Formation in Catholic ethos for the new millennium challenges ahead

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute (API) has initiated a strategic collaboration with the renowned Australian Catholic University (ACU) to conduct a two-year distance learning programme leading to the Graduate Certificate of Leadership and Catholic Culture (GCLCC).

The programme is conducted over four semesters from Nov 2017 to May 2019. Participants are required to undergo intensive study for five days per semester at API with the lecturers from ACU. In between the study periods, participants must submit their assignments to the lecturers who will assess the research for grading.

The modules in the programme are on Catholic Ethos and the Care of the Human Person, Catholic Social Thought in Practice, Ethics in a faith-based Context and Leading the Mission in the Marketplace.

The programme prepares dynamic robust leaders who are firmly founded on the history and heritage of the teachings of the Catholic Church with practical application and relevance on the identity of Catholic charism to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in the modern secular world.

The first unit was attended by 18 participants from Malaysia and Singapore. Daily Mass and group discussions helped them to navigate through the study programme.

The participants in the programme include youth leaders from ASAYO (Archdiocese Single Adults and Youth Office), deacons, parish workers and formation teachers from the three Dioceses of Penang, KL and Melaka- Johor, as well as senior managers from Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital Penang and Mount Alvernia Hospital Singapore.

The collaboration was the result of the forward-thinking initiative, planning and coordination since 2016 of FMDM Sr Cyrilla Baptist and Fr Clarence Devadass, ex- Director of API prior to his studies in Cambridge. Msgr Mitchel Anthony VG, who has taken over from Fr Clarence, saw the project through with the support of the three Arch/Bishops of Peninsula Malaysia.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online