The diocesan Pastoral Institute will begin a 10-week, 20-hour Foundations for Ministry Program in Mandarin Chinese at St. John Vianney, Flushing, beginning in September. The program is designed for men and women who are considering the three-year Lay Ministry program or who desire a basic update in theology for ministry. It is now offered in five languages: English, Haitian Kreyòl, Polish and Spanish, in addition to Mandarin Chinese.
The program is being made possible by a grant from the Alive in Hope Foundation.
The parishes that are hosting the Foundations for Ministry Program are:
• Holy Family, Flushing: English
• Holy Spirit, Borough Park: Spanish
• Our Lady of Angels, Bay Ridge: English
• Our Lady of Czestochowa-St. Casimir, Sunset Park: Polish
• Resurrection-Ascension, Rego Park: Spanish
• St. Jerome, East Flatbush: Haitian Kreyòl
• St. John Vianney, Flushing: Mandarin Chinese
The program covers topics such as theology as a field of study; the emerging role of the laity; Jesus’s mission, message and ministry; and moral theology. Persons who successfully complete the program may be eligible to receive ongoing or enrichment formation credits for the Living and Leading by Faith catechist formation program.
Registration forms have already been distributed to pastors, directors of religious education and pastoral associates. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. For further information, visit the Pastoral Institute or contact Nelsa I. Elías, Pastoral Institute, 718-229-8001, ext. 304, or nelias@diobrook.org.