On Saturday April 29, family and friends of the Pastoral Ministry Course gathered to celebrate having successful completed the Clifton Diocesan Formation Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Skills. For some it was a dual occasion because they had also completed their Loyola University Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, resulting in a Clifton Diocesan Diploma. It was a beautifully sunny day. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Declan who commissioned each of the ‘graduates’ to serve within the Diocese. Certificates were presented and a reception followed. As the first completers of these two courses, the occasion was testament to their hard work, resilience and commitment over two and a half years.
The Courses
The Diploma in Pastoral Ministry run by Loyola University Chicago is a two-year online course covering ten units of study each module being six weeks’ long. It is a demanding course but one that allows people to explore in depth and importantly in their own time, the richness of our Catholic Faith.
The Ministry Skills Course which runs alongside but independently of the Diploma course, lasting two and a half years, enables participants to develop practical skills in accompaniment, listening, discernment and group facilitation while being rooted in prayer and the Ministry of Jesus. A Parish project at the end of the course cements learning and understanding while offering the opportunity for theological reflection.
Next Course
We are now actively seeking to recruit for the next course which begins in September 2023. The course is ideal for ANY parishioner who seeks to develop their capacity to serve the parish in anyway which they believe the Lord is calling them. If you are a catechist – this course is for you. If you are a minister in any form – this course if for you. If you are not involved in any way – but would like to be – this course if for you!
Interested? – then please do come to one of our information evenings which will be taking place around the Diocese in June. Here you will hear in more detail about the two courses, content of both, time commitment involved and costs including the role of parishes to support those who take on either of the courses.
Dates and Venues for Information Sessions:
Thursday 1 June: English Martyrs, Chard
Tuesday 6 June: St George, Taunton
Wednesday 7 June: St Gregory the Great, Cheltenham
Monday 12 June: St George, Warminster
Tuesday 13 June: Sacred Heart, Westbury-on-Trym
Wednesday 14 June: St John the Evangelist, Bath
Thursday 15 June: St Peter, Swindon
Tuesday 20 June: St Margaret Mary, Coleford
Each session starts at 7pm.
No need to book, just turn up on the evening.
Pastoral Ministry Course April 2023
