Exploring Faith and Ministry

View our brochure and application form 

The Pathways Programme is geared towards those who wish to explore questions of Faith and Ministry, the Church today and the nature of belief, in an environment geared towards Adult Learning and Adult Faith Formation.

The Programme takes place in All Hallows College and also in a number of venues outside the College:

a). Irish Martyrs Church, Naas, Co Kildare
b) Drumalis Centre, Larne, Co Antrim
c) Farranferris College, Cork City

Pathways has also helped to establish similar programmes in the Dioceses of Clogher, Nottingham and Armagh.

The Pathways team presents shorter ‘taster’ programmes for those interested in establishing the full programme at a later date. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

The Programme directors are always willing to meet with anyone interested in Adult Faith Formation and to offer whatever assistance we can in helping people to develop their own programmes and courses.

The Course
This two year course runs from September to May each year, on Monday evenings from 7.30pm-10pm in All Hallows College.  In other venues, it runs on one Saturday in the month.

Who is the Course for?
This is a course suitable for men and women of all ages and from all walks of life who are looking for an opportunity to consider questions about belief and Church today. It may suit members of different Christian faith traditions.

Course Aims
The course values the life experience which the participants bring and, accordingly, group sharing is an integral part of the learning process each year. The course also offers the spiritual and theological formation which will enable them to explore their faith with greater confidence. It also helps to assist people to prepare themselves to respond to the needs of their Church and community and to work in partnerships and Parish teams.

Participants have an opportunity to take part in various liturgies and times of Directed Prayer during the year.

 
Course Entry Requirements
• Willingness to listen
• Openness to participation
• A desire to explore Faith
• An interest in new ideas and approaches to Ministry

It is important to note that:
* No academic qualifications are necessary
* There is no required written work during the course

Course Content

First Year:
In the first year, emphasis is on the personal experiences and faith journeys of the participants.
Subjects include:
• How Adults Learn 
• Stages of Faith
• Images of God
• Introduction to Scripture
• Celebrating the Church’s year
• The Person of Christ
• Personal Journey
• Sacraments
• The Moral Life
• Spirituality & Prayer
 
Second Year:
The core of second year is Pastoral Reflection. Its focus is on Christian living, the Gospel call and how we respond to it.
Subjects include:
• Approaches to Ministry
• Visions & Models of Church
• Bereavement & Loss
• Family
• Justice & Peace
• Spirituality
• Ecumenism
• Caring for Yourself

Course Information
No Exams
No written work required
There are two Saturday sessions each year
Orientation meetings will be held in the evenings in early September.

Further Options:
On completion of the course, some further possibilities include:

Spirituality for Ministry
Prayer Guide Training
Facilitation Skills
Communication 

Outreach Programmes
In recent years Outreach programmes have helped set up similar courses around Ireland and the UK.
The Pathways Outreach team can organise the course, provide the teaching staff and direct group facilitation and supervision, or we are happy to act in a consultancy role, if  that is more suited to the local needs. The development of the local leadership allows individuals to respond to the needs of the church in their own environment by working in partnerships and parish teams.

Application Procedure
For information contact:
Eugene Curran CM, Director, Pathways
Margarita Synnott, Co-ordinator, Pathways
All Hallows College,
Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Tel: (01)837 3745  (ext 687)
Fax: (01) 837 7642
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