The Pastoral Institute has announced that registration for its 10-week Foundations for Ministry Program that begins in September is open. The program will be offered in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Polish at various host 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.

The Foundations for Ministry Program affords an opportunity to grow spiritually and theologically.

Sessions in English will be held at St. Rose of Lima, Parkville, and St. Francis of Assisi, Astoria. Sessions in Spanish will be held at Regina Pacis, Bensonhurst, and Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill. The sessions in Mandarin will be at St. John Vianney, Flushing. St. Stanislaus Kostka, Greenpoint, will host the Polish classes.

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 $55 which includes all materials. Anyone interested should contact his or her pastor or the Pastoral Institute at 281-9556 or pastoralinstitute@diobrook.org.