The Religious Formation Ministry Programme
The Religious Formation Ministry Programme (Loreto House) is a one-year renewal programme offered by the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI). Since 1982 the RFM Programme has become renowned for its excellence.
In the RFM Programme female and male religious, together with diocesan clergy, find a space to learn from each other in an atmosphere that treasures diversity and encourages personal renewal. Former course participants minister in every continent throughout the world.
What Are You Looking For?
Are you longing to embark on a life-changing journey of inner transformation and experiential learning? Are you seeking to integrate the human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual dimensions of formation? Are you looking to develop your pastoral leadership and teamwork skills? Are you open to a Gospel-rooted, deeply incarnational, faith-based challenge? Are you willing to launch into an inter-national, inter-cultural and inter-congregational adventure?
If your answer is YES then contact us at rfmploretohouse@gmail.com today! We would be delighted to tell you more about the Religious Formation Ministry Programme, address any specific queries you may have and guide you along the application process.
Latest News
Team Changes
We are delighted to announce that Sr. Jennifer Burke RJM, who has been a member of the RFMP Team for the past 3 years, has been appointed as Director. She embraces this new role with passion and enthusiasm and we wish her every blessing. We welcome Sr. Angèle Nkamsi MSHR to the RFMP Team and look forward to sharing the richness and experience she will bring.
Loreto House has a new home!
After more than 20 years in the beautiful surrounds of the Willow Park campus in Blackrock, the Religious Formation Ministry Programme has relocated to Saint Raphaela’s campus in Stillorgan.
We deeply appreciate the generosity of the Spiritan Congregation who have hosted us for over two decades. With great excitement and appreciation we acknowledge the openness of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart who have welcomed us for this year.
We look forward to the journey ahead as we embrace change in a very real way.
Meet the Team
Sr. Jennifer Burke RJM
Hi! I’m Jennifer and I am delighted to be a part of the dedicated and dynamic team that accompanies the Religious Formation Ministry Programme here in Loreto House.
My own journey as a Religious of Jesus and Mary has brought me to people and places in Spain, Nigeria, Cameroon, France and Morocco where I have been involved in a diversity of ministries in areas such as spiritual accompaniment, ongoing formation and administration.
I trust that my academic background in theology, business and leadership coupled with my personal experiences as a pilgrim striving to listen, to love and to let go to God’s call, will bring depth and energy to my presence on the programme.
Br. Donal Kirk CFC
My name is Donal Kirk and I’m a Christian Brother. I was born here in Ireland in Clones, Co.Monaghan and I come from a family of ten.
After the usual training for religious life and academic qualifications, I was asked to go to work in Zambia, in Central Africa. I spent forty-two years in Africa working in various ministries; teaching, formation, development and leadership. My time in leadership roles gave me the opportunity to visit our brothers in several African countries, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone and of course Zambia, to name a few.
I have a keen interest in the future of religious life and where it might be going. I am also fascinated by the insights coming from emerging spiritualities and the current dialogue between science and religion. It’s a privilege to be part of the Loreto House Team as we walk together with the participants as they journey through the programme.
Sr. Angèle Nkamsi MSHR
I am Angèle Nkamsi. I was born in Cameroon, where I was educated prior to my formation with the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary. My first profession of vows was in Nigeria in 1995 where I did my initial formation. I then had the privilege to serve in some pastoral ministry, education ministry, vocation fostering and in the different levels of formation in my congregation. Most recently, I served on our Congregational Leadership Team with the last six years of my services as councillor responsible for formation.
The invitation to serve as a member on the team of the RFM Programme has come at a time that I perceive a great need to collaborate more with other people and missionary groups outside my congregation. Living in Ireland for the past eleven years has enabled me to feel at home, motivated and passionate to offer my best within this context and beyond as I continue in my efforts to accompany other people to bring out the best in themselves. I am indeed enthusiastic to belong to this new family and ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RFM Programme for you?
