our goal is to form and equip lay leaders for the Church’s evangelising mission in Australia.
With thanks to the Areté Centre.
