After their ordination, young Redemptorists undergo a year of formation known as the Year of Initiation into Ministry or Pastoral Year. It’s a crucial year where they equip themselves for the ministry ahead. During this time, they receive training in various aspects of the apostolate. They learn to write sermons for Parish Missions, Youth Missions, and Retreats for Laity, Nuns, and Priests, as well as for other occasions. They also hone their skills in conducting seminars, workshops, spiritual direction, and counselling. Additionally, they are trained in writing Daily reflections, Sunday homilies, and engaging in creative writing. Administrative tasks such as managing community accounts and bookkeeping are also part of their training.
Furthermore, they are taught to reach out to people in distress through counselling and conflict resolution skills. They are introduced to creative online ministry and provided with guidance on handling addictions and orientation to psycho-sexual maturity. Towards the end of the this year, they gain hands-on experience by preaching Parish Missions, conducting school retreats, youth missions, and engaging in family and parish ministry.
On June 9th, 2024, six priests began their year of Initiation into Ministry: Fr. Nidhin from the Bangalore Province, and Frs. Vivek, Sebastian, Thomas and Jackson Souz from the Majella Vice-Province, and Fr. Tharindu from the Colombo Region. The inaugural ceremony took place with a Eucharistic Celebration at St. Gerard’s Community Chapel in Bangalore. Fr. Henry Fernandes, Vice Provincial of the Majella Vice Province, presided over the Eucharist, with an inspiring homily delivered by Fr. Edward Joseph, Provincial of Bangalore. Also present were Fr. George Puthenpura, the Director of the Initiation into Ministry-Fathers, along with his assistants Frs. Juventius and Louis Christopher, and other priests. Following the Eucharist, the young priests were briefed on the plan for the academic year.
We extend our best wishes to all our young confreres for a fruitful year of learning, preparation, and implementation, as they strive to become effective ministers as Redemptorists.
Henry Fernandes CSsR
