The Diocesan Pastoral Institute has announced that registrations for the 10-week Foundations for Ministry program that begins in September are currently being taken.

The program will be offered in Creole, English, Mandarin, Polish and Spanish at various sites in the diocese. Designed for men and women who are discerning participation in the three-year Lay Ministry program or who desire a basic update in theology for ministry, the program is also suitable for persons on their parish’s pastoral council or who are working on implementing their pastoral plan’s goals and objectives.

Participants who have attended the classes in the past have expressed appreciation for the spiritual and theological growth and for the opportunity to meet excellent instructors. The course is taught with the adult learner in mind.

Sessions in English will be held at St. Rita’s, East New York, and St. Sebastian, Woodside. The Spanish sessions will be held at St. Rita’s, East New York, and St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights.

Creole sessions will be held at St. Teresa of Avila, Crown Heights; Mandarin sessions are at St. John Vianney, Flushing; and Polish sessions will be held at SS. Cyril and Methodius, Greenpoint.

An agency within the Secretariat for Catholic Education and Formation, the Pastoral Institute is committed to the formation of the baptized faithful for various lay leadership roles in the parishes.

The Foundations for Ministry course is offered for a fee of $45 which includes all materials.

Anyone interested should contact his or her pastor or the Pastoral Institute at 281-9556 or pastoralinstitute@diobrook.org.