Our people have consistently called for more lay faith formation and the Archdiocese of Wellington is committed to responding with a growing range of opportunities. From sacramental programmes, school curricula, and other local parish opportunities, to diocesan programmes, seminars and workshops, Church Mission supports the provision of faith formation.
Children’s Sacramental Programmes – The Archdiocese recognises that the first teachers of faith for our children are their parents (or guardians). Our Archdiocesan sacramental programme (for children) focuses on the formation of parents to feel confident in this role. More information about the programme can be obtained by contacting Church Mission using the Enquiry option at the bottom of this webpage.
Seekers (those considering becoming Catholic) – If you are interested in finding out more about Christianity and Catholic faith, Catholic Discovery – Tūhuratanga Katorika can provide you with a contact point – people and resources. Another option is to join an Alpha programme at a local Catholic parish. For more on this or any other question contact us using the Enquiry panel below.
Parish Leadership – formation for leadership is vital in our Catholic communities. As well as the ministry formation options below, you can find out more about parish leadership including Parish Pastoral Councils and leadership teams by following this link.
Called & Equipped – is an opportunity to deepen your own faith, gain a broader understanding of what it means to be Catholic, and to be equipped and empowered to serve with confidence in your parish community. Application requires the endorsement of your local parish priest. Application closes in late November for the following year. More information here.
Mission Leaders – Designed to augment and deepen the formation received in the entry-level Called & Equipped (C&E) programme. This second one-year formation opportunity aims to continue the foundational content of C&E for busy parishioners, while extending their theological study, spiritual growth and developing pastoral competency.
Participants will develop confidence in explaining the Catholic faith while analysing parish challenges, generating synodal solutions, discerning the Holy Spirit’s movement, and responding to pastoral needs through theological reflection and Scripture. They will also deepen self-understanding of how personality shapes spirituality and ministry, and use this insight to envision and grow new parish ministries.
Be in touch to register your interest.
Te Hao Nui – Launch Out – This comprehensive formation programme was created in response to the Archdiocesan Synods of 1988 and 1998 to foster a more collaborative approach in pastoral leadership. Established in 2001-2, the programme has formed 37 candidates who have since taken up a wide range of paid and volunteer ministry roles in and beyond the Archdiocese of Wellington. Lay Pastoral Leaders were a key fruit of this programme, providing lay leadership for parish ministry all over the Archdiocese. 4–8 years in duration and including theological studies, pastoral projects and spiritual formation, the programme has proved to be beyond the commitment of our lay people today.
Currently, Te Hao Nui – Launch Out is in recess but we are always interested to hear from prospective candidates so please be in touch using the Enquiry panel below if you would like to know more.
Becoming Synodal – The Archdiocese of Wellington is working hard on the implementation of the Final Document from the recent Universal Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission. Synodality (being a church that listens and walks with all of our people) is now a theme that underpins our methods and content at all levels.
Contact your Parish Pastoral Council to see what is available in your own parish community to learn more about this way of being Church today.
Formation of Teachers in our Schools – Church Mission fully supports the ministry and mission of our Catholic schools and colleges. We work closely with Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Education Services to assist where we can in the formation of staff in our schools.