The RFM Programme addresses the task of preparing women and men in a cross-cultural setting for the ministry of leadership, initial formation, and ongoing formation. Many religious and priests also choose the Programme for renewal and discernment during a time of transition. The Programme offers unique opportunities for human development and personal transformation and enables participants to engage with current realities in the Church and the world with greater skill and confidence. All this happens through the many and varied excellent presentations given on different aspects of theology, spirituality, prayer, psychology, and pastoral practice.
Is the RFM Programme for you?
The RFM Programme addresses the task of preparing women and men in a cross-cultural setting for the ministry of leadership, initial formation, and ongoing formation. Many religious and priests also choose the Programme for renewal and discernment during a time of transition. The Programme offers unique opportunities for human development and personal transformation and enables participants to engage with current realities in the Church and the world with greater skill and confidence. All this happens through the many and varied excellent presentations given on different aspects of theology, spirituality, prayer, psychology, and pastoral practice.
Is the RFM Programme for you?
The RFM Programme addresses the task of preparing women and men in a cross-cultural setting for the ministry of leadership, initial formation, and ongoing formation. Many religious and priests also choose the Programme for renewal and discernment during a time of transition. The Programme offers unique opportunities for human development and personal transformation and enables participants to engage with current realities in the Church and the world with greater skill and confidence. All this happens through the many and varied excellent presentations given on different aspects of theology, spirituality, prayer, psychology, and pastoral practice.
When will the Programme begin in 2024
The Team looks forward to welcoming new participants on Thursday 19th September 2024. You can arrive from 1.00pm to begin at 1.30pm.
Our location is
Clonmore House, St. Raphaela’s School Campus
St. Raphaela’s Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, A94 R7N8.
Please apply in time for your visa and try to arrive in Ireland at least two weeks in advance in order to rest and find your way around Dublin.
How has the RFM Programme Developed?
From its inception the RFM Programme has incorporated the very best available contemporary insights in spirituality, theology, cosmology, psychology, social justice, and group dynamics thus giving participants a vision of formation and leadership which energises and renews them as they return to take up their roles in whichever ministry they have been appointed to. RFMP has become renowned for its excellence and participants minister on every continent. The RFM Programme continues to develop and adapt to meet the needs of participants in a rapidly evolving universe. In the rich and challenging environment of diverse cultures, worldviews and experiences, RFMP aims to create an inclusive, welcoming community which seeks to read the signs of the times from a Gospel perspective. In 2022 the RFM Programme will celebrate its fortieth year in existence.
How does the RFM Programme operate?
The RFM Programme is process oriented. By this we mean that time is given for personal reflection which allows each participant ample opportunity to assimilate new insights and learnings. Each participant will be assigned a mentor from the team who will accompany him/her throughout the year at RFMP. Regular group work in various forms is a hallmark of the RFM Programme. Full participation is mandatory. Although no formal examinations take place, participants will be required to write reflection papers on relevant topics throughout the year. We expect that each participant gives his/her full attention to the RFM Programme while at the same time enjoying the rich social and cultural life Ireland has to offer.
Who can join the RFM Programme and how long does it last?
The RFM Programme follows the September to June academic year and welcomes male and female consecrated persons and priests from all over the world. We aim to provide a robust experience of Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral formation in the context of the new reality of the Church and world.
Is the RFM Programme Residential?
RFMP is non-residential.
Participants find accommodation with their own religious communities in Dublin or with a sponsoring community or local parish. We provide participants with a list of suitable accommodation from which they can make their own choice. Our excellent facilities in Loreto House provide ample space and opportunities for participants to interact with each other, form friendships and relax together.
What is the weather like in Ireland?
Participants who come from warm climates will need to adjust to the colder temperatures in Ireland. It is advisable to bring warm clothing in preparation for the wet winter months. Although snow doesn’t fall every year it is rare that such snowfalls are very heavy or last for a long time. In the past some participants have taken great delight in experiencing snow for the first time.
Do I need a visa?
For all information please follow the link www.irishimmigration.ie.
Applicants to RFMP should apply for a Minister of Religion Visa.
Allow at least eight weeks for a successful visa application to be granted and follow all instructions meticulously as required on the application form.