ARTICLES

First class for PMLF to begin Sept. 6

By Deacon Rick Miech
Special to The Catholic Virginian

It was about this time last year that the recruitment efforts for the new Pastoral Ministry Leadership Formation program were in high gear.

The program was created to help meet the growing need for competently trained pastoral ministers. In early September 2007, 42 men and women from across the diocese started their first course on a journey of formation.

Each has experienced a call to serve in the Church. Since the start of the program last year, several of the participants have discerned a call in the direction of the diaconate, and other formation opportunities are being offered to them.

For those committed to the PMLF program, the end of the first year of courses is near and they are preparing to enter the second of three years of formation for ministry.

The learning environment was purposely designed to address the learning needs of adults.

“The atmosphere is relaxed, but focused,” one participant said.

Another added, “The general atmosphere was relaxed but productive.”

Participants in the program have reported satisfaction with the learning design, the learning environment, the content, and the instructors.

“You can have a solid curriculum and the best resources in the world, but your instructors will make or break the program,” one said.

The learners themselves tell us that they appreciate the “balanced scholarly treatment of subject matter with patient encouragement and dialogue.”

The PMLF program has thus far been blessed with some outstanding faculty who include priests, deacons and lay ministers from within the diocese. Those already in ministry were asked to nominate those who they thought were gifted in particular areas, or to nominate themselves if they had something to offer the program.

After a review of their credentials some are invited as faculty.

The nature of “formation” over “education” cannot be overstated. One learner summed it up, “It is a huge plus to have in-person meetings.”

Another participant, reflecting on the overall process and the engagement of the instructors, put it this way: “Class is fascinating. When the door closes at 9 a.m., only this class exists.”

Maybe you are considering the call to lay ecclesial ministry, or perhaps you’re engaged in a ministry now but looking for opportunities to move your learning to another level. The PMLF program might just be the place for you.

A conversation with your pastor or pastoral coordinator would be a great place to start.

While the current cohort of learners is preparing to enter their second year of the process, recruitment for a new learning group is ongoing.

Courses are planned in the East, Central, and Western portions of the diocese.

Orientation sessions will be held during August; Aug. 23 in Richmond; Aug. 9 in Norfolk, and Aug. 16 in Blacksburg.

Some tuition assistance is available, but the courses are affordable.

The first course for the new group will begin Sept. 6. Program information, the application form and all supporting documents are available from the PMLF website, by calling the PMLF office at 804–622–5262, or via email at pmlf@richmonddiocese.org.

back to top