PASTORAL FORMATION INSTITUTE
“The one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.” (John 8:26)
Is God calling you to ministerial leadership in your community?
Fulfilling its responsibility to the Church of Long Island, the Office of Faith Formation prepares, catechizes, educates, forms, and authorizes lay ministers and leaders to hand on the faith to others as Jesus has commanded.
One of the primary ways we do this is through the Pastoral Formation Institute (PFI). This extensive and in depth program involves lay people in an integrated process of spiritual, theological, and personal growth. It aims at the development of skilled and confident leaders who are formed in community, rooted in personal and liturgical prayer, and who fully embrace discipleship of Christ Jesus as members of his Body.
What is the Pastoral Formation Institute?
The Pastoral Formation Institute is a two-year program of intensive spiritual and theological formation, with the option for a third year of leadership training in a particular ministry.
How does the Institute differ from other educational offerings?
The primary emphasis of PFI is the integration of adult spiritual formation, theological study, and practical training for ministry.
Who is The Institute designed for?
It’s designed for men and women seeking formation, education, and leadership skills for ministry in the Church.
What will students receive?
A deepened faith
Renewed prayer life
A solid knowledge and understanding of theology
Improved ability to articulate one’s faith
A better understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church
Effective ministerial leadership
A community experience to learn about the Church as the Body of Christ
Where are the classes offered?
Classes, weekends and Workshops are held at Parish Regional Centers across Long Island and the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. This 2009-2010 year courses are being offered in English and Spanish:
Year I:
Mondays, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Isle, Long Beach (English)
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at St. Bernard Church, Levittown (English)
Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m, St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre (English)
Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Assump. BVM, Centereach (English)
Fridays 7:30-9:30 pm at St. Joseph the Worker Church, East Patchogue (Spanish)
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre (Spanish)
Click here for flyer in English: 
Click here for flyer in Spanish:
Year II will continue in:
St. Frances Cabrini, Coram on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (English)
Holy Family Parish, Hicksville on Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (English)
St. Hugh of Lincoln, Huntington on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (in Spanish)
St. Mary’s Parish, Manhasset on Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (English)
Our Lady of Grace, West Babylon on Mondays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (English)
St. Brigid Parish, Westbury on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Spanish)
Year III Leadership Tracks:
Pastoral Care of the Sick
St. Rose of Lima, Massapequa. Tuesday evenings (English)
Catholic Social Justice
Catholic Charities, Hicksville. Saturdays (daytime) (English)
Catechetical Ministry
St. John Nepomucene, Bohemia, Thursday mornings (English)
Catechetical Ministry
St. Agnes Cathedral Parish, Rockville Centre, Tuesday mornings (English)
Curso Liderazgo Rito de Iniciación Cristiana
Lugar: Iglesia de Santa Ana, Brentwood
Día/Hora: Sábados, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What is offered:
First Year
Thirty two-hour sessions are held at regional parish centers plus three formation weekends at the seminary in Huntington.
Second Year
Thirty two-hour sessions held at parish regional centers plus two Formation Weekends and two one day workshops at the seminary in Huntington.
Third Year
The Third Year Leadership Track includes 35 hours of class time, A 10 hour Communication Skills Course, Three Formation Weekends and supervised internship in a specific ministry of choice. Leadership Tracks are designed /scheduled on consensus of interest and need. Subjects of Tracks vary from year to year.
Who teaches the courses?
The instructors who are hired must have at least a graduate degree in theology or the equivalent. All instructors are required to follow the curriculum issued by the Office of Faith Formation.
The Institute is officially accredited by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. We are required to maintain certain standards to retain our accreditation.
Besides attending the sessions and weekends, what else is required?
Students are required to maintain regular attendance, reading assignments, prayer reflection/integration forms, and a two or three page theological reflection paper at the end of each course. The reflection paper is submitted to the instructor within two weeks of the completion of each course. The paper is returned with the instructor’s remarks. This paper is a tool to assist you in the progress of your formation. The paper is not graded. There are NO tests at any time during the Institute journey.
What will I study?
First Year: Understanding Self, God, and Others
Year I focuses on the personal spiritual and faith formation of the individual participant the ability to articulate adult faith through the experiencing God’s presence. An understanding of Scripture, as the basis of the revelation of God and the foundation for prayer, assists the student in understanding Christian spirituality more fully. Built into this year are elements of evangelization and personal conversion, as the student is introduced to the process of theological reflection and a consistent prayer life.
