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Religious Formation Ministry Programme

Dublin, Ireland

Celebrating Forty Years

Welcome to the RFM Programme

The RFMP Group 2023-2024

 

RFMP group 2023-2024

Applications for the 2024-2025 RFM Programme are now welcome

Are you longing to embark on a life-changing journey of inner transformation and experiential learning? Are you seeking to integrate the human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual dimensions of formation? Are you looking to develop your pastoral leadership and teamwork skills? Are you open to a Gospel-rooted, deeply incarnational, faith-based challenge? Are you willing to launch into an inter-national, inter-cultural and inter-congregational adventure?

If your answer is YES then contact us at rfmploretohouse@gmail.com today! We would be delighted to tell you more about the Religious Formation Ministry Programme, address any specific queries you may have and guide you along the application process. Applications for the 2024/25 RFM Programme are now welcome.

Celebrating its forty-first year the RFM Programme offers space for:


Spiritual Renewal, Prayer, Ongoing Personal Formation, Human Development, Confidence Building, Liturgical Creativity, Community Building, Social Transformation, Theological Enrichment, Cultural Diversity, Opportunity to reflect on Pastoral Practice, Development of Skills for Leadership and Formation Ministry.

New decade, new participants, new team!

There is lots of energy in Loreto House this year as the Religious Formation Ministry Programme kicks off once again! As ever, this year sees a diverse group of participants hailing from countries such as Australia, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Tonga, Uganda and Zambia all ready to embark on this deep and transforming journey. We are delighted to welcome Br. Donal Kirk CFC to the RFMP Team and look forward to benefitting from his vast missionary and formation experience.

The Religious Formation Ministry Programme (Loreto House) is a one-year renewal programme offered by the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI). Since 1982 the RFM Programme has become renowned for its excellence. Participants minister in every continent throughout the world. Female and male religious, together with diocesan clergy find a space to learn from each other in an atmosphere that treasures diversity and encourages personal renewal.

liturgy-centrepiece

Recent Happenings 2024

 

Intercultural Day

Intercultural Day 2024

Session on Laudato Si

Session on Laudato Si'

femininity-and-masculinity

Group with Seán Ruth on Femininity and Masculinity

Kathleen McGarvey on inter-religious dialogue and Islam

Kathleen McGarvey on Inter-Religious Dialogue and Islam

Paddy Greene on Dreams

Paddy Greene on Dreams

Pastoral Placement Social Evening

Pastoral Placement Social Evening

Sean O'Baoil and Laura Randall

Sean O'Baioll

Visit of Friends

Visit of Friends

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RFM Programme for you?

The RFM Programme addresses the task of preparing women and men in a cross-cultural setting for the ministry of leadership, initial formation, and ongoing formation. Many religious and priests also choose the Programme for renewal and discernment during a time of transition. The Programme offers unique opportunities for human development and personal transformation and enables participants to engage with current realities in the Church and the world with greater skill and confidence. All this happens through the many and varied presentations given on different aspects of theology, spirituality, prayer, psychology, and pastoral practice.

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When will the Programme begin in 2023?

The Team looks forward to welcoming new participants on Wednesday 14th September 2023. Arrivals 2pm. Please apply in time for your visa and try to arrive in Ireland at least two weeks in advance in order to rest and find your way around Dublin.

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How has the RFM Programme developed?

From its inception the RFM Programme has incorporated the very best available contemporary insights in spirituality, theology, cosmology, psychology, social justice, and group dynamics thus giving participants a vision of formation and leadership which energises and renews them as they return to take up their roles in whichever ministry they have been appointed to. RFMP has become renowned for its excellence and participants minister on every continent. The RFM Programme continues to develop and adapt to meet the needs of participants in a rapidly evolving universe. In the rich and challenging environment of diverse cultures, worldviews and experiences, RFMP aims to create an inclusive, welcoming community which seeks to read the signs of the times from a Gospel perspective. In 2022 the RFM Programme celebrated its fortieth year in existence.

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How does the RFM Programme operate?

The RFM Programme is process oriented. By this we mean that time is given for personal reflection which allows each participant ample opportunity to assimilate new insights and learnings. Each participant will be assigned a mentor from the team who will accompany him/her throughout the year at RFMP. Regular group work in various forms is a hallmark of the RFM Programme. Full participation is mandatory. Although no formal examinations take place, participants will be required to write reflection papers on relevant topics throughout the year. We expect that each participant gives his/her full attention to the RFM Programme while at the same time enjoying the rich social and cultural life Ireland has to offer.

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Who can join the RFM Programme and how long does it last?

The RFM Programme follows the September to June academic year and welcomes male and female consecrated persons and priests from all over the world. We aim to provide a robust experience of Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral formation in the context of the new reality of the Church and world.

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Is the RFM Programme residential?

RFMP is non-residential.
Participants find accommodation with their own religious communities in Dublin or with a sponsoring community or local parish. We provide participants with a list of suitable accommodation from which they can make their own choice. Our excellent facilities in Loreto House provide ample space and opportunities for participants to interact with each other, form friendships and relax together.

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What is the weather like in Ireland?

Participants who come from warm climates will need to adjust to the colder temperatures in Ireland. It is advisable to bring warm clothing in preparation for the wet winter months. Although snow doesn’t fall every year it is rare that such snowfalls are very heavy or last for a long time. In the past some participants have taken great delight in experiencing snow for
the first time.

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Do I need a visa?

For all information please follow the link www.irishimmigration.ie.

