A look at formation underway this year...

The Formation Program has begun at pace in 2023. By the end of next week we will have inducted four groups of New Leaders and four groups of New Staff. This is the largest amount of induction formation we have ever delivered and it has been a wonderful post COVID catch-up. Covering our interstate ministries by travelling to be there in person has been a great way to catch up with people and the gatherings have been rich, joyful and celebratory in the face-to-face format. Last week I had the great pleasure to be welcomed by both Brigidine Colleges, St Ives and Indooroopilly and the  conversation flowing in the forums was engaging and enthusiastic in every group. This week, I travel to join the New Staff and New Leaders of Kildare College in Adelaide.

In our Kildare Ministries New Staff Induction, we have covered the Kildare Ministries Vision and Mission, our KM structure, and of course the continuing narrative which carries us from the rich past and traditions of our founders into our contemporary world and its unfolding challenges. The focus in the course on story and spirituality provides plenty of opportunity for us to relate to each other from our varying perspectives and contexts and to find a firm place for ourselves with this same story.

In our Kildare Ministries New Leaders' Induction, we cover all these things including the Kildare Ministries Vision and Mission in even greater detail, and the governance structure of Kildare Ministries. There have been plenty of rich conversations considering the nature of our servant leadership ‘with the smell of the sheep’ and time to share our varying leadership styles and communication tips and learnings with each other.

Before we all meet again in August/September, all New Staff and Leaders participate in an online course independently designed for immersion in our Founders' stories and Mission: Nano Nagle, St Brigid and Daniel Delaney.

These gatherings continue to be a powerful way to build community among us and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be meeting people in person this year!

In other formation news, we are looking forward to our first student seminar for the year and the Justice Leaders of all the KM school ministries have gathered to plan and are working hard on delivering an engaging and inspiring conference for our senior students.

Renee Oberin

Mission Leader

Kildare Ministries