An Intercultural Formation Program for Priests and Religious Coming to Minister in Canada

On Friday, February 18th Saint Paul University’s first session of "Intercultural Formation Programme for International Priests and Religious Coming to Minister in Canada" concluded. Led by a team from the Centre For Ministry Formation the Programme was planned in collaboration with representatives from the Faculties of Theology, Human Sciences, and Canon Law. The Programme began with a 3-week intensive session in October, 2010, followed by ongoing work in the place of ministry, and concluding with a follow-up intensive week in February.

This first offering welcomed international priests from India, Lesoto, The Ivory Coast, and The Congo who are in ministry in locations all over Canada, including Dioceses in the Far Northern regions. Since experience points to a far greater chance of success if candidates receive intensive support from other leaders within their new place of ministry, the role of a mentor plays a very important role in this formation programme.

This first was a challenging, rich, and meaningful learning experience. The formation team reports an even stronger conviction, in the wake of this initial experience, that this intercultural formation is essential for the life of the Church in Canada. A team of four in October and five in February led the programme that included sessions led by Centre for Ministry Formation staff, professors from the Faculties of Theology, Human Sciences, and Canon Law, and guest presenters who brought particular areas of expertise. The session ended with the presentation of Certificates of Completion by Professor Andrea Spatafora, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and a festive banquet of Celebration!

A new Session of Intercultural Formation for International priests and Religious Coming to Minister in Canada is scheduled for May, 2011.

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