  • Applicants to RFMP should apply for a Minister of Religion Visa.
  • Allow four months for your visa application to go through and follow all instructions meticulously as required on the application form.
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Liturgy, prayer, sharing, relaxation and fun-times are integral to the life of the group

 

  • Life in RFMP
 
 
Working in pairs is normal practice at RFMP

 

2022-2023 Participants' reflections on their experience of the RFM Programme

It has been a privilege for me to attend the RFMP at Loreto, a Programme designed for self-discovery and self-transcendence. In truth, this course has been for me a moment of grace: a moment of growth, healing, and rest. I feel happy, satisfied, and energized. By enhancing my own personal and spiritual growth, RFMP has helped me acquire skills and develop personal resources, which in turn will enable me to help more effectively my brothers, and sisters whom I will soon encounter in Mission.


Albert F. Chilufya, Missionaries of Africa/W.F . White Fathers, Burkina Faso

I recall with much gratitude and delight my nine months at Loreto House (RFMP). It has been a time of privilege and many blessings, in which I felt that every aspect of my life was touched and enriched through the exemplary leadership, modelled by the Team and other resource persons. Spiritual accompaniment, mentoring, counselling, quality inputs, and the company of loving companions have been a joyful, enriching, renewing, and formative experience in many ways. These past few months have provided unique opportunities for all of us to encounter the self and the other in the spirit of synodality.

 


Florence Muuka, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Zambia

 

In my previous mission I was a member of the congregational leadership team. This was a busy role which required me to travel to many parts of the world to support our sisters, communities and ministries. While it was enriching and enjoyable it was also all-consuming. The RFMP gave me an opportunity to stop, to take time to reflect and to focus on my journey inward. This has been an exciting spiritual experience which has been life changing at many levels. The intercultural experience has also enriched me and my spirit has been renewed. I am grateful to God, to my Congregation, to the FRMP team and to all the participants of the 2022- 2023 group.


Hanan Youssef, Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, Lebanon

The RFMP has been a graceful year for me offering a multiplicity of learning experiences. All inputs and in particular the workshops on community building and conflict resolution together with the creativity in liturgy, the small group work and opportunities for personal sharing was empowering. My experience during pastoral placement was an eye opener to the reality of today’s society. The Spiritual accompaniment, Counselling and Mentoring helped me to understand my vulnerability and appreciate my giftedness. Our social gatherings and outings were always most enjoyable and much fun.


Laurinda Bundo MMM, Angola

The RFM Programme has helped me journey towards a deeper awareness and discovery of myself. With the help of personal accompaniment I have come to accepting my personal story and have found healing and transformation.


Magdalene Cletus FMDM, Nigeria

Loreto House, offered me a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and increasing self-awareness. With individual counselling, spiritual direction and mentoring I came to appreciate more and more who I am, with my gifts and limitations. I have also developed a new appreciation of the power of group wisdom and how well facilitated group work can enhance the learning experience for all.


Peter Mwale SPS, Kiltegan Missionaries, Zambia and South Sudan

The Loreto Programme has been a remarkable experience in which through diverse and creative resources, I was given a safe space to explore my spiritual life and pastoral practice. As a result, this has challenged me in a way that I now feel well prepared and ready to be more effective as I participate in the ministry of Christ, accompanying others on their life and faith journey. .



Philip Odhiambo Obaso MHM, Mill Hill Missionary, Kenya and Malaysia

RFMP is an amazing rich experience of personal encounter with the Lord in my faith journey. The creative liturgies, intercultural celebrations and excursions were inspiring moments among other things that uplifted my spirit. I feel empowered and resourced with the holistic modules offered to take up a new ministry in formation as l continue to engage in my own on-going formation.

Stella Ovientaoba MMM, Nigeria & Kenya

I am delighted to share my experience of being part of this forty-year-old programme. During my time at Loreto House God has sent several “angels” to me who have accompanied me on the journey inwards. This journey brought me face to face with my vulnerabilities, where joy was born anew again in me. At the centre of this transformational journey was the God who invited me to claim my belovedness. The programme enriched and empowered me to have a language through which I have learned to engage the unfamiliar with love and respect. I am so grateful that during these past nine months at RFMP I have been fashioned anew by the God of Surprises.



Teclar Mukuli FMDM, Zimbabwe

RFMP has empowered, inspired and motivated me to embrace the inner journey while developing my pastoral skills in order to engage more creatively in Christ’s mission of love, in a challenging world enriched with diversity. .



Theresia Waraga, Sisters of Mercy, Kenya

RFMP has been for me a time of taking an inward pilgrim journey of self-discovery as well as an outward journey of encountering the other at many levels. This year has reawakened and reminded me that I hold a treasure in an earthen vessel and that I am God’s Beloved. I feel well-resourced to navigate my way around the second half of life. The cultural and traditional diversity we shared has enriched me greatly in these months I go back to my FMDM community feeling empowered with lots skills to better embrace the unfolding journey ahead. Thanks to all the RFMP companions on the journey who have made it so worthwhile.

Yeyani Nyoni FMDM, Zimbabwe

I learnt the importance of having support systems in place and the fact that you do not have to be in a crisis before going for counselling. The safe space offered at RFMP gave me time and opportunity to get to know myself better and live more harmoniously with others. All that I have discovered at Loreto House will help me enormously as I journey with the young men who discern their vocation in the Capuchin community. .



Vicent Kinabo OFMCap, Tanzania and South Africa

Contact Us

For further information and application forms please contact:

The Director
Religious Formation Ministry Programme
Willow Park 
Rock Road
Blackrock
County Dublin
Ireland
A94 TW98 AMRI logo

Tel: + 353-1-2107921

Email: rfmploretohouse@gmail.com