Training for Transformation - Skills for the field hospital

By: Rev Dr Éamonn Fitzgibbon | Event takes place on: 17 June 2018

Course Content

This Training for Transformation programme (TfT) focuses on key pastoral skills required in responding to the challenges of Pope Francis’ Joy of the Gospel. It takes as its starting point Francis’ vision for God’s Kingdom, his read of the current social realities and the challenge for the Church in seeking to transform those realities.

Core skills required:

• Building teams of people to engage in mission
• Identifying felt needs in the community
• Discerning God’s call in the light of those needs
• Developing innovative responses that connect with people.

Key elements in the programme include:

1. Group skills - how to build a team, facilitate a group and resolve conflicts
2. Community engagement - how to apply Paulo Freire’s psycho-social method for identifying community needs and opportunities for mission
3. Discernment - how to listen to God in the midst
4. Innovative practice - how to try new approaches using ‘trial and error’ approach
5. Participation - how to plan and act as a team

TfT is an applied programme - the methodology used throughout the week involves learning through group practice and peer feedback.

Trainers

Martin Kennedy: Martin works freelance as a trainer and facilitator with church and community groups, and has recently served as Pastoral Programme Coordinator for the World Meeting of Families, coordinating the delivery of resources to dioceses. Martin facilitated the Limerick Diocesan Synod in 2016. Among his published texts is: Ministry Now – New Approaches for a Changing Church.

Rev. Éamonn Fitzgibbon: Éamonn, a priest of the Diocese of Limerick, is currently the Director of Irish Institute for Pastoral Studies, based in the Thurles Campus of Mary Immaculate College, and is also Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Planning in his home diocese of Limerick, having been Director of the recent Limerick Diocesan Synod (2016).