Orientation to Formation (OTF) is specifically designed for newly appointed or "recycled" formators, mentors and leadership liaisons to formation. OTF provides an overview of the opportunities, as well as the gifts and challenges embedded in the ministry. This annual, virtual program will provide a range of resources for formation ministers and elected leaders. It will also offer opportunities for formation ministers and leadership to connect and share best practices with presenters, RFC staff and other participants.
This year OTF will be offered as a 5-week online experience via Zoom. Participants will meet from 11 AM to 2 PM (CT) three Tuesdays in September and two Tuesdays in October 2025 (September 9, 16, 23, October 7, 14). Preparatory materials will be sent in advance of each session. The online time together will consist of input, focused conversation in small groups, and large group sharing. Facilitators for this program are Sister Mary Pat Garvin, RSM, PhD, and Brother Paul Michalenko, ST, PhD.
All participants are encouraged to establish ongoing individual and peer group supervision. For more information about individual and peer group supervision, contact the RFC office at [email protected].
Week I: Formation Ministry Today
Week II: The Art of Accompaniment
Week III: Relationship/Community: Locus of the Formative Journey
Week IV: Religious Life: Ever Ancient, Ever New
Week V: Formation Personnel and Leaders: Working in Partnership
Registration deadline: August 15. For more information and to register, visit relforcon.org/OTF
The Religious Formation Conference (RFC) is a national Roman Catholic organization serving religious institutes of women and men with programs and services for those in the ministry of initial and lifelong formation, and general congregational membership.