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Religious Formation Ministry Programme

Dublin, Ireland

Welcome to the RFM Programme

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.

The RFM Programme offers space for:


Spiritual Renewal, Prayer, Ongoing Personal Formation, Human Development, Confidence Building, Liturgical Creativity, Community Building, Social Transformation, Theological Enrichment, Cultural Diversity, Opportunity to reflect on Pastoral Practice, Development of Skills for Leadership and Formation Ministry.

What are you looking 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.

group of graduates celebrating
2022 participants celebrate graduation

Life in RFMP

Recent Happenings 2021 -2022

 

  • Recent Happenings
 
 
powerrscourt4-web

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RFM Programme for you?

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.

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When will the Programme begin in 2022?

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.

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How has the RFM Programme developed?

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.

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How does the RFM Programme operate?

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.

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Who can join the RFM Programme and how long does it last?

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.

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Is the RFM Programme residential?

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.

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What is the weather like in Ireland?

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.

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Do I need a visa?

For all information please follow the link www.irishimmigration.ie.

  • Applicants to RFMP should apply for a Minister of Religion Visa.
  • Allow four months for your visa application to go through and follow all instructions meticulously as required on the application form.
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Reflections by Recent Participants

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 Wimgo
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
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 Sebastitiyampillai
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
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
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
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
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
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.


Yoogin Choi
Yoojin Choi, Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, South Korea.

 

Liturgy, prayer, sharing, relaxation and fun-times are integral to the life of the group

Life in RFMP 2021-2022

  • Life in RFMP 2021-2022
 
 
liturgy exploration session

 

Snapshots from previous years

 

  • Glimpses of the RFM Programme
 
 
Intercultural Experience

 

More Past Participant Reflections on the Programme

 

The Loreto experience was for me a graced period of time - a time of rest, care and love for body, soul and spirit! As a result, I feel enabled to relate to myself and missioned in a wholly new way. I am grateful for the providential experiences which brought me to Loreto and to the team, counsellor, spiritual director, participants and resource persons who were the channels through which the divine touched me.

Clementina, Zambia

This year has been a wonderful experience of growth, of deeper awareness of my true self, of journeying fearlessly, of exploring in a safe and mature environment, where building on relationships has been the joyful background to all of it. I am very grateful for all participants and team members, all of them have been real and effective loving presence of God in my Life.

Yago, Spain

It was like unwrapping a gift that I had been carrying for years and seeing for the first time the treasure there in! Skilled facilitation, regular Counselling, Spiritual Direction and integrated learning and sharing coupled with my sincerity and openness to growth enabled me to unwrap this gift that I am. I now feel happy and at home in myself as I go forth to encounter the other in daily life and I am very grateful to all who have been part of this process.

Selina, Kenya

During this year, I have grown in self-awareness, appreciating myself and acknowledging my uniqueness and gifts. I have also grown in respect for myself and others. My faith and personal commitment have been challenged and confirmed. It has been a challenging and grace-filled year.

Matilda, Zambia
visit to Glendalough

Loreto House inspired me with creativity and hope; the grace to engage with difficult situations with a sense of maturity and objectivity; the ability to be open to new possibilities in life.

 

I felt I grew in self-confidence. I deepened my level of listening. I felt the process gave me or increased within me the desire to work with the candidates in different levels.

John, India

 

Contact Us

For further information and application forms please contact:

The Director
Religious Formation Ministry Programme
Willow Park 
Rock Road
Blackrock
County Dublin
IrelandAMRI logo

Tel: + 353-1-2107921

Email: rfmploretohouse@gmail.com