“Formation pathways should awaken in candidates their passion for the mission to all peoples…”
FORMATION IN FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
Deepen your relationship with God and gain a broader understanding of our Catholic faith.
PASTORAL SKILLS
Learn pastoral skills which will enable you to serve effectively in your parish community.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Experience the blessings of being part of a small faith community and become a builder of community in your own parish.
EQUIPPING FOR MISSION
Explore your baptismal call to mission and evangelization and equip yourself to serve wherever God calls you.
Called & Equipped is a formation programme for lay people in parishes launched in response to the call for formation highlighted in recent synods. The programme runs from February until mid-November each year, starting with the Alpha Course followed by fortnightly evening seminars, five Saturday workshops and a weekend retreat mid-year. A combination of face-to-face and online learning means you can join us, wherever you are in the Archdiocese. The programme includes accompaniment as well as small group dynamics. It is not an academic course, and no qualifications are needed to apply. All you need is an open heart, a willingness to learn and a desire to serve.
“All the Baptised need formation in witness, mission, holiness and service, which emphasises co-responsibility.”
Called & Equipped Formation Programme is based on the premise that ministry and service grow from a life of discipleship and faith formation. Our goal is to empower and support lay people to deepen their encounter with Christ, hear the call to mission and be available to serve in their local communities. The following are our core principles:
DISCIPLESHIP & FAITH FORMATION
- The baptismal call and mandate of all the People of God (LG #31-33):
– Personal relationship with Christ and the universal call to holiness,
– Growing in intentional discipleship and responding to the contemporary call to mission. - Recognition and encouragement of gifts and talents for service.
- A supportive structure of accompaniment for participants.
EQUIPPING FOR MISSION
- The call to evangelisation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- A culture of encounter, accompaniment and safeguarding.
- Commitment to synodality, inclusion and participation.
- Commitment to co-responsibility and collaborative leadership.
- An outward mission focus.
- Commitment to the principles of Catholic social teaching and recent Papal documents on the care of the poor and the earth.
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
“Such formation must aim not only at acquiring theoretical knowledge but also at promoting the capacity for openness and encounter, sharing and collaboration, reflection and discernment …”
HEAR IT IN THEIR OWN WORDS…
“An amazing journey of knowledge and deeper spiritual growth. Called & Equipped has deepened my appreciation for the Catholic Church, while drawing me into a more intimate relationship with God. This experience has been a true gift.” (Leon, Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish)
“One of the great joys of the Called & Equipped course is developing friendships/fellowship with other people in our diocese, knowing that we are all on this journey of faith together…” (Helen, Holy Family Parish, Nelson)
“I have really enjoyed learning more about how each of us is called to be a missionary through our baptism, and to have the practical tools, knowledge and support to confidently live out this calling in my parish.”
(Eve, St Joseph’s Parish, Levin)
JOIN US!
9TH FEBRUARY – 13TH NOVEMBER 2027
Registration closes on 1 December 2026. For more information, email Lucienne at l.hensel@cadw.nz or call 04 496 1715.
Fill out the application form below!