History of the RFM Programme

The Loreto House Programme, as the Religious Formation Ministry Programme is more popularly known, was established in Ireland in 1982. The initiative was taken by the Conference of Religious of Ireland (then known as the Conference of Major Religious Superiors). It came into being in response to the need to prepare religious women and men and for the ministry of formation of new members and for leadership roles in their Congregations/Societies/Dioceses. However, a significant number of religious also availed of the RFM Programme for personal renewal or to discern future ministry during a time of transition.

As the number of international participants increased the sponsorship of the RFM Programme was taken over by the Irish Missionary Union in 1998. It offers a valuable resource to its members, many of whom are in the process of handing over responsibility for formation, leadership and projects to local members of the Congregation /Society abroad.

In 2016, CORI and IMU came together to form a new body called AMRI, Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland. AMRI is now the sponsoring body of the Religious Formation Ministry Programme.

RFM Programme locations since 1982
1982 - 1997	Carysfort School Campus in Blackrock, Dublin
1997 - 1999	Dominican Priory in Tallaght, Dublin
1999 - 2005	Mill Hill Campus, Dartry, Dublin
2005 - the present	Willow Park School Campus, Blackrock, Dublin

 

Participants From the beginning the course welcomed applicants from any part of the world, though the majority in the early years were Irish born. To date 1001 women and men have participated in the RFM Programme.
Europe	Africa	Asia	Oceania	The Americas
468	291	164	63	15

 

The RFM Programme continues to develop and adapt to meet the needs of participants in a rapidly evolving world and universe. In the rich and challenging environment of diverse cultures, worldviews and experiences, the RFM Programme aims to create an inclusive, welcoming community which seeks to read the signs of the times from a Gospel perspective.