The Pastoral Institute is accepting registrations for the 10-week Foundations for Ministry program that begins in February, 2013. The program will be offered in Creole, English and Spanish at various sites in Brooklyn and Queens. 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.

The Foundations for Ministry Program affords an opportunity to grow spiritually and theologically. As participants grow in faith and knowledge, they experience a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and a desire to share their faith with others. Participants who have attended the classes in the past have expressed appreciation. They have also expressed gratitude for the ability of the instructors to break down the content into easily understood language, allowing them to apply what is learned to their everyday lives and ministry.

In Brooklyn, sessions in Creole, English and Spanish will be held at Our Lady of Refuge School, Flatbush. In Queens, the English session will be at St. Robert Bellarmine, Bayside, and the Spanish session will be held at St. Andrew Avellino, Flushing.

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 nominal fee of $55, which includes all materials.

Anyone interested should contact their pastor or the Pastoral Institute at 718-281-9556 or pastoralinstitute@diobrook.org.