HOW TO ORGANIZE LOCAL PROGRAMS

Some practical ideas are presented to help identify the programs that can respond to the pastoral needs of the local community, according to their specific circumstances. Several additional factors are then offered for consideration including how to obtain the license from Fe y Vida to present certain programs to be coordinated and taught by local leaders.

IDENTIFICATION OF PROGRAMS USEFUL TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Assemble a committee with which to carry out a process of programmatic discernment and planning. It is possible to offer stand-alone programs and also a series of programs for the community to mature in its leadership and as trainers, applying the Leadership Training System (LTS).

1. Consider the pastoral needs identified through the V Encuentro process or hire Fe y Vida to conduct an analysis of reality and facilitate planning.
2. Conduct an evaluation and planning session with graduates of recent programs to identify what should be offered in the future.
3. Review the Catalogue of Programs, as well as the descriptive flyers of various programs to identify those that respond best to the identified needs.
4. Consider whether to offer the program only for young people or for young people and adults together, and if it would be appropriate to invite neighboring dioceses or parishes for good stewardship of financial resources and trainers.
5. Contact the Department of Programs to discuss what offering is desired, the cost of each program which varies according to its characteristics, and the calendar plan.
6. Visualize long-term programs or a series of short programs for the near future, thus leaving open the possibility of including them in the budget, fundraising and/or requesting the support of a foundation.

PRACTICAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOCAL COORDINATOR

• Promote the program and ensure the appropriate number of participants.
• Prepare all necessary materials for each class.
• Keep record of the participant attendance in each class to ensure they meet requirements to obtain the appropriate diploma of study.

GROUP SIZE, CLASSROOM AND DURATION OF CLASSES

• From a pastoral perspective, programs with groups of 15 to 40 participants may bear good fruit.
• The classroom should be wide enough, with tables where eight people can sit around, given that Fe y Vida works with a model of small communities. This is the ideal size for small communities in weekend courses.
• Weekend courses require 14 effective class hours. This means on weekends eight hours one day and six hours the other, so attendees can participate in Sunday Mass.

FINANCIAL SUGGESTIONS

• Start a program of four or more weekends with a minimum of 30 participants in order to have sufficient income toward the end of the program, taking into account that there is usually a certain number who drop out due usually to family and work factors.
• Promote that participants pay a certain proportion of the cost of the program, their parishes support them financially in part, and that the diocese also contributes.
• Offer partial scholarships to those who need them, instead of setting a low enrollment fee that puts the program’s finances at risk.
• Seek the participation of several dioceses or parishes. For example: identify “host homes” for people traveling from afar; alternate courses in different locations to distribute transportation burdens; or rent a central site and share the costs.
• Obtain support from foundations that support mission dioceses.

RESOURCES REQUIRED BY FE Y VIDA

Fe y Vida offers two manuals and books as part of the service it provides to the contracting institution:

• Manual for the Program Coordinator, which specifies local tasks, guidelines for effective coordination, and the responsibilities of Fe y Vida.
• Manual for the Participants, consisting of theory and practical exercises. This manual is photocopied and distributed to participants by the local agency.

Some programs require books, the cost of which should be included in the program registration fee.

OBTAINING A LICENSE FROM FE Y VIDA TO OFFER PROGRAMS WITH LOCAL STAFF

In order to multiply the opportunities for pastoral formation and reduce costs, Fe y Vida offers the possibility of obtaining a license to offer two programs with local staff:

• Foundational Course for Pastoral Juvenil.
• Program: Pastoral Leadership at the Institutional Level

The requirements and costs to obtain these licenses are different in each case. Both programs assume the following:

• Coordination is done locally
• Programs are offered by qualified local personnel approved by Faith and Life.

Payment of an annual fee, which is higher the first year as it implies greater involvement of Fe y Vida staff. For more information, contact the staff of the Programs Department: Contact