Clifton Ministry Skills Course

Notes toward a programme of formation leading to declaration of readiness for pastoral ministry for students in the Loyola Certificate in Pastoral Ministry course as well as other people preparing for active pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Clifton

Clifton Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Skills:

“We need well-formed lay people, animated by a sincere and clear faith, whose life has been touched by the personal and merciful love of Christ Jesus. We need lay people who take risks, who get their hands dirty, who are not afraid of making mistakes, who go forward. We need lay people with a vision of the future, not confined to the little things of life. The Church needs lay people who “dare to dream.” Pope Francis

The Clifton Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Skills is a practical course designed for people who do not wish to do the Loyola Certificate Course, but who do wish to develop their skills in a parish or chaplaincy setting.

The course consists of eleven six-hour sessions over three years, evening online sessions and the development of a project in the third year. This will be of a practical nature with theological reflection. The aim will be to enable participants to gain practical experience for working in a parish, school or chaplaincy setting or preparing for pastoral ministry as chaplains or spiritual directors. At the heart of our work is developing the capacity to allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us to be people who accompany others in their journey of faith.

We encourage all participants to seek the support of a Spiritual guide throughout the course.

What to expect from the Clifton Ministry Skills Course:

The foci of the Clifton Ministry Skills Course are on:

Developing a deep understanding of the role of accompaniment in pastoral ministry and the skills associated with accompaniment.
Experiencing and learning ways of prayer and discernment in a pastoral setting and deepening one’s spirituality as a leader.
Application and understanding of the role of scripture in pastoral ministry.
Understanding the role of lay or religious leaders in relation to the parish priest and deacons within a context of pastoral ministry.
Understanding and applying the nature of synodality
Developing the skills of group facilitation rooted in deep listening.
Developing a sound knowledge of safeguarding in parish life.
Building confidence to act as a pastoral leader in a parish setting.
An understanding of the Synodality and the way it impacts on our way of being Church.
Understanding Bereavement
Initiating and developing a project to run in a pastoral setting.

To find out more about the course and related costs, please contact Sarah Adams, sarah.adams@cliftondiocese.com

Online Sessions – these will take place from 7-8.30pm

These sessions will be an opportunity for participants to build upon the experience of the Saturday meetings in addition to offering theological and practical reflections on developing specific areas of ministry.

Application-Form-for-Pastoral-Ministry-Formation-Programmes

Clifton Ministry Skills Course – our first Graduates

‘I find the Clifton Ministry Skills Course in Pastoral Ministry to be thought-provoking, prayerful, and a gateway to grace. It is a journey of self-discovery and a walk to Emmaus where the God of mercy breaks through, setting Pope Francis’ emphasis on compassion into the pastoral context.’ Cymmone

Our six participants on the Clifton Ministry Skills have all successfully achieved their Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and were awarded their certificates by Bishop Declan at a special ceremony in April. All are now actively involved in the work of Pastoral Ministry in their parishes.