The year-long programme is based on the premise that ministry and service arise from a life of intentional discipleship, says Lucienne Hensel from the Church Mission team.

About the programme

Hensel says it is not an academic course. No qualifications are needed to apply.

"All you need is an open heart, a willingness to learn and a desire to serve" she says.

The adult formation programme aims to support lay people in parishes and encourage them in their parish roles.

"It is a direct response to the call for formation highlighted in the recent Archdiocesan and global synods."

The adult formation course objectives are to:

• Engage in opportunities to deepen our personal relationship with God, and to better understand our Catholic faith

• Learn basic pastoral skill such as collaborative ministry, synodal listening, safe practices

• Explore how to build parish community and develop supportive relationships in the context of small faith communities

• Explore the baptismal call to mission and evangelisation, and the challenge to be authentic witnesses in the Aotearoa New Zealand context

"Pope Francis says all the baptised are called to missionary discipleship, but many are not aware of this call" Hensel says.

"So this course aims to form disciples who have fallen in love with Christ and become 'men and women for others' ... ready to share their gifts to grow the Kingdom of God around them."

Course delivery

A variety of experts from the archdiocese will deliver the course.

Church Mission team members - including Hensel herself - and priests, religious, theologians and Launch Out graduates will share their expertise with participants.

"The programme will run from February until mid-November each year, starting with the Alpha Course followed by fortnightly evening seminars, monthly Saturday workshops and a weekend retreat mid-year" Hensel says.

"The combination of face-to-face and online learning means people wanting to participate can join in, wherever they are located in the Archdiocese."

It includes both one-on-one support and small group dynamics she says.

"When it comes to small groups, those attending online will probably be together in one or two groups depending on numbers" Hensel adds.

"My hope is that there will be a number of people doing the course, for example from the Nelson region, and these would occasionally come together for discussion and sharing."

Source

• Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington
• Supplied

On 2 September, the social agency launched an appeal for housing, furniture and household packs.

"Every action, small or large, will greatly benefit the individuals and families fleeing a desperate situation and seeking safety in New Zealand," Prendergast said.

"Whether through parish newsletters, community or Facebook groups, CSS has received and continues to receive amazingly generous offers from people wanting to help," he said.

Prendergast told CathNews the archdiocese's assistance can be seen as a humanitarian response.

"People are responding to people in need," and it is 'all systems go', as the region prepares to welcome these refugees.

Despite the early success, CSS remains keen to find rental housing for the Wellington-bound families over the next few weeks.

"Stable housing is crucially important to help these people to adjust and settle well into their lives ahead", the agency said.

CSS is targeting one-to four-bedroom houses, flats or units that can be rented for at least six months - ideally longer."

"The number of people who may come to Wellington is yet to be confirmed but a call for housing was made in anticipation of a housing need," Prendergast says.

"We are also seeking basic furniture and household packs for the families, including bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, and pantry items such as rice, cooking oils, canned black/kidney beans, tea and coffee etc.

"Together we can help these people to settle well in the Wellington region.'

Several organisations are arranging help for people to settle in, Prendergast notes.

"Wellington Red Cross will be providing Red Cross volunteers dedicated to all individuals and families who arrive to support them on a daily basis."

In addition, Prendergast says the Afghan community is "very much involved" in helping welcome their compatriots from Afghanistan as are several local communities and government organisations in Wellington.

Between them, Prendergast says they're co-ordinating responses and support.

"As clarity is gained on numbers coming and when, the co-ordination of housing and setting up those houses will be ready to start."

Source

• Scoop
• Supplied
• Image: Stuff