WelCom May 2024
The Archdiocese of Wellington’s Church Mission team is the pastoral support team that seeks to enable intentional missionary discipleship in its parishes through delivering workshops, courses, resources and retreats to support the formation of lay people and ordained. This work stems from the archdiocesan Synod 2017 and is a common theme in the global Synod on Synodality.
The Church Mission team launched a new formation programme earlier this year in response to the call for the formation of lay people in a spirituality of service and leadership.
‘The programme, named “Called & Equipped”, is an accessible, one-year course that will form lay people and empower them to serve in their parishes,’ says Lucienne Hensel of the Church Mission Team.
‘Called & Equipped is based on the premise that ministry and service arise from a life of intentional discipleship,’ Lucienne says.
Its four main pillars are: Formation in Faith and Spirituality; Skills in Pastoral Ministry; Community Building; and Equipping for Mission.
The programme will commence each year in February and run until mid-November. It includes input sessions and workshops on various topics, a mid-year weekend retreat and one-on-one accompaniment.
‘A combination of face-to-face and online learning means all our parishes can participate,’ says Lucienne.
‘Parish leadership teams are looking for individuals in their communities who have shown leadership potential, a desire to serve and are willing to commit to being formed. If you think this could be you, or someone else you know in your parish community, we encourage you to approach your parish leadership team and send us an email or phone us for more information about our new programme.
‘We hope in time, our new initiative will have an impact on all parishes, as more and more people receive spiritual and pastoral formation and embrace a spirituality of service.’
For more information, contact Lucienne Hensel at Church Mission, Archdiocese of Wellington at email l.hensel@wn.catholic.org.nz or ph (04) 496-1715.