The Mission & Ministry Training Programme has been running for three years, part-funded and resourced through ALMA. Bishop André invited ALMA to send a representative to visit the Mission & Ministry Training Programme in February 2009 in order to participate in celebrations for the closing of the first three year’s courses, and the opening of the next courses.
The main focus of the visit was to three of the Mission & Ministry Programme training centres in Luanda, Uíge and Mucaba. My hope was for the visit to be an encouragement for the catechists as well as affirming the programme, thus helping to strengthen the Diocese of Angola, and also to develop relationships with Bishop André and his clergy.
Summary
- Bishop André sends his greetings to ALMA, and considered the visit had been important to motivate local churches. In each celebration, congregations were excited to have a visitor.
- 57 students have successfully completed three years of theological training through the Mission & Ministry Training Programme and been awarded diplomas.
- Of these 57 students, 54 are men and three are women (who trained in Luanda). In each of the three centres, 50% of the students who started the course were not able to complete it.
- The three SEAN courses were supplemented by other material during the three years. A plan is needed for how the remaining SEAN courses are to be used.
- A new three year plan has been submitted for the Mission & Ministry Training Programme. The priorities are salaries for tutors, a vehicle for growing the church, and developing the farm.
- Angola is being changed on the outside by investment in infrastructure, but the lives of the poor people are untouched. What is transformational for them is education and water.
- Pat Phillips has agreed to give an Ambassador’s View to ALMA Parishes on Friday 27 March.