Pastoral Formation

The purpose of the pastoral formation programme is to help students, through the process of training, experience, practice and reflection, to acquire the confidence and skills to exercise ministry.

Through various pastoral settings the student will learn to relate to a variety of people. The key focus of the encounter between the student and the various people involved in a placement is that it takes place in the context of a personal relationship with Christ. The aim of the programme is to develop an understanding of pastoral activity as being a means of keeping the mystery of God present to men and women - not with what is said and done - but simply with being. The development of a ministerial identity of service is closely related to the task of personal development.

The pastoral programme for first year students involves weekly visits to a variety of pastoral and community care projects. For students in second year, the weekly placement is in a social care project. The third year placement is in a primary school, and the fourth year in a secondary school. Fifth year students choose between a hospital or a hospice, and final year students choose any pastoral assignment which they have previously found challenging or rewarding.

In addition, students in third year will spend semester two in a parish placement, while those in fourth and fifth year will spend two weekly block placements in parishes. Sixth year students spend alternate weekends in the parish.

Students receive Pastoral Theology classes throughout the years, and these are led by various speakers invited to share their pastoral expertise.