Diocesan Formation Opportunities Information Sessions

                        “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few…” -Luke 10:2
As the Diocesan Synod called for, the Diocese of Burlington is seeking to continue inspiring and equipping lay men and women for leadership roles in their parishes.    Under the umbrella of the Diocesan Institute for Missionary Discipleship, the following three formation programs are being offered this year.  Two
informational webinars regarding upcoming opportunities have been scheduled – see links at the bottom. Applications for each will be accepted this Spring with the programs beginning next August/September.  For additional information, feel free to reach out to Dcn. Phil Lawson at [email protected] 
Diocesan Adult Formation Page

Diocesan Lay Formation Leadership Program:  This program seeks to form laity to assist in leadership roles in their parishes.  For example: in serving as RCIA leaders, Catechists, Pre-Cana, leading evangelization efforts, facilitating adult formation, and helping build vibrant parishes, etc.  Key to this formation is inspiring and equipping the laity to serve and evangelize their parishes and communities as missionary disciples.  This is a 2-year program that meets one Saturday a month in person, with additional formation taking place via online courses.  Contact:  Dcn. Phil Lawson  [email protected] 

Deacon Formation Program:  Deacons are ordained to be permanent ministers in the Church.  Deacons are ministers of the word, of sacrament and most of all ministers of charity. They have significant theological education, a deep spiritual life and are formed in pastoral ministry. They must have good human relations ability. The total time in formation is five years, two of which are in the Lay Formation Leadership Program, followed by three years of Diaconate Formation.  Deacon Pete Gummere, Diaconate Director, will present additional information and take questions on the Permanent Diaconate.  Contact:  Dcn. Pete Gummere [email protected]

Pastoral Associate for Parish Life:  This is a one-year formation program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to serve their parishes as a Pastoral Associate, when it is not possible for the Bishop to appoint a full-time parish priest.  This service will take the form of parish administration, pastoral care, pastoral counseling, finances, sacramental preparation, liturgical planning and assistance, human resources, and faith formation.  This ensures that Christian life and the evangelizing mission of the community is continued.  Contact:  Dcn. Phil Lawson, [email protected] 

Monday, February 6^th, 2023         7PM
Registration Link:  https://tinyurl.com/y6eawtj5
Wednesday February 8^th, 2023     7PM
Registration Link:  https://tinyurl.com/4vs3zx53