The theme for this year’s eCourse is Windows on the Divine. For centuries, stained glass windows have graced simple chapels, parish churches, and medieval cathedrals worldwide. Each window, a unique composition of colour and shape, tells a story intended to support and enrich all who gaze and meditate upon its beauty. Similarly, our topics this year will comprise a unique set of processes and skills intended to support and enrich ministers as they accompany individuals during vocation discernment and the formative journey.  

Our sessions will be held on ZOOM and will include input, conversation, and small group discussion. Participation in this series includes free access to SLIConnect: Resources for Healthy Life and Ministry (https://www.sliconnect.org/), a service of Saint Luke Institute. SLIConnect is a rich resource of 100+ video courses designed to promote healthy life and ministry for members of religious congregations, ordained clergy, and all those ministering in the Church.

Dates:
Orientation: Thursday, 8 June 2023
Part 1: Tuesday, 13 June 2023
Part 2: Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Part 3: Tuesday, 8 August 2023
Part 4: Tuesday 12 September 2023

Time Zones:
9.30am (AEST) NSW/QLD/VIC/TAS
9.00am (ACST) SA
7.30a, (AWST) WA

Duration: 2.5 hours

Mode: Online via Zoom

Topics of Exploration

Part 1: The Use and Impact of the Internet and Social Media on the Formative Process
Most discerners and new members are thoroughly “digitalized”! This being so, including this topic throughout the formative journey is of critical importance. This session will examine the use and impact (beneficial and not!) of the internet and social media on the formative process, community life, prayer, and ministry.

Part 2: Psychological Assessments: Exploring Benefits and Limits
Presently, many congregations worldwide require a psychological assessment of those desiring to enter religious life. This session will explore the benefits and limits of a psychological assessment for those beginning to discern their felt call to religious life.

Part 3: Development and Use of a “Growth Plan” during the Formative Journey
A growth plan is a valuable tool for new members and ministers alike! This session will examine how to develop and use a growth plan; a modest, yet concrete tool during the initial years of the formative journey.

Part 4: Post-Traumatic Growth: Yes, It’s Really a “Thing”!
The term post-traumatic stress is familiar to many. Less familiar is the term post-traumatic growth! This session will explore post-traumatic growth and identify its potential for assisting those in formation as they weather challenging experiences during (and after) their years in initial formation.

Fee: $300.00 AUD

RSVP: Wednesday, 7 June 2023

Facilitator:
Since 1994, Mary Pat Garvin, RSM, Ph.D., has ministered both nationally and internationally in the field of vocation and formation ministry, explicitly focusing on the education of vocation and formation ministers. Sr. Mary Pat has published numerous articles on vocation discernment and formation in Horizon: Journal of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), In-Formation: Magazine of the Religious Formation Conference (RFC), Religious Life Asia, Vita Consecrata and Human Development. In 2017

Sr. Mary Pat was the recipient of the Religious Formation Conference’s “Penet Award” for her contribution to formation ministry both nationally and internationally.  Having served on her congregation’s general leadership team she works with religious congregations worldwide and currently teaches in the School of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy at Seton Hall University in the USA.  Sr. Mary Pat is a Fellow in Human Formation with Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Her research interest is the interplay of spirituality and psychology in the promotion of a healthy and holy living of Religious Life.

Enquiries: Taylor Coutinho
Ph: 02 9557 2695
Email: ea@catholicreligious.org.au