A new season of Lay Training in the Church of Ireland
The Lay Training Department at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute is looking forward to this new academic year. With a number of new initiatives and well–tested programme opportunities available, both based at the institute and in partnership with the wider Church of Ireland, there may well be something that resources a lay person’s ministry and vocation.
From September 2015 to June 2016, the Lay Training Department will be facilitating a ‘mini–retreat’ series for those in parish and diocesan reader ministry with topics ranging from ‘Suffering, the experience and reflection’ (Revd Bruce Pierce) to the ‘Life of St Patrick’ (Revd Canon Patrick Comerford). For those seeking to explore a vocation to diocesan reader ministry, information on the 2016 Diocesan Reader Training Programme is available at www.theologicalinstitute.ie
With a liturgical calendar focus, other events based at the institute will focus on the meaning of Advent (with the Most Revd Patricia Storey and the Rt Revd Ken Clarke as speakers). As for Lent 2016, the department is in discussion with a number of agencies across the Church regarding how the story of Lent and the ‘Calvary Way’ speaks into the lives of young adults today. Finally, Revd Dr William Olhausen will lead the Pentecost Theological Lecture series at the Institute in the run up to Pentecost.
Other ministry training opportunities are facilitated by CITI in partnership with a number of agencies and dioceses. A Children’s Ministry Certificate is available and delivered in partnership with diocesan children’s officers and the Board of Education (Northern Ireland).
New initiatives for this academic year will also include induction training – ‘On being a Select Vestry member’ – and conversations as to ‘Pastoral Care and Visitation Training’ through Edgehill Theological College are under way.
For further information, please emaildavidbrown@theologicalinstitute.ie or keep an eye on the Church of Ireland Theological Institute websitewww.theologicalinstitute.ie