Year I Classes (Sessions)
| Orientation |
2 Hours |
| Redemptive Listening |
8 Hours |
| Graced Human Development |
12 Hours |
| Foundations of Spirituality |
12 Hours |
| Old Testament |
14 Hours |
| New Testament |
12 Hours |
Year I Formation Weekends
During Year I each student is required to attend three formation weekends for the purpose of integrating and deepening the class material. The weekends include Sunday liturgy, prayer, faith sharing, meals in common and fellowship. These weekends begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night and end at noon on Sunday. They are held at the Diocesan Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.
First Weekend: Myers-Briggs for Ministry
Second Weekend: Family Dynamics
Third Weekend: Prayer
Second Year: Becoming Light to the World
Year II builds on the growing awareness of the presence of God in our lives. The student deepens his/her knowledge of the Church’s teachings and traditions; builds one’s understanding of the Church as a community of people called and gifted by God; nourishes him/her to recognize their call to be the presence of Christ in the world in the family, parish, workplace, local and global community. It is the hope that, upon the completion of the Institute, the participants will recognize the call of their baptism by giving witness to Christ in their daily living and active ministry.
Year II Classes (Sessions)
| Christology |
10 Hours |
| Church |
10 Hours |
| Living the Christian Life |
14 Hours |
| Sacraments and Liturgy |
12 Hours |
| Ministry |
14 Hours |
Year II Formation Weekends and Workshops
During Year II each participant is required to attend two formation weekends for the purpose of developing the skills for their ministry and discern to which ministry God is calling them. Weekends begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night and end at 12:00 noon on Sunday afternoon. The Workshops are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. They are usually held at the Diocesan Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.
| Weekend: |
Discernment |
| Workshop: |
Giftedness Workshop |
| Workshop: |
Pastoral Issues and Sexuality |
| Weekend: |
Discipleship |
Year III*
Upon successful completion of the two-year curriculum, students have the option of applying for entrance into the one-year ministry skills training program. Different Ministry tracks are offered each year.
Some samples of Ministry tracks that have been offered through the years:
Bereavement * Catechetical Leadership * Catholic Social Mission (Justice) * Evangelization * Family Ministry * Liturgy * Marriage Preparation/Enrichment (Pre-Cana) * Ministry to the Third Age * Parenting * Pastoral Care of the Sick * Prison Ministry * Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult (RCIA) * Parish Social Ministry (Outreach) * Stewardship * Youth Ministry*
Elements of a Ministry Track
Classes: 35 hours
Instructors experienced in each particular ministry presents practical content on that particular ministerial area. Required reading will be assigned.
Practicum: Minimum 35 hours
In fulfilling the requirements of the Practicum, students demonstrate growth in ministerial skills by documenting at least 35 hours of “hands on” service in their chosen ministry. The Practicum requires flexibility in its design and implementation. Assignments flow from context of specific classes.
Mentoring (Individual Contact):
Mentoring includes group and/or one-on-one exchanges with a skilled practitioner in the chosen ministry. The experienced minister help students focus and develop ministerial skills. Feedback on students’ ministerial strengths and limitations are provided.
Communication Skills Course
In a laboratory-like setting, students repeatedly practice skills necessary for good communication in all aspects of ministry in the home, marketplace and church.
Third Year Formation Weekends
Designing Prayer: Students explore ways to convene and lead others in prayer.
Parish Systems: Building on concepts developed during the Family Dynamics weekend in Year I, students explore the complex web of family, parish, diocesan, socio-economic and cultural systems that impact all ministry. Concrete strategies for working in ministerial systems will be developed.
Collaborative Skills: Students learn and develop leadership skills that assist them: in planning effective meetings; to empower others through delegation; and to acquire conflict management skills.
PLEASE NOTE: Participation in the Pastoral Formation Institute is NOT a prerequisite to enroll. Ministry leadership courses are open to all interested adults in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Please call the office for further information: 516-678-5800 x 200.
What is the program schedule?
Students attend two-hour weekly sessions for 30 weeks (60 hours) each year for the two years, in addition to the annual formation weekends and/or workshops as indicated.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition *
Year I: $375 per year for weekly sessions + $525 for 3 weekends plus a $50 non-refundable application fee.
Year II: $375 per year for weekly sessions + $400 for two weekends and two workshops.
Year III: $825 Includes one Ministry Track course, Communication Skills course and three Formation Weekends (A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at registration. This deposit is applied to the tuition.) Books are purchased separately by students.
