“This 2-year course in Pastoral Ministry was a great awakening for me, it has challenged and expanded my horizons.”
“This courses has given me the time to reflect on my relationship with Jesus; understanding more about what the Church is and what it means for us to be Church.”
“I have learnt through this course the importance of not going it alone. Strengths lies in working together, accompanying others and being guided and supported.”
“I now have a firm knowledge base from which to seed and develop ministry in my parish community.”
“One of the most valuable parts of this course are the discussion forums. Here honesty is expressed, frustrations are shared, questions and challenges are offered. It has caused my many times to stop, go back, read and pray- reviewing my own thoughts and ideas.”
“The biggest learning for me is the realisation that we are all called and gifted for ministry.”
“My thinking about pastoral ministry has grown, matured. I have a much greater understanding of how all the stands join together for mission.”
“This course has given me confidence, it has equipped me to see the way forward and I am hopeful for the future.”
A final word from one of this year’s students:
Hello everyone, I’m Sr Paschaline Okolo, working currently as a parish sister in the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese and among the last group that just completed this study programme. I was attracted to this study in the effort to heed my inner desire for a closer relationship with God and for more involvement with others on matters of faith and I would boldly say that it was a right choice.
The course has helped me appreciate more the different ministries in the church that are within my reach and of anyone wanting to engage more with their faith. In addition to my duties as a religious, I became more aware of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in me and in others, was encouraged to develop these into varied actions for the service of God; the group-sharing was very rich, enjoyable and equally a great source of empowerment.
I would definitely recommend this course to everyone on their journey of faith and ministry. One soon realises that everyone has the chance and is welcome to use their God’s gifts to serve in the church and in various capacities, even with a tight schedule or when out of studies for a long time. For me it is not just about the certificate but more about the opportunity of the different potentials it offers to help oneself grow spiritually and to help others grow as well. I would say, GIVE IT A GO, there is definitely something for YOU.
