Heythrop College launches Foundation Degree in Pastoral Mission

Sixteen students, 12 of them from the Diocese of Westminster, are currently studying for the newly established Foundation Degree in Pastoral Mission at Heythrop College.  The students come from a variety of backgrounds.  They include nurses, teachers, finance clerks, pharmacists, nursery assistants, even a professor.  Not all have had an experience of further or higher education, but all, in one way or another, are involved with the life and work of parishes or schools: as teaching assistants, catechists or leaders of small groups.

The result of nearly two years' collaboration between Heythrop College - the Jesuit college of the University of London - and the diocese's Agency for Evangelisation, the Foundation Degree is an opportunity for students to grow in their understanding of the faith, as well as the life and mission of the Church.  The course lasts for two years, during which students will be expected to attend ten Saturday sessions each term.  However, unlike the conventional three year degree, the Foundation Degree draws on the student's practical experience as well as classroom learning.  The challenge each student faces is that of integrating the two, demonstrating the acquisition of new understanding and skills in practical ways.

Each student is supported by a programme tutor and a mentor.  For the most part the mentors have been drawn from the student's immediate situation, including a number of parish priests; it is hoped that the parishes involved will benefit from the students' experience on the course.  

The director of the programme, Father Dominic Robinson SJ, says: “It’s an exciting time for all involved in launching this new lay formation programme which responds to concrete needs in our parishes, schools and wherever else the People of God are called to be missionary. Thanks to the vision, hard work and expertise of a large team of study day presenters, tutors, mentors and spiritual directors, it is hoped that the programme will provide an integrated formation which serves the diocese and beyond in preparing lay leaders for the future.”