CRA Initial Formation Committee: David Leary OFM Online Workshop

TOPIC

This online workshop will focus on three key themes chosen from the CRA resource Restoring and Nurturing Right Relationships: A Resource to Guide the Formation of Religious for Ministry, specifically, the expectations of formators and candidates, the key dimensions of formation (human, intellectual, pastoral and spiritual), and the assessment and evaluation of candidates. We will delve into each of these themes by raising and facing questions, providing input, allowing time for questions and dialogue, seeking understandings that translate to practical action, and advancing our understanding of the challenges at the core of formation. More information can be found on the second page of this flyer.

Facilitator

David Leary OFM is a Franciscan Friar, academic, and registered counsellor/therapist with extensive experience supporting diocesan priests and religious from Australia and across Asia. He currently serves as Safeguarding Delegate for the Australian Franciscan Province and advises multiple religious institutes and dioceses. David has an undergraduate degree in theology, a Master of Counselling, a Master of Mental Health, and a PhD in Health Psychology, with clinical expertise in personal and social marginalisation.

EVENT DETAILS

Date:

Tuesday, 27 October 2026

Time:
WA: 7.30am – 10.00am

NT: 9.00am – 11.30am

QLD: 9.30am – 12.00pm

SA: 10.00am – 12.30pm

NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS: 10.30am – 1.00pm

Format:
Online

Facilitator:
David Leary OFM

Audience:
Leaders, leadership team members, those working in formation

REGISTRATION

Fee:
$60 per person

RSVP:
Wednesday, 21 October 2026

A brief exploration of key themes challenging formators today

It is now two years since the launch of the booklet, Restoring and Nurturing Right Relationships: A Resource to Guide the Formation of Religious for Ministry. This publication by Catholic Religious Australia aimed to encourage and nurture formators in the important and demanding task of raising new, vibrant and healthy members of religious institutes in a time of great complexity and challenge.

The world of religious formation is a constantly changing arena. World events, political and social instability, evolving cultures, changing demographics, personal histories and experiences, and community needs all impact formation processes. They also define formation as constantly in flux and in need of renewal.

As formators, it is important that we seek to update ourselves and develop fresh ideas that meet ever-changing challenges, so that what we offer as formators, and how we see the process of formation, are responsive to the signs of the times and the needs of our institutes and those who seek to enter our communities.

Ever-present within our vision of life and mission are the issues of culture and personal experience. Both influence how we are in the world and what we bring to religious life and ministry. As Pope Leo and, before him, Pope Francis remind us, we are a missionary church. We come as we are and enter an unknown world for mission that we will probably never fully understand. How we manage this movement with openness, sensitivity and respect is critical to our living the Gospel. Although this theme alone could and should occupy an entire conference, in this seminar, it will be woven into and through the three identified major themes.

The goal of the seminar is simple: to nurture formators by raising and facing questions, providing input, allowing time for questions and dialogue, seeking understandings that translate to practical action, or at least advancing our understanding of the challenges at the core of formation.