Dublin, Ireland
Celebrating Forty Years
The Religious Formation Ministry Programme (Loreto House) is a one-year renewal programme offered by the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI). Since 1982 the RFM Programme has become renowned for its excellence. Participants minister in every continent throughout the world. Female and male religious, together with diocesan clergy find a space to learn from each other in an atmosphere that treasures diversity and encourages personal renewal.
Celebratings its fortieth year the RFM Programme offers space for:
Are you longing to embark on a life-changing journey of inner transformation and experiential learning? Are you seeking to integrate the human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual dimensions of formation? Are you looking to develop your pastoral leadership and teamwork skills? Are you open to a Gospel-rooted, deeply incarnational, faith-based challenge? Are you willing to launch into an inter-national, inter-cultural and inter-congregational adventure?
If your answer is YES then contact us at rfmploretohouse@gmail.com today! We would be delighted to tell you more about the Religious Formation Ministry Programme, address any specific queries you may have and guide you along the application process. Applications for the 2023/24 RFM Programme will be welcome from November 1st 2022.
The RFM Programme addresses the task of preparing women and men in a cross-cultural setting for the ministry of leadership, initial formation, and ongoing formation. Many religious and priests also choose the Programme for renewal and discernment during a time of transition. The Programme offers unique opportunities for human development and personal transformation and enables participants to engage with current realities in the Church and the world with greater skill and confidence. All this happens through the many and varied presentations given on different aspects of theology, spirituality, prayer, psychology, and pastoral practice.
The Team looks forward to welcoming new participants on Monday 19th September 2022. Arrivals 2pm. Please apply in time for your visa and try to arrive in Ireland at least two weeks in advance in order to rest and find your way around Dublin.
From its inception the RFM Programme has incorporated the very best available contemporary insights in spirituality, theology, cosmology, psychology, social justice, and group dynamics thus giving participants a vision of formation and leadership which energises and renews them as they return to take up their roles in whichever ministry they have been appointed to. RFMP has become renowned for its excellence and participants minister on every continent. The RFM Programme continues to develop and adapt to meet the needs of participants in a rapidly evolving universe. In the rich and challenging environment of diverse cultures, worldviews and experiences, RFMP aims to create an inclusive, welcoming community which seeks to read the signs of the times from a Gospel perspective. In 2022 the RFM Programme will celebrate its fortieth year in existence.
The RFM Programme is process oriented. By this we mean that time is given for personal reflection which allows each participant ample opportunity to assimilate new insights and learnings. Each participant will be assigned a mentor from the team who will accompany him/her throughout the year at RFMP. Regular group work in various forms is a hallmark of the RFM Programme. Full participation is mandatory. Although no formal examinations take place, participants will be required to write reflection papers on relevant topics throughout the year. We expect that each participant gives his/her full attention to the RFM Programme while at the same time enjoying the rich social and cultural life Ireland has to offer.
The RFM Programme follows the September to June academic year and welcomes male and female consecrated persons and priests from all over the world. We aim to provide a robust experience of Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral formation in the context of the new reality of the Church and world.
RFMP is non-residential.
Participants find accommodation with their own religious communities in Dublin or with a sponsoring community or local parish. We provide participants with a list of suitable accommodation from which they can make their own choice. Our excellent facilities in Loreto House provide ample space and opportunities for participants to interact with each other, form friendships and relax together.
Participants who come from warm climates will need to adjust to the colder temperatures in Ireland. It is advisable to bring warm clothing in preparation for the wet winter months. Although snow doesn’t fall every year it is rare that such snowfalls are very heavy or last for a long time. In the past some participants have taken great delight in experiencing snow for
the first time.
For all information please follow the link www.irishimmigration.ie.
RFMP has been a grace-filled time for me, offering me a safe space to explore who I am through different modules like MBTI, Family of Origin, Group Dynamics, Conflict Resolution, Emotions, Leadership, Spiritual Direction, Counselling… I am filled with gratitude at the end of this very special year.
Grace Wirngo, Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Cameroon.
When asked to prepare for ministry in initial formation I was really anxious; afraid that I did not have the necessary skills. The RFM Programme has nurtured me and I am now looking forward with confidence to assisting in initial formation
Ifeoma Okoye, Missionary Sister of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Nigeria.
I have been enriched is so many ways at RFMP. The lectures, inputs, group discussions and workshops together with opportunities for personal reflection and accompaniment have deepened my life in so many ways. Ministry will be even more fulfilling and exciting from now on.
Theiventhiran Sebastiyampillai, Presentation Brother, Sri Lanka and Dublin.
Of the many enriching modules on offer at the RFM Programme, my favourite was Spiritual Accompaniment. I learned to approach this ministry with a respectful listening heart - the practical skills of accompaniment will be of immense benefit to me in the future.
Sumera Gil, Presentation Sister, Pakistan.
The breadth and depth of the excellent inputs refreshed and extended my knowledge in theology and spirituality. Most of all I discovered the importance of having support systems in place such as mentoring, pastoral supervision, spiritual accompaniment and counselling.
Angelina Chika Osuagwu, Medical Missionaries of Mary, Nigeria.
The RFM Programme offered me the opportunity to embark on an incredible daily journey of self-discovery. I have learnt that leadership is primarily an act of service, building trust and looking to Jesus as our model and inspiration.
Uche Ojukwu, Religious Sisters of Charity, Nigeria.
The RFMP journey was one of self-discovery, leading me towards living a healthier and happier life, with greater inner freedom and trust in the power of God’s love. The support of my fellow participants is something I will treasure for many years to come.I have formed real and lasting friendships.
Amusan Olutosin, Daughters of the Holy Spirit, Nigeria.
I learnt the importance of support systems and the fact that you don’t have to be in a crisis before going for counselling. The safe space it offers enables you to know yourself better and live more harmoniously with others. These discoveries will help me greatly as I journey with persons discerning a vocation with the Marist Fathers.
Xavier Sariman, Marist Fathers, Papua New Guinea.
My experience of daily liturgy in Loreto House was one of creativity and inclusivity. We learned to integrate our daily liturgical celebrations with the daily inputs, as well as with the emerging needs of our world. The multicultural celebrations were truly memorable.
Yoojin Choi, Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, South Korea.
For further information and application forms please contact:
The Director
Religious Formation Ministry Programme
Willow Park
Rock Road
Blackrock
County Dublin
Ireland
Tel: + 353-1-2107921
Email: rfmploretohouse@gmail.com
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