* Electronic Transmission Policy:
As of September 2008, reproducible materials (handouts, lists, curriculum notes, agendas, articles, etc.) that were previously distributed by the instructors, will be sent electronically to all students who have use of a computer. For those students who do not wish to use or have access to a computer or e-mail, there will be an additional $50 annual fee to receive hard paper copies.
A limited amount of scholarship money is available and is awarded on a case-by-case and need basis. Please contact Estelle Peck, Associate Director of Adult Faith Formation for more details. She can be reached at 516-678-5900 ext. 200 or via email at epeck@drvc.org. Please note that tuition is subject to change. Leadership Ministry Track Options:
Leadership Tracks for all students may be taken as…
Full Tracks which include all the components: ($825)
- 35 hours classes in a particular ministry
- 35 hours of practicum with a mentor
- 10 hours Communication Skills Course
- Three Formation Weekends
OR
Individual components:
- 35 Hour Ministry Leadership Course: $200
- 3 Weekends ($175 per weekend): $525
- 10 hour Communication Skills Course: $100
How do I apply?
Application can be made online, through your pastor or parish staff member, or by contacting us directly.
Is the Pastoral Formation Institute for me?
Criteria for Selection of Candidate
Integrated Christian faith and prayer life
Regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church
Evidence of involvement of a desire to be involved in ministry
Openness to growth and to change
Readiness for ongoing study of Scripture
Tolerance of points of view other than one’s own
Leadership ability
Personal ability
Emotional stability
Stable family life
ability to work collaboratively
Sponsorship
Persons who seek leadership roles in ministry must be sponsored by a parish or diocesan office so that they will have a community within which to exercise their ministry once the formation process is completed. Pastors, priests, deacons, parish and diocesan staff are encouraged to call forth men and women capable of leadership in ministry.
After I complete and submit my application, what’s next?
After your application is processed we will ask for two letters of reference, one from the pastor or diocesan department head, and one from another person active in local church ministry. All letters of reference are kept confidential. Reference forms will be provided for you to give to the references of your choice.
Personal Interview
Every applicant must have a personal interview with a designated person from the Diocesan Office of Adult Formation. Interviews take place in various locations around the diocese convenient to you and to the interviewer. You will be contacted by the interviewer.
How will I know I have been accepted?
Upon the receipt of your application, references, and the completion of the interview your file is reviewed by the Staff Director. If you are accepted into the Institute, you will be notified by mail. Along with your congratulatory letter of acceptance, you also receive a contract and a request form for your first and second choices of class locations. Both of these must be completed, signed, and returned to the main office.
Do I have to pay the entire tuition by the beginning of the first session?
No, we have several payment methods and will work with you according to your needs. The tuition payment, however, must be completed by the end of the academic year.
Is there a certification process?
Yes, all students who have successfully completed the Second Year are invited to a graduation ceremony held at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. The Bishop awards graduates with a certificate of completion. Upon completion of the Third Year Track, an additional certificate is awarded for a particular ministry track completed. Your family and friends, along with your pastor and parish staff, are encouraged and welcomed to attend.
Is the Pastoral Formation Institute for me?
If you have a strong desire to serve God as a ministerial leader in the Catholic Church;
If you feel called to expand the knowledge of your faith;
If you have a want to deepen your understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church and how they connect to your life and the world today;
If you yearn to acquire the skills/tools necessary to lead others into the Catholic faith;
If you want to understand the true meaning of living the gospel in your daily life;
If you desire to learn about the rich traditions of the Catholic Faith and foster an understanding of the renewed vision of Vatican II and its impact upon the world;
If you desire the knowledge and skills to help bring about justice and peace to this broken world as a well-formed disciple of Jesus;
If you want to make a significant contribution to the Church in today’s world then perhaps the pastoral Formation Institute is for you!
For more information, or if you have any questions whatsoever, please contact Estelle Peck, Associate Director of Adult Faith Formation, 516-678-5800 ext. 200 or at epeck@drvc.org
We will post course offerings as they become available.
Estelle will be happy to answer your questions and help you discern if this Pastoral Institute is for you.
The Pastoral Formation Institute of the Diocese of Rockville Centre is accredited by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation. The USCCB on Certification and Accreditation Office is located at 3211 South Lake Drive, Suite 317, St. Francis, WI 53235-3702. Telephone: 414-486-0139 e-mail: usccbcca@excepc.com.
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