Religious Formation Ministry Programme
Celebrating Forty Years
More Detail on the RFM Programme
The Aim of the Programme
The RFM Programme follows the September to June academic year and welcomes Sisters, Brothers and Priests from Congregations, Societies and Dioceses. Its aim is to provide a robust experience of human and spiritual development in the context of a Church and world which are experiencing major social and global changes.
Acknowledging the impact of these challenges and struggling to understand them while respecting the diversity of views, cultures and lived experiences in the group, enables participants to journey more effectively and confidently with others in their search for God in life and ministry today.
The RFM Programme incorporates the best available contemporary insights in spirituality, theology, cosmology, psychology, social justice and group dynamics to give participants a vision of formation and leadership which energises, renews and affirms them as they return to take up their roles at the end of the year.
Group Work in Progress
The Context
In this context, participants are given space and time for reflection, study and worship in which they can appropriate and communicate the values of the Gospel. In doing this they experience the challenge of intercultural living and engage meaningfully with issues of race, diversity, gender, authority, ecology, and other global concerns related to ministry in Church and society. The process of personal integration is enhanced by:
- Facilitated group reflection and dialogue
- Individual mentoring
- Counselling and spiritual direction
- An 8 day directed retreat
- Pastoral Placement
- Liturgy, prayer, sharing, relaxation and fun times which are integral to the life of the group.
Some of the typical modules offered across the year include:
Orientation
Theological Reflection
Ministry at the Margins
Formation Workshop
Femininity/Masculinity
Incarnational Spirituality
Listening Skills
Managing Trauma
Facilitation Skills
The Vowed Life
Human Development
Spiritual Accompaniment
Human Sexuality
Building Community
Internet Use and Abuse
Adult Faith Development
Criteria for Applicants
- A desire to engage in this kind of programme is essential.
- Applicants will normally have completed third level education or the equivalent and at least one year of Scripture/Theology/Spirituality studies.
- They must be recommended for the RFM Programme by a Congregational/Society Leader or Bishop.
- Personal interview by the Team or others nominated by them will finalise selection.
- Applications will be processed on a 'first come first served' basis. Late applications will be considered.
To open a printable copy of an Application Form Click Here
To open a printable copy of an Recommendation Form Click Here
Practical Details
- The RFM Programme runs from the last week of August to the first week of June.
- There is a two week break at Christmas and at Easter.
- Weekly sessions normally take place Monday to Friday.
- Most weekends are free.
- Participation in the RFM Programme is full-time; participants must be completely free from all other commitments during the year
- The RFM Programme is non-residential.
- Overseas participants are advised to be in the country for 2 or 3 weeks before the beginning of the RFM Programme in order to have the necessary time to rest, find suitable accommodation and settle in.
- Allow four months for your visa application to go through.
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, ZambiaThis 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
John, IndiaLoreto 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.
Contact Us
For further information and application forms please contact:
The Director
Religious Formation Ministry Programme
Willow Park
Rock Road
Blackrock
County Dublin
Ireland
A94 TW98 
Tel: + 353-1-2107921
Email: rfmploretohouse@gmail.com
